Let’s Talk TRIO

This is a special edition series featuring the first-gen students and staff at Colorado State University!  Our guest for this episode is Jalen Batrez, a third year student studying Social Work and Counseling at CSU. Listen to Jalen's experiences as a first-gen student navigating higher education. A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Ryan Barone Dr...

This is a special edition series featuring the first-gen students and staff at Colorado State University!  Our guest for this episode is Karina Guillen, Program Coordinator for Key Communities. Listen to Karina's experiences as a first-gen student and professional navigating higher education. A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Ryan Barone Dr. Je...

This is a special edition series featuring the first-gen students and staff at Colorado State University!  Our guest for this episode is Tiara Marshall, Undergraduate Manager and Advisor + Doctoral Candidate at Colorado State University. Listen to Tiara's experiences as a first-gen student and professional navigating higher education. A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patr...

This is a special edition series featuring the first-gen students and staff at Colorado State University!  Our guest for this episode is Barbara Prieto, a third year student studying Biology and pursuing the Pre-Dental track at CSU. Listen to Barbara's experiences as a first-gen student navigating the college experience. A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon Dr. Jamie...

Our guest for this episode is a TRIO alum who found his path in higher education through the TRIO programs! We welcome Antonio Soresh, Coordinator for Student Leadership and Development at Dallas College. Hear how Antonio began his journey to college, how he learned and joined TRIO as a student, and is now giving back to the Dallas community.  Antonio has an inspiring TRIO story to share that upli...

In this episode of Let's Talk TRIO, we bring together a dedicated panel of TRIO staff members who share a passion for empowering students and advancing postsecondary success: Darla Ellett, Director of TRIO Programs Cameron Coley, Tutor Coordinator & Academic Counselor (TRIO SSS) Filip Pavlovic, Academic Advisor (TRIO SSS) Nick Mizell, Coordinator (TRIO McNair Scholars) Our guests open up about...

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome back returning guest Daphnis Schmidt, Middle School Educational Advisor with JCYC’s College Access in San Francisco! Daphnis opens up about his personal educational journey…from navigating obstacles and discovering TRIO to coming full circle and working within a TRIO program today. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, community support, a...

In this episode of Let’s Talk TRIO, we are joined by Al Bacon, Director of Education and Outreach Services at the Parris Foundation. Al shares his inspiring educational journey - earning degrees in Psychology from Midwestern State University, Adult Education and Distance Learning from the University of Phoenix, and Human Resource Development from Texas A&M University. We dive deep into his per...

From TRIO Upward Bound alumna to Mount Holyoke College advocate and award winner, Alejandra Lopez Nestor’s journey is defined by purpose. In this episode, Alejandra opens up about her upbringing, choosing Mount Holyoke, and her work raising awareness for social issues facing migrant communities. She also shares the unique story of working on a farm for a "break" and turning that experience into a...

Welcome to the SEASON 8 Premiere of Let's Talk TRIO! In our first episode for this season we feature TRIO Alum and Graduate of Idaho State University: Chelsea Blanchard. Listen as Chelsea shares her educational and career journey. Learn how Chelsea encountered the TRIO programs and her path to be part of the TRIO community. Chelsea also provides insights in being a non-traditional student navigati...

In this episode, we sit down with James Alford, a proud TRIO alumnus who has turned his personal educational success into a lifelong career of supporting others. Today, James serves as an Academic Advisor within the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Business, helping the next generation of students navigate their own paths to success. James takes us through his foundational years at...

In this episode, we are joined by William (Will) Herrera ... a proud TRIO alumnus, dedicated educator, and co-author of the powerful new book, “Dear First Gen.” Will takes us through his inspiring educational journey, from his formative years to becoming a graduate of UC-Davis and holding a master's degree from UCLA. As a first-generation college graduate who grew up low-income, Will shares his pe...

In this episode, we sit down with Jesus Maldonado, a powerhouse in the world of educational equity and a long-time champion for students. As a current Director for TRIO Educational Talent Search and GEAR UP, Jesus brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to the show. We dive into the day-to-day realities of running these essential programs, the evolving landscape of college access, and how he m...

