Wave Makers

In this heartfelt episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese sits down with Kesha Shelton — a proud Rio Salado College alum, single mother of three, first-generation college graduate, and fierce advocate for early childhood education.

Kesha shares her inspiring journey from enrolling at Rio as a busy working mom to graduating with honors and serving as the 2024 Graduate Marshal. She discusses how she built a new future by embracing online learning, staying disciplined, leaning on community support, and leading by example for her children.

Now a double major at Arizona State University and a public speaker on education equity, Kesha is turning personal challenges into public impact — and she’s just getting started.

🎓 Be inspired by how one woman’s determination is shaping her future — and her community.

In this powerful debut episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese welcomes two extraordinary Rio Salado College alumni, Beka Namachanja and Cordero Holmes. Their paths to higher education were anything but traditional — marked by resilience, reinvention, and unwavering hope.

Cordero began his academic journey while incarcerated, later earning multiple degrees and stepping into community leadership. Beka, after facing major life shifts, rediscovered her purpose through Rio’s online flexibility and personal support. Together, they share how Rio Salado became more than a college — it became a community and a catalyst for change.

This is a raw, heartfelt conversation about redefining success, building lasting friendships, and the power of education to transform lives.

🎓 #DefineYourMoment with us.