Let’s Talk TRIO

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 a school that was a better fit for him, taking a chance by moving to Las Cruces, and ultimately finding a supportive community that helped him thrive. Today, Xavier pays it forward, serving as a recruiter for Eastern New Mexico University.

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

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 experience, including his tenure as the past president of the Pennsylvania Association of TRIO Programs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the transformative power of TRIO and the unwavering dedication of its advocates.

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 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 Achiever Award in 2024, shaped his path to leadership and public service.

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 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 experiences, from her early days to finding her calling. You'll hear firsthand how the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) and the McNair Scholars program were pivotal in helping her identify and pursue a career that brings her immense joy and fulfillment.

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'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 transformative impact of 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

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 account of the transformative power of TRIO and the lessons learned along the way.

TRIO Community Announcement:

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

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 actively cultivating connections and sharing her expertise with current TRIO participants on the speaker's circuit!

Get in touch with Khadijah Dee:

Facebook: Khadijah Cooke

Linkedin: Dee Cooke, MBA

Community Announcement Links:

Share what’s going on in your region! Send us an email at [email protected]

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 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 focused on his goals, and built a strong support system with his family. This episode explores themes of perseverance, the impact of TRIO, and the importance of community.. 

Community Announcement Links:

Share what’s going on in your region! Send us an email at [email protected]

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

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 college's TRIO club, and she's getting ready to graduate in spring 2025. Join us for a fun and insightful conversation about her experiences, challenges, and triumphs. You'll definitely relate to her story! 

Community Announcement Links:

NCCU 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 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

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. Prepare to be inspired by her journey and the powerful work she does.

Follow Paulia’s Instagram: @triopropaulia 

Community Announcement Links:

COE’s 2025 Policy Seminar

NCCU 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 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