Let’s Talk TRIO

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:

Our guests open up about their personal educational journeys, what drew them to serving TRIO programs, and the unique backgrounds that shape their day-to-day work. While each staff member brings a distinct perspective from their respective program, they all share a unified vision: guiding TRIO students toward achieving their dreams.

Tune in as we dive into what true student success looks like, the power of holistically supporting students, and why advocating for TRIO programs is more vital than ever.

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!

North Carolina Central University’s TRIO Student Access and Success Conference 2027

Connect with the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)

Connect with the National TRIO Alumni Association

A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for NOSTROS Education Center and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team

John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor

Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

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, and personal achievement, and discover firsthand why TRIO works!

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!

Connect with the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)

Connect with the National TRIO Alumni Association

A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for NOSTROS Education Center and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team

John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor

Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

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 personal experience with TRIO, how it impacted his life and career, and the critical work he does today empowering students and communities through the Parris Foundation. Tune in for a powerful conversation on lifelong learning, mentorship, and community outreach!

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!

Connect with the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)

A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval

The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team

John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor

Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

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 compelling docu-series.

In this episode, we discuss:

Navigating the path to college through TRIO Upward Bound

Finding her voice as an advocate at Mount Holyoke College

The unexpected story behind her farm work and docu-series

Bringing migrant rights and social issues to the forefront

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!

Connect with the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)

Connect with the National TRIO Alumni Association

A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon

Support the podcast by making a one-time donation to our Venmo account and be entered to win a Let's Talk TRIO mug (courtesy of our sponsor The TRIO Store)! Drawing active until Friday, October 30, 2026 and a winner announced on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Donate on Venmo - @lets_talk_trio

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval

The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team

John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor

Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

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 navigating a college campus.

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!

A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval

The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team

John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor

Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

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 Northern Illinois University, where he earned a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Black Studies, followed by an M.S.Ed. in Adult and Higher Education. We dive deep into his firsthand experiences navigating higher education as a TRIO participant, how those programs shaped his trajectory, and what it’s like to pay it forward every day as an advisor in higher education.

Whether you are a current TRIO student, an alum, or an educator looking for fresh inspiration, James’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of dedicated mentorship and student support services.

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!

A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval

The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team

John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor

Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

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 perspective on the many "firsts" he’s experienced, the challenges he overcame, and the pivotal role that programs like TRIO played in his success.

We dive deep into a critical conversation about financial literacy, exploring the strategies first-gen students need to build sustainable wealth and a lasting legacy. Whether you are a student striving for success, a parent supporting your child’s dreams, or an educator working on the front lines of college access, this episode offers a roadmap for turning dreams into action.

Key Topics Covered:

Connect with Will Herrera & First Gen Legacy

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!

A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval

The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team

John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor

Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

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 manages the complexities of supporting first-generation students in a changing educational environment.

Jesus also shares his insights from his extensive history of service with WESTOP. Having served as the organization's President and continuing to contribute in various capacities today, Jesus discusses the importance of professional associations in fueling the advocacy efforts necessary to keep TRIO and GEAR UP strong.

Most importantly, Jesus joins us to provide actionable insights on how to effectively advocate for TRIO programs at both the local and federal levels. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a student wanting to make a difference, he breaks down practical, meaningful ways to get involved in the movement and ensure these programs continue to thrive for years to come.

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!

A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval

The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team

John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor

Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

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:

Are you a TRIO professional? Listen in to hear your colleagues' voices and get inspired for the year ahead!

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!

A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

Special Thanks to...

CSU Online Staff - Alysha Tarantino & Amy Quinn-Sparks

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval

The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team

John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor

Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

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 hear how Amante’ is utilizing his marketing expertise and TRIO experience to transform his community and advocate for student success.  

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!

A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval

The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team

John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor

Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage