Let’s Talk TRIO

Hopeful - Cassandra Puletapuai, TRIO McNair Staff at Colorado State University

TRIO Nation, we’re back! After a short hiatus, we’re returning to our roots: sharing the powerful stories that define our community. In this episode, we sit down with Cassandra Puletapuai, a TRIO McNair staff member at Colorado State University.
Cassandra opens up about the hurdles and triumphs of her educational journey, her current pursuit of a PhD, and the "full circle" moment of becoming a mentor for the very program that fuels her passion. Tune in to hear how her background shaped her success and why she’s dedicated to lifting others as she climbs.
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!
Find your Congressional Representative
NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference
A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
Felicia Rivera
Jaded Electronics
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC)
TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma
Longsdale Publishing
StudentAccess
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

FIRST-GEN RAMS (4 of 4): Maria de Jesus, CSU Student

In this special edition limited series, the Let's Talk TRIO podcast is proud to feature first-gen voices at Colorado State University. This episode was made possible in collaboration with Colorado State University's First-Generation Student Organization (FGSO) and the TRIO Programs.
In this episode we feature Maria de Jesus, a student at Colorado State University studying Human Development and Family Studies. Listen as Maria shares her first-gen experience.
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
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
Felicia Rivera
Jaded Electronics
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC)
TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma
Longsdale Publishing
StudentAccess
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

FIRST-GEN RAMS (3 of 4): Janeth Gurrola, Student at Colorado State University

In this special edition limited series, the Let's Talk TRIO podcast is proud to feature first-gen voices at Colorado State University. This episode was made possible in collaboration with Colorado State University's First-Generation Student Organization (FGSO) and the TRIO Programs.
In this episode we feature Janeth Gurrola, a student at Colorado State University. Listen as Janeth shares her first-gen experience.
 
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
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
Felicia Rivera
Jaded Electronics
 
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC)
TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma
Longsdale Publishing
StudentAccess
 
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

FIRST-GEN RAMS (2 of 4): Odeth Tomas Sarat, Student at Colorado State University

In this special edition limited series, the Let's Talk TRIO podcast is proud to feature first-gen voices at Colorado State University. This episode was made possible in collaboration with Colorado State University's First-Generation Student Organization (FGSO) and the TRIO Programs.
In this episode we feature Odeth Tomas Sarat, a student at Colorado State University. Listen as Odeth shares her first-gen experience.
 
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
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
Felicia Rivera
Jaded Electronics
 
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC)
TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma
Longsdale Publishing
StudentAccess
 
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

FIRST-GEN RAMS (1 of 4): Delilah Lopez, Graduate Student at CSU

In this special edition limited series, the Let's Talk TRIO podcast is proud to feature first-gen voices at Colorado State University. This episode was made possible in collaboration with Colorado State University's First-Generation Student Organization (FGSO) and the TRIO Programs.
In this episode we feature Delilah Lopez, a graduate student at Colorado State University studying the Impact Master's in Business Administration. Listen as Delilah shares her first-gen experience.
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
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
Felicia Rivera
Jaded Electronics
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC)
TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma
Longsdale Publishing
StudentAccess
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

Your Advocacy Game Plan with Jeff Kahlden, COE Board Chair

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
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
Felicia Rivera
Jaded Electronics
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC)
TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma
Longsdale Publishing
StudentAccess
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

"Hopeful" - Dr. Estevan Parra-Guerrero - Director, TRIO Upward Bound (Fresno State)

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
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
Felicia Rivera
Jaded Electronics
 
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC)
TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma
Longsdale Publishing
StudentAccess
 
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

A Collaboration with JCYC TRIO Programs: The Importance of Advocacy

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
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
Felicia Rivera
Jaded Electronics
 
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC)
TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma
Longsdale Publishing
StudentAccess
 
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