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 shaping national policy, Jeff works in Grant Management Services for Dallas College. Join us as he discusses crucial updates and strategies for advocacy.

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. Let them know…TRIO Works!

Find your Congressional Representative

NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference

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

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 a first-generation college student and a closeted gay Mexicano shaped his commitment to equity in education.

Discover his unexpected professional path, which led him from a Fortune 500 company to pursuing his master’s and ultimately an Ed.D. culminating in him being named the prestigious 2025 Dean’s Medalist. Now, as the 2024 Director of the Year and a 40 Under 40 recipient, he impactfully supports 153 low-income, first-generation students every day. Get ready for an inspiring, honest, and yes, even humorous conversation!

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. Let them know…TRIO Works!

Find your Congressional Representative

NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference

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

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 representatives to leveraging social media. They will also discuss the single most important action you can take today to join the coordinated national effort: following the @protecttrionow page on Instagram.

If you've ever wondered how you can give back and ensure TRIO continues to change lives, this episode is your roadmap. Tune in to get informed, get equipped, and get activated.

Follow and post on our social media platforms to show the success of TRIO and the critical need to preserve these programs:

Instagram: @protecttrionow

TikTok: protecttrionow

LinkedIn: Protect TRIO Now 

Facebook: Protect TRIO Now

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. Let them know…TRIO Works!

Find your Congressional Representative

NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference

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

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.

Community Announcement Links:

As you may know, TRIO is under attack. The current administration argues that TRIO programs are unnecessary, claiming that college access for low-income, first-generation students is no longer hindered by economic and systemic barriers. We all know that is false, and that TRIO services still provide sorely needed opportunities to hundreds of thousands of students nationwide. Action is required in order to protect these vital services. 

Please contact your members of Congress to let them know that you support TRIO, and follow @protecttrionow on Instagram to stay up-to-date with the latest updates and information.

Find your Congressional Representative

NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference

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

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 translates her personal first-generation journey into powerful, actionable guidance for today's students.

In our conversation, Latoya shares the wisdom gained from earning five academic degrees, how her experience in runway modeling helps her teach students about confidence and presentation, and how her faith serves as the bedrock of her commitment to community empowerment. Prepare to be inspired by a leader who is a product of TRIO and now one of its greatest champions.

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. Let them know…TRIO Works!

Find your Congressional Representative

NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference

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

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 like her navigate the "unwritten rules" of higher education. We discuss the power of nerdy hobbies in building problem-solving skills, the vital role of programs like TRIO, and how to build your own path to success, one brick at a time.

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. Let them know…TRIO Works!

Find your Congressional Representative

NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference

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

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 college student and discusses how the TRIO program empowered him to pursue a post-secondary degree. Don't miss this conversation about coming full circle and the importance of advocating for the next generation of students.

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. Let them know…TRIO Works!

Find your Congressional Representative

NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference (click here for more info!)

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

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 played a vital role in his success. Tyler also speaks candidly about his experience as an individual with autism and how that shaped his pursuit of an individualized studies degree centered on advocacy. Prepare to be inspired by a story of determination, adaptability, and the power of finding your voice.

Tyler’s First Appearance on Let’s Talk TRIO

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. 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

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 West Virginia. You'll also hear about her recent election as President-Elect for the prestigious Mid-Eastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MEAOPP), a role she'll transition into as President this upcoming academic year! Discover how her TRIO roots continue to shape her impactful career and leadership within educational opportunity.

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. 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

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 navigated a unique educational landscape and found his calling in advocating for student success through TRIO programs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes that success isn't always a straight line.

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. 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