In this episode of Let's Talk TRIO, we bring together a dedicated panel of TRIO staff members who share a passion for empowering students and advancing postsecondary success:

• Darla Ellett, Director of TRIO Programs
• Cameron Coley, Tutor Coordinator & Academic Counselor (TRIO SSS)
• Filip Pavlovic, Academic Advisor (TRIO SSS)
• Nick Mizell, Coordinator (TRIO McNair Scholars)

Our guests open up about their personal educational journeys, what drew them to serving TRIO programs, and the unique backgrounds that shape their day-to-day work. While each staff member brings a distinct perspective from their respective program, they all share a unified vision: guiding TRIO students toward achieving their dreams.

Tune in as we dive into what true student success looks like, the power of holistically supporting students, and why advocating for TRIO programs is more vital than ever.

• Personal Journeys: Hear how the staff’s own educational paths inform their dedication to student support.
• Diverse Roles, One Mission: How different TRIO programs (SSS, McNair, and overall leadership) work together toward a shared goal.
• Advocacy & Impact: Why advocating for TRIO programs creates lasting opportunities for first-generation and underrepresented students.

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

North Carolina Central University’s TRIO Student Access and Success Conference 2027

Connect with the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)

Connect with the National TRIO Alumni Association

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
• Rick Martinez
• Dawn BlueSky-Hill
• Orrin Dewbre
• Kurt Munz-Raper
• Myria Davis
• Jaded Electronics

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

• TRIOjoblist.com
• NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC)
• TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma
• StudentAccess

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for NOSTROS Education Center and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

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 Media Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome back returning guest Daphnis Schmidt, Middle School Educational Advisor with JCYC’s College Access in San Francisco!

Daphnis opens up about his personal educational journey…from navigating obstacles and discovering TRIO to coming full circle and working within a TRIO program today. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, community support, and personal achievement, and discover firsthand why TRIO works!

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

Connect with the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)

Connect with the National TRIO Alumni Association

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
• Rick Martinez
• Dawn BlueSky-Hill
• Orrin Dewbre
• Kurt Munz-Raper
• Myria Davis
• Jaded Electronics

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

• TRIOjoblist.com
• NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC)
• TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma
• StudentAccess

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for NOSTROS Education Center and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

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 Media Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

In this episode of Let’s Talk TRIO, we are joined by Al Bacon, Director of Education and Outreach Services at the Parris Foundation. Al shares his inspiring educational journey - earning degrees in Psychology from Midwestern State University, Adult Education and Distance Learning from the University of Phoenix, and Human Resource Development from Texas A&M University.

We dive deep into his personal experience with TRIO, how it impacted his life and career, and the critical work he does today empowering students and communities through the Parris Foundation. Tune in for a powerful conversation on lifelong learning, mentorship, and community outreach!

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

Connect with the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)

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
• Rick Martinez
• Dawn BlueSky-Hill
• Orrin Dewbre
• Kurt Munz-Raper
• Myria Davis
• Jaded Electronics

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

• TRIOjoblist.com
• NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC)
• TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma
• 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 Media Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage