Let’s Talk TRIO

This week, we're excited to feature Xavier Travon Lewis, an inspiring alumnus of the TRIO Upward Bound program at Eastern New Mexico University. Xavier's story is a shining example of finding the right fit and taking bold steps toward your goals. Join us as Xavier shares his unique journey, from his time in TRIO Upward Bound to graduating from New Mexico State University. He'll open up about the p...

Join us as we sit down with Erik Austin, a remarkable first-generation college graduate and the dedicated Director of TRIO Student Support Services at Westminster College (PA). Erik shares his compelling journey, revealing how an initial ambition to pursue law evolved into a profound passion for empowering students through the TRIO programs. Discover what inspired his pivotal career shift and hear...

This week, we're honored to feature Michael Cashman, an inspiring alumnus of the TRIO Student Support Services program at SUNY Plattsburgh. Michael's story is one of incredible resilience and achievement. Join us as we talk with Michael about his journey, from overcoming dyslexia to becoming the youngest elected Town Supervisor for Plattsburgh. You'll hear firsthand how his experiences, including...

This week on the podcast, we sit down with Julia Kochanowski, a remarkable alumna of the University of North Dakota's TRIO McNair Scholars program. Julia's story is one of determination and self-discovery, as she shares how her involvement with TRIO McNair profoundly shaped her unique path to success and led her to a career she's truly passionate about. Join us as Julia opens up about her life exp...

This week's episode of Let's Talk TRIO shines a light on the inspiring journey of Dr. Christabelle Dragoo! A TRIO alumna with a fascinating background, Dr. Dragoo shares her unique experience as a non-traditional student. Get ready to hear how she transitioned from hairstylist to accomplished researcher and the resilience it took to earn her PhD. Tune in for a powerful story of persistence and the...

How can TRIO truly shape a student's future? This week on Let's Talk TRIO, we speak with Evelin Castañeda, a shining example of TRIO's impact. As a proud Alum and now Project Coordinator for the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project, Inc., Evelin shares her personal journey, from participating in TRIO to becoming a dedicated staff member and now a leader in youth development. Hear her firsthand...

In this inspiring episode of Let's Talk TRIO, we're thrilled to welcome Khadijah Dee, a shining TRIO alumna who has soared to become an Instructional Design Project Manager at eDesign Consulting. Tune in as Khadijah Dee shares her transformative educational journey with TRIO, revealing the path that led her to a successful career. But that's not all – hear how she's now paying it forward by active...

What does it mean to give back? This week on Let's Talk TRIO, we sit down with Joseph “Joe” Madrid, a TRIO Upward Bound success story now working as the Academic Services Coordinator at Clovis Community College. Joe takes us through his inspiring journey: from his own college aspirations to his current role empowering future TRIO students. Tune in to hear how he overcame obstacles, remained focuse...

Let's talk about real college life! We're chatting with an incredible student from Dallas College who's juggling academics, leadership, and everything in between. Christina Sebastian joins the Let’s Talk TRIO podcast to share her experience as a student and participant. Listen in as Christina shares about her involvement with TRIO Student Support Services program and being the president of her col...

Ever wondered what drives someone to dedicate their career to empowering first-generation college students? This episode answers that question with Paulia D. Williams, the award-winning Gamecock Guarantee Coordinator at USC. Discover the personal story behind her passion for TRIO, and find out what it means to be recognized as the 2024 Dennis A. Pruitt Outstanding Advocate for First-Year Students....

This week's guest is Jamie McDowell! A graduate student at Colorado State University studying Student Affairs in Higher Education, Jamie is also a proud first-generation graduate and TRIO alum of the ACE program. She's a Provost Fellowship research recipient, Spirit of ACE award winner, and undergraduate woman leader nominee. Tune in to hear Jamie's incredible story of perseverance, the impact of...

This is a paid partnership episode by our sponsor, NOSOTROS Education Center. While the episode showcases our sponsor's services, we believe that the episode also contains valuable information relevant to the TRIO community (free webinars, resources, and more). Lisa Retamozo, Director and Founder, is on the podcast to share upcoming workshops on: TRIO staff trainings, grant writing, Annual Perform...

Changing lives, one student at a time. Meet the dedicated TRIO Upward Bound team at the University of Montana-Missoula on this episode of Let's Talk TRIO. Xavier Xtravaganza, Jonathan Carter, and Dannette Fadness reveal what drives them to support students on their path to higher education and share inspiring stories from the front lines. Community Announcement Links: COE’s 2025 Policy Seminar NCC...

