Let’s Talk TRIO

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...

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...