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.

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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!

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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

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