Let’s Talk TRIO

"Focused, Persistent, and Relentless" - The TRIO Upward Bound Staff at the University of Montana

Changing lives, one student at a time. Meet the dedicated TRIO Upward Bound team at the University of Montana-Missoula on this episode of Let's Talk TRIO. Xavier Xtravaganza, Jonathan Carter, and Dannette Fadness reveal what drives them to support students on their path to higher education and share inspiring stories from the front lines.
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
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
TRIO@PROFORMAGREEN.COM
StudentAccess
 
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

Hey Friend! Catching Up with Daniela Garcia - TRIO Alum

What happens when a TRIO student becomes a TRIO leader? Find out on this episode of Let's Talk TRIO! We catch up with Daniela Garcia, now Director of Upward Bound at Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell, to hear how TRIO impacted her life and how she's now paying it forward. It's a story of transformation you won't want to miss.
 
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
Email: TRIO@proformagreen.com
StudentAccess
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

Opinion Piece on the Attempt to Freeze Federal Programs by Juan Rivas

Juan's opinion on the attempt to freeze the budgets of many federal programs which could have potential affects on TRIO. This move by the Trump Administration was blocked by a federal judge and, ultimately, the administration rescinded the memo.
To support the work and mission of TRIO, make a donation to the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE).
TRIO Alumni! Sign-up to be part of the TRIO Alumni Network through the National TRIO Alumni Association.
To support the TRIO community in Los Angeles affected by the fires, click here.
Find your U.S. Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Find your U.S. Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
The Let's Talk TRIO podcast is not affiliated with the Council for Opportunity in Education, The National TRIO Alumni Association, or Colorado State University. All opinions are of the host, Juan M. Rivas.

“A Mariposa Abroad” - Nelsy Montes-Romero - TRIO Student Support Services

SEASON 6 FINALE! Hear from Nelsy Montes-Romero, a current TRIO Student Support Services participant at California State University-Monterey Bay. Nelsy joins us to share her inspiring journey, including her academic progress, exciting personal experiences, and how TRIO is supporting her on her path to success.
A heartfelt thanks to our individual supporters:
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Dr. Ryan Barone
Rosario Riley
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Felicia Rivera
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
Jaded Electronics/Software
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors:
StudentAccess
TRIOjoblist.com
The TRIO Store powered by Proforma
Website: https://www.thetriostore.com/category
Email: TRIO@proformagreen.com 
NOSOTROS Education Center
Support the podcast:
Patreon: Let’s Talk TRIO (monthly support)
Corporate Sponsorship (sponsor packages available): letstalktrio@gmail.com
Make a One-time Donation via PayPal
Art and Voice Overs
Raul Perez: Cover Art
Karla Sandoval: Voice over ad for NOSOTROS Education Center
Amelia Castaneda: Voice over ad for StudentAccess
The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team
John Russell: Audio Engineer, Music composer, music producer, music performer, and post-production editor
Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer
Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host
 
Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook
 
Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Website

"Resilient" - Michael Dillard - TRIO Upward Bound Alum

From Poverty to the World Stage: Michael Dillard, a TRIO Upward Bound alum, shares his incredible journey. This 'accidental' diplomat, author of "Accidental Success," reveals how education transformed his life. Learn how TRIO Upward Bound helped him navigate college, discover his passion for finance, and ultimately, find his voice on the global stage. Listen now!
Contact our Guest, Michael Dillard, for Speaking Engagements (book a free 30-minute call!):
Website: https://www.madillard.com/ 
This podcast episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Let’s Talk TRIO or its host. This episode does not constitute financial, investment, or tax advice. You should consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. Investing involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
A heartfelt thanks to our individual supporters:
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Dr. Ryan Barone
Rosario Riley
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Felicia Rivera
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
Jaded Electronics/Software
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors:
StudentAccess
TRIOjoblist.com
The TRIO Store powered by Proforma
Website: https://www.thetriostore.com/category
Email: TRIO@proformagreen.com 
NOSOTROS Education Center
Support the podcast:
Patreon: Let’s Talk TRIO (monthly support)
Corporate Sponsorship (sponsor packages available): letstalktrio@gmail.com
Make a One-time Donation via PayPal
Art and Voice Overs
Raul Perez: Cover Art
Karla Sandoval: Voice over ad for NOSOTROS Education Center
Amelia Castaneda: Voice over ad for StudentAccess
 
