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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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