Abstract
Grit to Grow Summit June 22 Workshops What Really Is Work–Life Balance? With Corinne Benfield, Executive Director of Stay Work Play NH Is work–life balance just a buzzword — or can you build a career you love and a life you enjoy right here in New Hampshire? Join Corinne Benfield for an engaging session on how NH’s lakes, mountains, seacoast, and cities offer opportunity, community, and adventure. Discover what work–life balance really means — and how you can create it for yourself in the Granite State. Beyond Plumbing and Electricity — What Is a Trade? Join Steve Turner, Founder & CEO of Bring Back the Trades, for a dynamic Q&A panel featuring skilled trades professionals. With 30 years of experience in auto and marine upholstery, Steve has seen firsthand the growing need for trained workers — and the many opportunities available in the trades. Hear real stories about how these professionals found their pathways, ask your questions, and explore whether a career in the trades could be the right fit for you. Why Am I Always Late? With Kristen Lyons, State Field Specialist, Teen Leadership Do you constantly feel behind? Forget assignments at home? Showing up late and stressed? You’re not alone — and it doesn’t have to stay that way. Join Kristen Lyons for a fun, interactive workshop packed with simple time-management strategies and tools that actually work. Learn how to organize your schedule, stay on track, reduce stress, and set yourself up for success — in school, activities, and life. Realities of Working for Yourself Ever dreamed of being your own boss? What if your passion could actually become your paycheck? In this fun and honest workshop, you’ll hear from real entrepreneurs about how they turned ideas into businesses by solving problems and making people’s lives better. Learn what it really takes to run a business — the wins, the challenges, and how to tell if entrepreneurship might be right for you. Featuring P.J. Strebel of Maxway Performance and Jeremiah Vernon of Vernon Family Farm, sharing their journeys in fitness and agritourism — and answering your questions along the way. (More entrepreneurs will be added as they are confirmed) The Power of Your Story With Andy DeMeo, host of Granite Goodness Podcast What if the biggest problem isn’t a lack of solutions — but a lack of stories? Award-winning storyteller Andy DeMeo (named Young Person of the Year by Stay Work Play New Hampshire and recognized by University of New Hampshire and others) brings energy, humor, and real talk about why sharing hopeful, solutions-focused stories matters. Through his podcast Granite Goodness, Andy highlights what’s going right in New England. In this interactive session, you’ll explore how your voice and your story can spark change, build community, and shape the future. All About Helping Professions Explore Healthcare Careers with Elliot Hospital Curious about a career where you can make a real difference every single day? Join Becky Marden from Elliot Hospital in Manchester to discover exciting pathways into healthcare — including their innovative apprenticeship program that lets you earn while you learn. You’ll hear directly from current apprentices about what it’s really like to train in a hospital setting, build in-demand skills, and get paid as you prepare for a meaningful career. Whether you're interested in patient care, behind-the-scenes hospital roles, or just exploring your options, this interactive session will show you how helping professions can turn compassion into a career. If you’ve ever thought about working in healthcare, this is your chance to see how you can start right here in New Hampshire — no experience required! More workshops coming soon!
Date Created
03/02/2026
Department
Extension
Publication Date
Winter 2-2-2026
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Finke, Carrie A., "Grit to Grow Workshops" (2026). UNH Cooperative Extension. 2310.
https://scholars.unh.edu/extension/2310