Wave Makers

Balancing college, a career and parenting doesn’t come with extra hours in the day. So how do student parents make it work?

In this episode of Wave Makers, host Dr. Reina Ferrufino talks with Rio Salado College alum Destiny Spurling about her journey from starting college as a single parent to building a career in accounting, earning her associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and pursuing her CPA.

Destiny shares the real challenges behind that journey and the practical strategies that helped her keep moving forward, from turning small pockets of time into study time and putting everything on her calendar to finding mentors, building a support system and learning to ask for help.

It’s an honest conversation about the many roles student parents carry, the people who help make the journey possible and why there’s no single timeline for reaching your goals.

Bold voices. Real stories. Defining Moments.

What if the future of construction could be printed — one layer at a time?

Wave Makers launches Season 3 with a look at the technology, partnerships and people helping reshape the future of construction and workforce development.

Host Michelle Reese sits down with Zach Mannheimer, founder and chairman of Alquist 3D, and Ken Wilk, Applied Technology Chair at Rio Salado College, following a special Rio Salado and Tempe Chamber of Commerce event focused on housing affordability, construction innovation and workforce development in Arizona.

Alquist 3D uses large-scale robotic technology to 3D print homes and commercial structures. But as Zach explains, the real opportunity goes far beyond the technology itself. A growing industry needs people who understand robotics, computer-aided design, materials, safety, coding and the complexities of construction.

That’s where education and workforce development come together.

Zach and Ken discuss Rio Salado’s work to prepare learners for emerging opportunities in construction additive manufacturing, why automation can create new career pathways rather than simply eliminate jobs, and how 3D printing could ultimately contribute to solutions for housing affordability.

The conversation also explores Alquist 3D’s groundbreaking commercial projects, including its work with Walmart; opportunities for experienced construction workers to reskill; and a future in which 3D-printing technology could become a familiar presence on construction sites.

From giant robots printing buildings to students preparing for careers that barely existed a few years ago, this Season 3 premiere asks an exciting question: What happens when education, technology and industry work together to build the future?

Wave Makers: Bold voices. Real stories. Defining Moments.

In this inspiring episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese welcomes two extraordinary Rio Salado College students whose stories prove it’s never too late to start over, dream bigger, and redefine your future.

Meet Marielena “Mari” Aguirre Foster, who is approaching nine years of sobriety and preparing to transfer to Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College to study public policy and health policy. Alongside her is Goldie Johnson Pompey, a student leader balancing work, academics, and a future legal career as she prepares to transfer to the University of Arizona to pursue law.

Together, they share what it means to return to school as non-traditional students while juggling careers, recovery, leadership, and life experience. From late-night study sessions and online learning flexibility to discovering mentorship, purpose, and community through Rio Salado College, this episode highlights the transformative power of education at every stage of life.

In this episode:

This episode is a powerful reminder that growth is always possible — and that sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin later than expected.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese sits down with Rio Salado student and nonprofit founder Shaniqua Hopkins, alongside one of the young women she mentors, Sharara.

Shaniqua’s journey began in the foster care system — a childhood shaped by adversity, resilience, and a promise to create something better for others like her. Today, she is the founder of 7th Dream Helping Hearts, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting foster, at-risk, pregnant, and parenting teens through mentorship, resources, and community.

But this episode is more than one story — it is impact in action.

Through Sharara’s emotional and inspiring testimony, listeners witness what happens when someone feels supported, seen, and believed in. From securing housing and employment to building confidence and independence, her journey reflects the heart of Shaniqua’s mission: walking alongside young women and helping them build self-sufficient futures.

Together, they discuss:

This episode is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the life-changing impact of showing up for others.

What does it take to build a thriving local economy? It takes collaboration.

In this episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese sits down with Robin Arredondo-Savage, President & CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, and Lisa Hausz , Program Manager for Economic Development with the City of Tempe. Together, they explore how higher education, workforce development, and business leadership intersect to shape Tempe’s future.

