Ballots Before the Buzzer: Early Voting, Big Impact

In this episode of The Six Pack, Stacy Huston sits down with Sharif El-Mekki, Founder and CEO of @centerblacked, to explore the urgent need to rebuild the Black teacher pipeline in America — and why it matters more than ever.With nearly 40% of public schools lacking a single teacher of color, and most Black students going K–12 without ever having a Black educator, the stakes are high. Sharif shares the data, the history, and the real-world impact of representation in the classroom — including how just one Black teacher can dramatically improve a student's chances of graduating and attending college.This conversation is a powerful reminder that equity in education begins with who stands at the front of the room — and that we all have a role to play in rewriting that future.

In this special Black History Month edition of The Six Pack, Stacy Huston sits down with Dr. Tim Lampkin, Founder and CEO of @higherpurposehub, to explore what it means to build economic power and generational change in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.From tackling systemic poverty to confronting a long legacy of racial injustice, Dr. Lampkin and his team are creating tangible solutions rooted in community — and fueled by purpose. Tune in to hear how Higher Purpose Hub is investing in Black entrepreneurs, breaking cycles of inequality, and transforming hope into lasting impact.This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about justice, equity, and the power of local leadership to rewrite the narrative.

In this powerful episode of The Six Pack, host Stacy Huston welcomes Crystal Clark, Senior Director of National Donor Engagement at Stop Soldier Suicide, to discuss the often-overlooked struggles veterans face long after their service. With staggering statistics—veterans being 72% more likely to experience suicide and over 6,000 lost lives annually—Crystal dives into the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and the critical work of supporting our service members through proactive engagement and community care. Tune in to hear personal stories of impact and learn how we can all help support those who have bravely served our country.

In this heartwarming holiday edition of The Six Pack, Stacy Huston is joined by Jacob Cramer, Founder and Executive Director of @loveforourelders, to talk about one of the most overlooked issues impacting older adults: loneliness.With nearly 1 in 3 adults over 50 reporting regular feelings of isolation, Jacob and his organization are on a mission to bring connection back—one handwritten letter at a time. Tune in to hear how a simple act of kindness can uplift someone’s entire day, especially during a season when so many elders go without visitors, phone calls, or companionship.This episode reminds us that joy doesn’t always come from something big — sometimes it’s as small as an envelope and a stamp.

In this timely episode of The Six Pack, Stacy Huston sits down with Bryce Bennett, Executive Director of @voteearlyday, and Lucille Wenegieme, Executive Director of @headcountorg, to talk about building momentum around one of the most powerful tools we all have: our vote.Just one day before the 2024 election, this fast-paced conversation digs into the power of early voting, the grassroots movements driving turnout, and how we can turn civic engagement into a shared community experience. From creative partnerships to impressive voter turnout gains in key states, this episode is a hopeful and empowering look at democracy in action.💡 Spoiler: Election Day is your last day to vote — not your only one.

In this episode of The Six Pack, SixDegrees.org Executive Director Stacy Huston sits down with Sarah Airola, Executive Director of The Grace Network, to shine a light on an often overlooked but urgent issue — hygiene insecurity. With 15% of Chicago Public School students expected to experience homelessness, and over 70% considered economically disadvantaged, access to basic hygiene products becomes a barrier to dignity, confidence, and education.Sarah shares the heart behind The Grace Network’s mission, the challenges of serving students in crisis, and how simple, everyday items — like deodorant or toothpaste — can have a transformative impact. Through six powerful questions, we explore the organization's work, the reality behind the statistics, and how anyone can be part of the solution.