Let’s Talk TRIO

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...

We are honored to welcome back Jeff Kahlden for his third appearance on the podcast! As a true leader in educational equity, Jeff brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. He currently serves as the Board Chair for the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and was recently honored as the recipient of the 2023 Walter O. Mason Award for his exceptional advocacy in TRIO. When he's not s...

Hi TRIO Nation! This week, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Estevan Parra-Guerrero, Director of the TRIO Upward Bound Programs at California State University, Fresno. Dr. Parra-Guerrero’s passion for educational opportunity is deeply personal. He opens up about his journey from South Central LA, where he was raised by formerly undocumented parents alongside 10 siblings, to becoming a celebrated...

The future of the TRIO programs requires our collective voice, and this episode is your official guide to making that voice heard. We are honored to be joined by Daphnis Schmidt and Emalyn Lapus from the JCYC TRIO programs for a crucial conversation about advocacy and collaboration. Our guests will provide vital updates on the current landscape for TRIO and break down the most effective strategies...

One last-minute decision can define an entire academic career. In this episode, we sit down with Jackie Estrada Perez, a University of Northern Colorado student who began her journey at Aims Community College. Jackie shares the story behind her pivotal choice to attend Aims and how the TRIO Student Support Services program there set her up for success. She offers invaluable insights into the trans...

Hello TRIO Nation! This week on Let’s Talk TRIO, we're excited to feature a guest who embodies the very mission of TRIO programs: Cincinnati's own Latoya Chambers. A dedicated educator, servant leader, and proud two-time TRIO alumna, Latoya didn't just walk the path to success—she's now paving it for others. She has returned to her roots, now serving as a Student Support Services Specialist/Coach...

What do video games, LEGOs, and student success have in common? More than you think. In this episode, we sit down with Reinalyn Echon, an advisor for Idaho State University's TRIO Student Support Services. As a first-generation student herself, Reinalyn shares her incredible journey - from finding her voice as a college radio DJ to making the pivotal decision to leave a doctoral program to pursue...

Join us for a special episode as we welcome our first guest ever from Guam, Erickson Aquino! Erickson's story is one of inspiration and dedication. As a middle school and high school student, he was a participant in the TRIO Educational Talent Search program. Now, having graduated from the University of Guam, he serves as the project coordinator for that very same program. Erickson shares his uniq...

This week, we're honored to host a familiar voice, Tyler Loven, a Metropolitan State University of Denver alumnus whose academic journey is anything but ordinary. Tyler takes us through his decision to transfer from Colorado State University during the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore his significant involvement with the TRIO Student Support Services programs at both CSU an...

This week, we're excited to welcome Chelsey Toms, a proud alumna of both the TRIO Educational Talent Search and Student Support Services programs. Chelsey's story is an inspiring example of dedication and leadership within the TRIO community. Join us as Chelsey shares her incredible journey, from her time as a TRIO participant to her current role as Academic Advisor for the TRIO Upward Bound progr...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. James Pascali, a testament to the power of perseverance and non-traditional paths. Dr. Pascali, the current Director of the TRIO McNair Scholars Program, shares his incredible journey: from dropping out of high school and earning his GED, to serving in the military, and ultimately achieving a bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree from Idaho State...