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

From TRIO Upward Bound alumna to Mount Holyoke College advocate and award winner, Alejandra Lopez Nestor’s journey is defined by purpose. In this episode, Alejandra opens up about her upbringing, choosing Mount Holyoke, and her work raising awareness for social issues facing migrant communities. She also shares the unique story of working on a farm for a "break" and turning that experience into a compelling docu-series.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Navigating the path to college through TRIO Upward Bound

• Finding her voice as an advocate at Mount Holyoke College

• The unexpected story behind her farm work and docu-series

• Bringing migrant rights and social issues to the forefront

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

Support the podcast by making a one-time donation to our Venmo account and be entered to win a Let's Talk TRIO mug (courtesy of our sponsor The TRIO Store)! Drawing active until Friday, October 30, 2026 and a winner announced on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Donate on Venmo - @lets_talk_trio

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

Welcome to the SEASON 8 Premiere of Let's Talk TRIO!

In our first episode for this season we feature TRIO Alum and Graduate of Idaho State University: Chelsea Blanchard.

Listen as Chelsea shares her educational and career journey. Learn how Chelsea encountered the TRIO programs and her path to be part of the TRIO community. Chelsea also provides insights in being a non-traditional student navigating a college campus.

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

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 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