What happens when a TRIO student becomes a TRIO leader? Find out on this episode of Let's Talk TRIO! We catch up with Daniela Garcia, now Director of Upward Bound at Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell, to hear how TRIO impacted her life and how she's now paying it forward. It's a story of transformation you won't want to miss.   A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon...

Juan's opinion on the attempt to freeze the budgets of many federal programs which could have potential affects on TRIO. This move by the Trump Administration was blocked by a federal judge and, ultimately, the administration rescinded the memo. To support the work and mission of TRIO, make a donation to the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE). TRIO Alumni! Sign-up to be part of the TRIO Al...

SEASON 6 FINALE! Hear from Nelsy Montes-Romero, a current TRIO Student Support Services participant at California State University-Monterey Bay. Nelsy joins us to share her inspiring journey, including her academic progress, exciting personal experiences, and how TRIO is supporting her on her path to success. A heartfelt thanks to our individual supporters: Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Jeff Nepute Dr. Rya...

From Poverty to the World Stage: Michael Dillard, a TRIO Upward Bound alum, shares his incredible journey. This 'accidental' diplomat, author of "Accidental Success," reveals how education transformed his life. Learn how TRIO Upward Bound helped him navigate college, discover his passion for finance, and ultimately, find his voice on the global stage. Listen now! Contact our Guest, Michael Dillard...

In this episode: Dr. Renee Delgado-Riley, TRIO McNair Alum from the University of New Mexico and Director of Research and Assessment within the Office of Student Life at the University of Oregon. Dr. Delgado-Riley is on the podcast to share her TRIO journey, being an alum of the TRIO McNair program, her interest in research, and so much more. A heartfelt thank you to our individual supporters: Dr....

In this episode: Cove Johnson, TRIO Upward Bound participant and TRIO Talent Search alum from the University of North Dakota. Cove is on the podcast to share her TRIO journey, interests in high school, potential career paths, and so much more. A heartfelt thank you to our individual supporters: Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Ryan Barone Dr. Jeff Nepute Angelica Vialpando Angelica Valdez Rosario Riley Felici...

In this episode: Dr. Lydia Perez, Director of TRIO Programs at Mesa Community College and TRIO Alum. Dr. Perez is on the podcast to share her TRIO journey, her path to college (which started with attending a football game!), pursuing a doctoral degree, and receiving the Walter O. Mason Jr. Award for Exceptional Contributions to Educational Opportunity. Listen as Dr. Perez talks about her experienc...

In this episode: Natalie DeMarco, Researcher and Participant of the TRIO McNair program at Montana State University-Bozeman. Natalie is on the podcast to share her TRIO journey, her path to college, joining TRIO McNair, and more. Listen as Natalie talks about her experience being a TRIO participant, participating in research opportunities, establishing a first-generation organization at MSU-Bozema...

In this podcast episode: Kellyann Weber, TRIO Upward Bound Director at Clovis Community College in New Mexico. Kellyann is on the podcast to discuss how she followed her current path to TRIO as a career. Kellyann shares what initially got her to go to college and how her interests evolved over time. Listen as Kellyann shares her educational and professional journey. A heartfelt thank you to our in...

In this podcast episode: Celestina Munoz-Bryant, TRIO Alum and TRIO Student Support Services Director at the University of Southern Indiana. Celestina is on the podcast to talk about her TRIO journey. From joining a TRIO program to now leading as a director for TRIO Student Support Services. Listen as Celestina shares her educational and professional journey. A heartfelt thank you to our individua...

In this podcast episode: Daniel Krhin, Director of TRIO at Ripon College and Financial Instructor. Daniel is on the podcast to discuss his personal, educational, and professional journey. Listen in as Daniel shares his experience in college, overcoming adversity and self-doubt, serving TRIO programs, and teaching students how to better think of their finances. Contact Daniel Krhin: Email djkrhin@g...

In this podcast episode: Jennifer Franco, Entrepreneur, Board Member for several non-profit organizations, and TRIO staff. Jennifer is on the podcast to discuss her personal, educational, and professional journey. Listen in as Jennifer shares her experience in college, the challenges of being a single mother, going to college as a non-traditional student, and so much more. A HUGE thank you to our...