From attracting new industries to strengthening legacy businesses, from Career Ready internships to adult upskilling programs, this conversation dives into how Rio Salado College, the Chamber, and the City are working side by side to create opportunity for every generation.

You’ll hear about:

In this inspiring episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese sits down with Frank Nino — a first-generation college graduate, entrepreneur, author, and founder of Rising Sun Athletic League. Frank opens up about his powerful story, from growing up in group homes and becoming a father at 19, to walking into Rio Salado College with his four kids and a dream.

What started as one class turned into two associate degrees, two certificates, and a bachelor’s degree with honors. But Frank didn’t stop there. He’s now mentoring youth, building businesses, and redefining what’s possible for those who’ve felt unseen.

This conversation is a moving reminder that your past does not define your future — and that purpose can be found through perseverance, service, and a commitment to making others feel seen and heard.

🎙️ Topics covered:

🔗 Learn more at www.riosalado.edu

In this powerful episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese sits down with Alysa Call, a lifelong learner whose two-decade educational journey with Rio Salado College spans from teacher to nurse — and every bold step in between.

Alysa first turned to Rio Salado in 2006 as a busy mom and Spanish teacher seeking licensure renewal. Years later, she returned with a new dream: to become a nurse. With humor, honesty, and heart, Alysa shares how Rio’s flexible scheduling and supportive structure helped her navigate intense science prerequisites while balancing motherhood, work, and health challenges.

From using frozen meal prep and family chore charts to layering chemistry classes between summer vacations, Alysa reveals the real-life systems, support, and mindset shifts that made it all possible.

Now a nurse who uses her Spanish medical interpretation skills daily, Alysa reflects on what it means to show up scared, stay organized, and trust that even in the messiness, growth is happening.

In this heartwarming episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese brings you a story that truly defines a full-circle moment. When Bob Waters logged in for his first teacher prep course at Rio Salado College, he discovered something unexpected: his instructor was none other than his fourth-grade teacher, Julie Ferin.

Julie, now an Instructional Services Director and long-time educator, vividly remembered Bob — a once-anxious child who found comfort in her classroom. Now, decades later, he’s on the path to becoming an educator himself through Rio’s post-baccalaureate program.

Together, they reflect on their shared past, the evolution of education, and how compassion, empathy, and connection remain at the heart of great teaching. From classroom memories to future aspirations, this episode is a moving celebration of educators' lasting impact.

In this empowering episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese sits down with Henry Smith, Title V Program Manager, and Clarice Wziatek, Academic Life Coach, to dive into Rio Salado College’s transformative Avanzar Program.

Funded by a $3M Title V grant, the Avanzar Program is on a mission to support the new majority learner — students who are first-generation, working parents, caregivers, or navigating financial and personal challenges.

Clarice shares how academic life coaching is redefining student support through tools like Gallup Strengths, the Stanford-designed “Design Your Life” method, and deep, individualized guidance that helps students align their education with real-life goals. Henry reflects on how mentorship changed his own life — and why building relationships rooted in trust, accountability, and empowerment is key to retention and student success.

🎓 This episode is a must-listen for educators, advisors, and anyone who believes in the power of higher education to change lives.

What happens when two ambitious high schoolers take on college coursework, explore their career passions, and help run a college’s marketing department — all before graduation?

In this inspiring episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese welcomes Rio Salado College’s first-ever high school interns, Alexandria and Alyssa, from Desert Vista High School. These dual enrollment students share how they're earning college credits while still in high school — saving time, money, and accelerating their dreams.

From architecture to film, Alexandria and Alyssa are designing bold futures. They reflect on managing demanding schedules, growing through mentorship, and the supportive community that helped them succeed — both in the classroom and on the job.

🎓 If you’ve ever wondered whether dual enrollment and real-world internships can spark lifelong success, this episode proves they absolutely can.