Join the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences for the Eloise S. Cofer Family Living Lecture Series featuring Carmen Yulín Cruz, the former mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

When Hurricane Maria devastated San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 2017, Cruz was on the front lines as the city’s 2.3 million residents responded to the devastation, which rippled beyond physical destruction to financial, political and humanitarian ruins.

Cruz, who was mayor of San Juan for eight years, now works with universities and nongovernmental organizations to advocate for crisis response on a community level. Her lecture at NC State, “Changing the World One Community at a Time,” will emphasize how local actions lead to global impacts.

Hosted by the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences, the Cofer Family Living Lecture Series brings renowned women leaders in human sciences who work to nurture meaningful connections between food, family and community. Past lecturers include chef and restaurateur Cheeti Kumar, autism advocate, best-selling author and agriculture innovator Temple Grandin and award-winning chef, TV personality, author and NC State alumna Vivian Howard.