Watch this episode of Granite Goodness here.

Why did you want to come on the podcast?
I love what Granite Goodness is doing—flipping the script and creating space for hope. So many people in my world are burned out from negativity. We’re constantly talking about housing, childcare, and the weight of those challenges in New Hampshire. But there’s also beauty, momentum, and people actively working to make things better. That’s the story I wanted to help tell.

How do you define “young”?
Youth is a mindset. I’ve met 60-year-olds who are full of curiosity and 20-somethings who’ve given up. To me, anyone willing to learn something new is young. I always say: bury me the day I refuse to learn something new.

What does Stay Work Play actually do?
We’re a nonprofit focused on retaining and attracting young people to New Hampshire. That means advocacy, storytelling, research, events, and partnerships that make the state a more vibrant and inclusive place for 20- to 40-somethings. But more broadly, we’re a microphone for the next generation.

How do you see your role as executive director?
My job is to reflect the spirit and needs of young people in New Hampshire—and to do it authentically. I take that responsibility seriously. I’m not trying to fill my predecessor’s shoes. I want to bring a fresh perspective and evolve the organization to meet this moment.

What’s your personal connection to New Hampshire?
I grew up between Manchester and Bedford, went to art school in Savannah, and thought I’d end up in New York. But when I came home and visited the Currier Museum, something clicked. I realized that art had brought me back—and that there was real opportunity here. My career started at the Currier and has grown ever since.

How did your background in art influence your leadership style?
Art school taught me to take critique, think on my feet, and defend my ideas with confidence. It gave me a thick skin, a flexible mind, and a creative approach to solving problems—skills I use every day in this role.

What surprised you most about stepping into this job?
How much you can’t do all at once. I came in with big ambitions, but I quickly learned the importance of pacing, prioritizing, and listening. As a team of one, I’ve had to embrace doing less, better.

What’s something you’re proud of so far?
I’m proud of the way we’re expanding the conversation—talking about youth not just as an age, but as an energy. And creating more entry points for people of all backgrounds to see themselves in our mission.

What’s special about the New Hampshire lifestyle?
It’s the balance. You can leave work at 4:30 and be on a mountain or in the woods with your dogs by 5. The pace here gives you room to breathe, connect, and participate in your community—without giving up ambition or opportunity.

What are the biggest challenges facing young people here?
Housing is number one. Childcare and cost of living are huge, too. But one that’s often overlooked is social connection. It’s easy to be isolated in New Hampshire, especially if you’re new or not sure how to plug in. People want more community, and that’s something we’re working on.

Why do young people leave, and what brings them back?
Sometimes they leave for social life, dating, or the feeling of opportunity. But many boomerang back when they realize what New Hampshire offers: a sense of community, a slower pace, and real access to leadership and career growth. It’s a place where you can belong and build something meaningful.

What’s your message to employers trying to attract young talent?
Make room for young voices—and actually listen. Offer mentorship, flexibility, and clear paths for advancement. The talent is here. We just have to make it feel seen and valued.

What’s one misconception about young people you’d like to debunk?
That we’re entitled or disinterested in hard work. In reality, young people are deeply ambitious—but they’re also values-driven. They want work that aligns with purpose, not just a paycheck.

How does Stay Work Play approach policy and advocacy?
We elevate the lived experiences of young people and use data—like our Quality of Life survey—to inform state-level conversations. Whether it’s housing, nightlife, or workforce pipelines, we advocate for the changes that will make New Hampshire a place young people choose to stay.

What’s your hope for New Hampshire’s future?
That we don’t just retain young people—but invite them in. That we become a place known for community, dynamism, and opportunity. And that we center joy, equity, and belonging in how we grow.

*This episode summary was generated by an AI analyzing a transcript of the interview. The questions, wording, and written meaning of particular sections may contain slight differences to the original conversation. We include these summaries to give listeners a brief, readable synopsis of the episode. The full episode transcript is available on granitegoodness.com.

ABOUT GRANITE GOODNESS

At Granite Goodness, Andy DeMeo interviews New Hampshire people making the world a better place and share stories of progress, problem solving, and positivity in and around the Granite State.

In his words:

I created Granite Goodness because I believe:

• We owe it to those who came before us—and those who will come after us—to make the world a better place. My ancestors worked incredibly hard to give me the opportunities I’ve had in life, and I feel a deep responsibility to pay that forward. Also, improving the world is fun.

• Optimism, kindness, and the will to solve complex problems are infectious qualities. We need more of them. Being aware of positivity and progress leaves people more inspired to create their own.

Those ideas aren’t uniquely mine, and many organizations have been working toward similar goals for years. Their dedication inspired me to launch Granite Goodness, with the hope of bringing an optimistic perspective to the state I love.

GRANITE GOODNESS is his love letter to New Hampshire, the people that have lived any part of their story here, and anyone else orienting toward optimism and community over fear and loneliness.

CHECK OUT GRANITE GOODNESS AND SUBSCRIBE.