We’re taking the show to the 2026 IATP Conference at ISU! This episode is a vibrant "audio collage" featuring voices from TRIO programs across Idaho. We dive into the latest in student support, legislative advocacy, and the shared mission that keeps this community thriving. Highlights include: Short-take interviews with TRIO professionals from across the state. Special guest cameos by Maurice Pitt...

Amante’ Cunningham isn’t just talking about change ... he’s building it. A 2024 WKU graduate with a background in Social Media Marketing, Amante’ is leveraging his voice to champion TRIO programs across the Bluegrass State. In this conversation, we dive into his current role at Eastern Kentucky University and explore his deep-rooted commitment to raising awareness for college access. Tune in to he...

What happens after the TRIO program ends and the professional hustle begins? Elijah Mason (formerly Sandoval) returns to the podcast for her second appearance to catch us up on her journey since graduating from CSU in Fall 2024. Between her role as a Records Intern for the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s office, pursuing a Master’s at Capella University, and navigating the first year of marria...

What does it take to lead a state-wide professional association while managing a university's TRIO programs? Join us as we welcome Bernadine Booky...the Director of TRIO Programs at New Mexico State University. With a deep-rooted history at NMSU - from earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Agricultural and Extension Education to her current leadership role - she brings a unique perspective on ins...

What does it take to go from a first-generation college student to a doctoral graduate leading the very program that supported you? This week, we sit down with Dr. Kevin David Linton, Director of TRIO Student Support Services at Salem State University. Dr. Linton takes us through the twists and turns of his educational path ... from navigating the cultural shift between private and public high sch...

What happens when a first-generation student doesn’t just beat the odds, but returns to lead the charge for others? In this episode, we sit down with Jefferson Clemmons, Director of the TRIO Educational Talent Search at Lone Star College–Tomball. Jefferson opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his path—from the discipline and leadership he forged in ROTC to his personal climb as a TRIO pa...

Happy February, TRIO Nation! This month is a major milestone for our community as we celebrate National TRIO Day and the programs that change lives across the country. To kick off the celebration, we are thrilled to welcome back Catherine Ybarra, Director of TRIO Upward Bound Math & Science at the College of the Sequoias. Catherine pulls back the curtain on her evolution from a first-year dire...

TRIO Nation, we’re back! After a short hiatus, we’re returning to our roots: sharing the powerful stories that define our community. In this episode, we sit down with Cassandra Puletapuai, a TRIO McNair staff member at Colorado State University. Cassandra opens up about the hurdles and triumphs of her educational journey, her current pursuit of a PhD, and the "full circle" moment of becoming a men...

In this special edition limited series, the Let's Talk TRIO podcast is proud to feature first-gen voices at Colorado State University. This episode was made possible in collaboration with Colorado State University's First-Generation Student Organization (FGSO) and the TRIO Programs. In this episode we feature Maria de Jesus, a student at Colorado State University studying Human Development and Fam...

In this special edition limited series, the Let's Talk TRIO podcast is proud to feature first-gen voices at Colorado State University. This episode was made possible in collaboration with Colorado State University's First-Generation Student Organization (FGSO) and the TRIO Programs. In this episode we feature Janeth Gurrola, a student at Colorado State University. Listen as Janeth shares her first...

In this special edition limited series, the Let's Talk TRIO podcast is proud to feature first-gen voices at Colorado State University. This episode was made possible in collaboration with Colorado State University's First-Generation Student Organization (FGSO) and the TRIO Programs. In this episode we feature Odeth Tomas Sarat, a student at Colorado State University. Listen as Odeth shares her fir...

In this special edition limited series, the Let's Talk TRIO podcast is proud to feature first-gen voices at Colorado State University. This episode was made possible in collaboration with Colorado State University's First-Generation Student Organization (FGSO) and the TRIO Programs. In this episode we feature Delilah Lopez, a graduate student at Colorado State University studying the Impact Master...