A Forum for Connection: Tri-C Hosts Alexis Nikole Nelson in the Mandel Humanities Series

April 16 event featuring author and social influencer underscores Tri-C’s role as a civic convener and community partner

HIGHLAND HILLS — The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Humanities Center at the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) Eastern Campus will bring people from across the region together for an event on April 16 that will strengthen community life.

The Mandel Humanities Forum will host author and environmentalist Alexis Nikole Nelson's lecture, "Finding Home in the Local Wild," that invites students, residents, and community leaders to explore how a sense of belonging to place fosters stewardship, connection, and social vitality.

The event is part of the Forum's "(Un)likely Partners" series, which reflects Tri-C's broader role as a collaborative partner invested in the region's well-being. The series highlights how the College brings together voices to spark dialogue, share perspectives and build relationships that matter to Northeast Ohio.

"The Mandel Humanities Forum exemplifies how thoughtful partnerships and public dialogue can help communities better understand their shared challenges and their shared future," said Connie Kassor, Ph.D., chair of the Mandel Humanities Center at Tri-C.

Nelson uses her platform to educate her 7 million followers on collecting, identifying and eating wild food. She was named one of TIME magazine's top 100 creators in 2025, won a James Beard award in 2022 and is the author of a forthcoming cookbook, "Happy Snacking, Don't Die!"

Her comedic lessons and videos direct audiences to accessible food options and demonstrations on creating flavorful dishes. While delivered in a lighthearted manner, Nelson's content has empowered those living in food deserts with greater self-sufficiency.

Nelson's appearance is part of a two-day engagement that Tri-C is co-hosting with the Rust Belt Humanities Lab at Ursuline College.

For more information, visit the Mandel Humanities Center website.

April 15, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu