The Safe Plates Food Safety Team at NC State Extension has recognized Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, Ivelisse Colón, for her accomplishments in food safety programming. 

Ivelisse Colón has earned the esteemed title of Safe Plates Distinguished Educator in Retail Food Safety. This title recognizes her advancement in Retail Food Safety Programming. This means that she serves as a trusted key partner to the Safe Plates Food Safety team to propel and strengthen food safety programming efforts across the state.

Ivelisse Colón has established multiple partnerships to co-teach and/or mentor other Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agents in her district to ensure others have the confidence to teach more difficult food safety concepts. Because of this, the Safe Plates Team can strongly say Ivelisse Colón has impacted the state’s Retail Food Safety programming. "We have seen Ivelisse's exemplary teaching skills, enthusiasm for the topic and compassion towards her community members while she is disseminating science-based food safety information", said Candice Christian, Extension Associate for Safe Plates Home and Community Program Manager, at NC State Extension.

"Ivelisse is an exemplary public servant", said Jonathon Smith, County Extension Director. "I love observing how she connects with her students and puts challenging food safety information into a format that they can understand and apply to their work. We are lucky to have Ivelisse in Orange County as a resource to our school systems, local restaurants, and food manufacturing facilities. I highly encourage any member of the public interested in learning about family & consumer science topics to check out her wide variety of programs, including Safe Plates"