Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to June Everett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi June, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
Growing up, my family didn’t have much, and I heard all about how tough things were for my parents when they were kids too. These weren’t just sad stories around the dinner table; they were real struggles that shaped who we are. Those tough times stuck with me and sparked a fire in me to make sure no one else has to go through that. At Backpack Society, it’s more than just handing out food—it’s about giving families a bit of hope and a chance to get ahead. Every day, I’m driven to turn my own experiences into something positive, helping our community find strength and stability.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As the founder of Backpack Society, my journey into fighting food insecurity is deeply personal. Before this, I had a career in corporate human resources. While it taught me a lot, I eventually reached a point of burnout and found myself yearning to do something more meaningful—something that genuinely made a difference.
This longing led me to launch Backpack Society, starting with a pilot program at just one school where we helped 20 kids. I self-funded this initiative, driven by memories of growing up in a family where making ends meet was a constant struggle. Seeing the impact even small acts of kindness could have on a family’s life filled me with a determination to expand our reach.
Today, we’re in 64 schools and supported by a fantastic community of individuals and businesses. What really excites me about our work is seeing the immediate difference we make. When we hand out food, I see the relief and gratitude in the parents’ eyes and the smiles on the kids’ faces. It’s proof that what we’re doing is working.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say resilience, empathy, and community engagement have been key to making a difference with Backpack Society.
Resilience is everything. Starting out, you’ll face plenty of challenges, especially in work like ours where the problems can be hidden or underestimated. My tip? Keep your goals clear but flexible, and don’t get discouraged by the bumps in the road. Every challenge is a chance to learn and get stronger.
Empathy has really shaped how we do things. Understanding what families are going through helps us make sure we’re really helping in the best way possible. If you’re just starting out, listen more than you speak. Hear people’s stories, learn from them, and let that guide your work.
And don’t underestimate the power of getting involved in your community. The more you connect with others, the more you learn and the more you can do. Early on, try to show up at local events, team up with other groups, and be a familiar face people know they can count on.
So, stay tough, keep your heart open, and get out there and engage. That’s the best advice I can give to anyone starting on this path.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Growing up, my parents were open books about their tough times with food insecurity and poverty. Unlike many who might prefer to focus only on better days ahead, my folks wanted us to really understand and remember where we came from. Their stories weren’t just lessons; they were reminders of what many families still face every day. This honesty shaped me more than anything, teaching me about the power of community and the importance of pitching in to help others. That’s what drove me to start Backpack Society. My parents’ approach to their past — not hiding it but using it as a lesson — has been my biggest motivation to work hard so other families don’t have to struggle like they did.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.backpacksociety.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backpacksocietyco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backpacksocietyco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/backpacksocietyco
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