Katie Sanders is an assistant professor and Extension specialist of food systems communication in the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences at NC State. Katie's area of research inquiry includes exploring responsive methods of Extension communication and outreach, understanding the role of sociocultural values in science communication, and enhancing systems thinking through food systems communication efforts both in formal and non-formal education. Additionally, she is interested in the communication and discourse around contentious topics in the food system, with particular focus on agri-food technologies such as gene-editing. 

The goal of her work is to explore stakeholders' perceptions of agri-food topics and deliver scientific information in a way that connects with their needs and lived experiences. In addition to her research and Extension, she teaches agricultural and food systems science communication courses and leads the Agricultural Communicators Program, a scholars program for undergraduate and graduate students to increase their professional development around agricultural and natural resource communication. 

Katie also leads the Hub for Food Systems Communication and Engagement, an initiative focused on leveraging university outreach and engagement efforts to connect North Carolinians to the agri-food research happening at NC State.

Cory is a motivational speaker, author, spiritual-leader and visionary. For over 30 years, he has used his practical teaching style to eloquently engage a wide range of audiences nation-wide. His experience and innate ability to connect offers insight into overcoming the challenges or roadblocks to success.

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Cory is the founder of SFC Defined, an organization with the mission and vision is to transform humanity into Strong, Focused, Confident and Defined human beings by promoting individuality, uniqueness and self-empowerment. He has assembled a group of diverse professional men and women with a vast array of experiences and knowledge to assist people from every age group, ethnic background, and genre to define who they are while not allowing other people’s opinion to be more important than their own.

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He is the current Board Chairman for Bottom Up Outreach and serves on several boards throughout the Triad area that focus on children and adults with mental and physical disabilities, as well as at risk youth and adolescents.

Cory is the author of “The Challenge Series”. Book One: “Chosen to be Challenged” gives readers the necessary tools to live life as a victor and not a victim. Book Two: What Happens After the Challenge? It’s Time to Reinvent!” is a self-help guide that gives instruction and insights about the human gift of reinvention.

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He is a graduate of East Carolina University where he majored in Special Education and Psychology. Cory is a former educator, a two-time recipient of Teacher of the Year recognition from two different school systems, as well as the Lead Pastor of White Oak Grove MBC in Greensboro, NC.

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A Brown Summit, North Caroline native, Cory lives in Colfax, NC. When he is not working, Cory enjoys spending time with his five-year old grandson.