In this episode, special guest Danielle Hairston Green breaks down the basics of how university extension programs combine advocacy, research, and academia in response to real community needs. Hairston Green directs the Institute for Human Development and Relationships with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, where she encourages her staff to tell stories so we can better understand the power and impact of the Wisconsin Idea in action today. Co-hosts Jessica Becker and Jen Rubin talk with Hairston Green about how she ended up on stage telling her own story, what motivates her, and how she is shifting the narrative to ‘do better’ for fathers in Wisconsin. If you’ve ever wondered if the Wisconsin Idea still matters, or if it might be part of the solutions we are looking for, tune in to this relevant conversation. 

Additional Links to check out:

→  Danielle Hairston Green won The Moth grand slam in 2022 with a story called “Blessings in Disguise.” You can watch her tell this powerful story of hard truths learned from her mother on The Moth stage here. 

→  Danielle Hairston Green is a volunteer member of the Wisconsin Humanities board. You can learn more about the Wisconsin Humanities and their work here. 

This episode of Human Powered was produced and edited by Chrissy Widmayer. All rights reserved.