Let’s Talk TRIO

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 director to a seasoned leader. Tune in ...

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 mentor for the very program that fuels...

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 Family Studies. Listen as Maria shares...

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-gen experience.

Community Announ...

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 first-gen experience.

Community Anno...

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's in Business Administration. List...

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 shaping national policy, Jeff works ...

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 leader. Hear how his background as...

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 for advocacy - from contacting rep...

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.

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 at Cincinnati State, where she tran...

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 her true passion: helping students ...

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 unique journey as a first-generation co...

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 and MSU, and how these programs playe...

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 program at Davis and Elkins College in W...

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 University. Discover how he navigat...

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 process of transferring, identifying...

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 insights from his extensive experi...

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 being awarded the prestigious TRIO ...