In this episode, I sit down with Elias Ramirez, a first-generation Mexican-American and proud Galveston County native whose story is nothing short of inspiring. From graduating with a degree in Public Service Leadership to leading food access programs at the Galveston County Food Bank, Elias has dedicated his life to fighting hunger, uplifting youth, and building stronger communities.

As President of the Hispanic Business Network of Galveston County, Elias is creating opportunities for Hispanic-owned businesses while mentoring the next generation of leaders. He shares his journey of being first-gen, the challenges he’s faced, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up for his community.

Elias is more than a leader—he’s a warrior for equity, opportunity, and change. This conversation will leave you fired up and hopeful about the power of grassroots leadership.

To learn more about the Hispanic Business Network of Galveston County visit https://linktr.ee/hbngc

or follow on LinkdIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/hispanic-business-network-of-galveston-county/posts/

In this episode, I talk with Paige Swanstein, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Student Basic Needs Coalition (SBNC), a national nonprofit working to end food, housing, and healthcare insecurity among college students. SBNC bridges technology, policy, and student leadership to drive systemic change — and has already connected students to over $27 million in SNAP and Medicaid benefits across 500 campuses nationwide.

Paige shares how SBNC’s programs, peer navigators, and policy advocacy efforts are helping restore the balance of power so students are included in creating solutions to basic needs insecurity. We also talk about how this work is shifting the conversation in higher education toward equity, well-being, and shared responsibility.

This episode is a powerful reminder that when students are part of the solution, change becomes not just possible, but unstoppable.

If you want to learn more or get involved, visit the Student Basic Needs Coalition: https://www.studentbasicneeds.com

Follow along on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sbnc

In this episode of Free-ish in Higher Ed, I sit down with Dr. Goldrick-Rab, scholar activist and founder of the #RealCollege movement. Known for transforming student struggles into systemic solutions, Dr. Goldrick-Rab has spent her career centering students’ voices and fighting to make higher education more just and accessible.

From advising the Obama and Biden administrations to founding The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, Dr. Goldrick-Rab has been at the forefront of research and policy that redefined how we understand basic needs insecurity in higher education. Her work has illuminated the realities of food insecurity, housing instability, and financial hardship among college students while pushing for bold solutions like emergency aid, free community college, and national coalitions that put students first.

In our conversation, Dr. Goldrick-Rab shares what it means to lead as a woman in higher education, why a student centered approach matters, and how faculty, staff, and policymakers can step up to meet students’ essential needs.

Connect with Dr. Goldrick-Rab:

Website: https://saragoldrickrab.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saragoldrickrab

Learn more about #Real College: https://believeinstudents.org/advancing-the-realcollege-movement/