Estrella Carmona is the County Engagement Specialist in Nutrition and Health Education at the University of Missouri Extension in Ste. Genevieve. In this role, she serves as a primary representative of the University of Missouri and as the administrative leader of the Ste. Genevieve County Extension Office. She promotes the well-being of individuals, families, and communities with special attention to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Underlying the work that Estrella does is a drive to create change for underrepresented individuals. This is why she pursued a master’s in human development with an emphasis on family and community services. Not only does her education support her passion for helping others, but her life experience as an immigrant raised in a rural setting shaped how she views the barriers that often exist in marginalized groups. She uses her lived experiences and her understanding of how people best learn, combined with evidence-based programming, to empower individuals to make changes in their health and communities.