The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team
John Russell: Audio Engineer, Music composer, music producer, music performer, and post-production editor
Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer
Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host
 
Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook
Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Website

"Resilient" - Dr. Renee Delgado-Riley - TRIO McNair Alum from the University of New Mexico

In this episode: Dr. Renee Delgado-Riley, TRIO McNair Alum from the University of New Mexico and Director of Research and Assessment within the Office of Student Life at the University of Oregon.
Dr. Delgado-Riley is on the podcast to share her TRIO journey, being an alum of the TRIO McNair program, her interest in research, and so much more.
A heartfelt thank you to our individual supporters:
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Felicia Rivera
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors:
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center
StudentAccess
TheTRIOStore.com powered by Proforma
Website: https://www.thetriostore.com/Category
Email: TRIO@PROFORMAGREEN.COM
Support the podcast:
Patreon: Let's Talk TRIO (monthly support)
Corporate Sponsorship (options available): Contact us at letstalktrio@gmail.com
Make a One-Time Donation via PayPal
Art and Voice overs
Raul Perez: Cover Art
Karla Sandoval: Voice over ad for NOSOTROS Education Center
Amelia Castaneda: Voice over ad for StudentAccess
The Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Team
John Russell: Audio Engineer, Music Producer, Music Composer, Music Performer, and Post-Production Editor
Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer
Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
Visit the Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Website

"Outgoing" - Cove Johnson - TRIO Upward Bound Participant at the University of North Dakota

In this episode: Cove Johnson, TRIO Upward Bound participant and TRIO Talent Search alum from the University of North Dakota.
Cove is on the podcast to share her TRIO journey, interests in high school, potential career paths, and so much more.
A heartfelt thank you to our individual supporters:
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Felicia Rivera
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors:
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center
StudentAccess
TheTRIOStore.com powered by Proforma
Website: https://www.thetriostore.com/Category
Email: TRIO@PROFORMAGREEN.COM
Support the podcast:
Patreon: Let's Talk TRIO (monthly support)
Corporate Sponsorship (options available): Contact us at letstalktrio@gmail.com
Make a One-Time Donation via PayPal
Art and Voice overs
Raul Perez: Cover Art
Karla Sandoval: Voice over ad for NOSOTROS Education Center
Amelia Castaneda: Voice over ad for StudentAccess
The Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Team
John Russell: Audio Engineer, Music Producer, Music Composer, Music Performer, and Post-Production Editor
Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer
Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
Visit the Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Website

"Inspired" - Dr. Lydia Perez - Director of TRIO Programs

In this episode: Dr. Lydia Perez, Director of TRIO Programs at Mesa Community College and TRIO Alum.
Dr. Perez is on the podcast to share her TRIO journey, her path to college (which started with attending a football game!), pursuing a doctoral degree, and receiving the Walter O. Mason Jr. Award for Exceptional Contributions to Educational Opportunity. Listen as Dr. Perez talks about her experience being a TRIO participant, following the path to college, working for TRIO programs, and so much more.
A heartfelt thank you to our individual supporters:
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Felicia Rivera
Eric LaMaster
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors:
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center
StudentAccess
TheTRIOStore.com powered by Proforma
Website: https://www.thetriostore.com/Category
Email: TRIO@PROFORMAGREEN.COM
Support the podcast:
Patreon: Let's Talk TRIO (monthly support)
Corporate Sponsorship (options available): Contact us at letstalktrio@gmail.com
Make a One-Time Donation via PayPal
Art and Voice overs
Raul Perez: Cover Art
Karla Sandoval: Voice over ad for NOSOTROS Education Center
Amelia Castaneda: Voice over ad for StudentAccess
The Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Team
John Russell: Audio Engineer, Music Producer, Music Composer, Music Performer, and Post-Production Editor
Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer
Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
Visit the Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Website