Skip to Main Content

Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs honors Purdue’s Nicoletti-Martinez’s outreach and assistance to migrant farm workers

For a career dedicated to assisting migrant farmworkers and their families for over 20 years, Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez was recognized by the Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs with the L.U.P.E. Award (Leadership, Unity, Professionalism and Excellence) in March. 

Nicoletti-Martinez, principal investigator and director of the Multicultural Efforts to end Sexual Assault (MESA) and Latino outreach coordinator for the National AgrAbility project and for Indiana AgrAbility, was presented with the award at the Indiana State House during a special celebration and acknowledgement of the farmworkers of Indiana.  

Beginning her career as a social worker, Nicoletti-Martinez said her experience in that field was a major motivation for her current roles engaging with farmworkers and their families.  

kimbernicolettimartinez.jpeg“While I was going to college, I worked in migrant education programs, and that experience helped me realize that I was a social worker,” she said. “I learned to step back and analyze what someone’s needs are before I can begin offering my help.” 

Upon arriving at Purdue in the early 2000’s, she identified a gap that she knew she needed to address. 

“The project I was brought in for addressed child sexual abuse in Latino communities, and it didn’t take long for me to ask how this program could get more involved in the migrant farmworkers community,” Nicoletti-Martinez said. “Before I knew it, I was out visiting migrant farmworker camps and giving informational talks so we could better support families with our violence prevention work.” 

"We are immensely proud of Kimber receiving the award from the Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs," said Rama Radhakrishna, department head of agricultural sciences education and communication (ASEC). "Her efforts have led to developing strong partnerships among Purdue Extension, the ASEC department and the Hispanic/Latino farmworker population."

Being recognized by the commission for her work assisting farming communities is something Nicoletti-Martinez said is sometimes hard for her to accept, as she would rather shine the spotlight on the farmworkers making it possible to have food on our plates each day. 

“I am very humbled by the award, but I have to reflect on the tremendous amount I have learned by working with farmworkers. They are the reason we are able to have food on our plates, and my goal is to help them thrive and succeed. What I do just happens to be my life’s calling.” 

- Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez

Featured Stories

Seed oil in grocery store
Majority of consumers perceive seed oils as safe, but health concerns rise

Most consumers are somewhat familiar with seed oils, but overall, they feel unsure or neutral...

Read More
Four maps depicting maximum levels of PFAS — PFOA, PFHxS, PFOS and PFNA — in drinking water across all Indiana counties based on data from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Purdue’s Institute for a Sustainable Future publishes first look at ‘forever chemicals’ statewide

Purdue University’s Institute for a Sustainable Future (ISF) has released the first Indiana...

Read More
Student working on manufacturing food.
First-quarter Agrifood Economy Index shows acute downturn in industry confidence

The March edition of the Agrifood Economy Index reveals a pronounced downturn in industry...

Read More
Mary Schultz stands in front of a horse paddock at the Purdue vet hospital
How do landscape architects design spaces for animals?

The Purdue University Veterinary Hospital (PVH) offers specialized medical care to both small and...

Read More
interns
Franklin Pest Solutions Sponsors Two 2025 Bug Bowl Interns

Franklin Pest Solutions sponsored two interns, Aiden Bemis and Colleen Murphy, at the 2025 Purdue...

Read More
Elena Boughton holds a bird while bird banding; Elena holds a snapping turtle at Summer Practicum; Elena sits atop a mountain in Costa Rica.
Meet FNR Outstanding Junior Elena Boughton

Wildlife major Elena Boughton has been selected as FNR’s Outstanding Junior for 2024-25....

Read More
To Top