Mizzen Meets

Champions of joy: you’re not going to want to miss this! Our community is passionate about making the world a better place. But how can we unleash our unique skills, talents — and creativity — to achieve the greatest impact? Journey with Mizzen Education and Dani Coke Balfour to discover new ways to use your unique voice to spread everyday goodness and justice. Dani is an acclaimed artist, activist, and author known for her powerful work at the intersection of art and social change. Together, we will inspire one another to make a lasting impact — one act of goodness at a time!

📅 Date: Feb 11, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 - 10:00 AM PST
📍 Location: Virtual, Join from Anywhere

Join Dani Coke Balfour and Kristin Stayer as we explore the synergy between art, activism, self-love, and daily goodness. Let’s come together to create a brighter future for adults and youth filled with hope, equity, and positive action!

In this inspiring + thought-provoking conversation, we will:

Share stories of artivism, joy, justice—and impact.
Draw on your unique creativity for daily good.
Unlock new ways to infuse self-love and renewal into your daily routine.
Celebrate your talents and all the ways you can and are doing good work.

Why Mizzen Meets?

Are you passionate about creating life-changing learning experiences for youth? Mizzen Meets is for you!

Join us to explore powerful conversations, pioneering ideas, and joyful "aha moments." In this ongoing series, you'll meet scholars, authors, content creators, and changemakers—and come away fueled and inspired. Bring your burning questions and big ideas. This space is built for you!

"Mizzen creates spaces not only to work in collaboration, but really to become innovators of the work and ideas.” — Troy Selvey, California AfterSchool Network

Danielle Coke Balfour

Danielle Coke Balfour is a graphic designer turned artist, advocate, speaker, and entrepreneur. She’s the founder of Oh Happy Dani, an illustration-based educational platform that uses artwork and resources to make complex ideas surrounding racial justice more accessible for the everyday advocate. Danielle works to inspire her community of over half a million people across social media to do good daily, right where they are. She’s also the author of “A Heart on Fire: 100 Meditations on Loving Your Neighbors Well”.

Whether working with brands like Target and Adobe, speaking in front of audiences, or running her business, Danielle hopes to inspire others to embody their values and live a life of sustainable activism by using what they have to impact the world around them.

Kristin Stayer

Kristin Stayer, Mizzen’s Vice President of Engagement & Educator Experiences, is committed to growing Mizzen’s practitioner community, championing out-of-school-time leaders, and creating inspiring spaces for youth learning and staff development. Before Mizzen, Kristin served as the National Manager of Curriculum and Content Development for After-School All-Stars, where she empowered students for 21st-century learning and careers through comprehensive afterschool programs.

Prior, she spent a decade at the helm of Park Place Community Center in Indiana, working with the community to address educational, health, and food access needs. With a bachelor's degree in social work from Anderson University, a master's in urban studies from Eastern University, and a creative placemaking certificate from the New Hampshire Institute of Art, Kristin is well-equipped to make a positive impact and is a passionate advocate for education and community development. Married to Eric, they are foster and adoptive parents to five amazing children and an adorable pup named Pepper Jack (“PJ”). Kristin is known for her love of color, all things smores, and cold brew.

"This was AWESOME…My cup is full. Thanks so much for this opportunity to listen/share with Mizzen and Kam!!"

Mizzen Meets: Kam Green

"Will this recording be available to us? I’d LOVE to share this with my OST staff. "

Mizzen Meets: Kam Green

"Thanks Johnny and Carlos. Very informative! Loved the honesty."

Mizzen Meets: Johnny Crowder

February 11, 2025
Virtual

Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/live/_qRte42HE18

November 7, 2024
Virtual

In honor of Youth Entrepreneurship Month, view a lively and interactive Mizzen Meets celebrating two incredible youth entrepreneurs, Noah and Emma, and amazing adult mentors, Kara Siebe, and Robbie Toth-Cosby.

Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQByOVJPioA

August 29, 2024
Virtual

Enjoy an in-depth conversation on healthy competition in education, differential learning experiences, STEM equity—and how we can ignite delight in math learning by leveraging students' passion for sports.

Nick Monzi is CEO and Co-Founder of Learn Fresh, an international education nonprofit dedicated to enhancing student’s STEM and social-emotional achievement through sports and entertainment.

Watch the recording here: https://youtube.com/live/2HkojGbM1AY

May 15, 2024
Virtual

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Mizzen community joined us for a conversation filled with humor and candor on how our community fosters emotional and mental health, belonging, and self-care for young people and practitioners alike.

Johnny Crowder is the founder & CEO of Cope Notes®, a TEDx Speaker, Forbes NEXT 1000, and Startup of the Year People's Choice Winner.

Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QKDjiU8QNM

February 07, 2024
Virtual

We celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science with a thought-provoking conversation featuring author, STEAM advocate, and accomplished C-Suite Executive, Kam Green.

Along with Mizzen's CEO, Carlos Santini, Kam will guide you through an insightful and exhilarating discussion on empowering girls in science, STEAM success, and out-of-school time excellence. We'll also dive into Kam's work on positive self-talk and the science behind it.

Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmbcitZlqag

August 24, 2023
Virtual

Pour yourself a coffee, settle in, and join us for a conversation with Mizzen’s CEO Carlos Santini, and acclaimed scholar, educator, and change-maker Dr. Chris Emdin, author of STEM, STEAM, Make, Dream.

Together, we reimagined learning, explored equity and youth culture, and explored how to create truly welcoming come-as-you-are spaces for youth and staff.

Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e34gQ7EweYs

Mizzen Meets: Danielle Coke Balfour (@ohhappydani)

The Art of Joy, Justice, and Everyday Goodness