"Hopeful" - Dr. Estevan Parra-Guerrero - Director, TRIO Upward Bound (Fresno State)

Hi TRIO Nation! This week, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Estevan Parra-Guerrero, Director of the TRIO Upward Bound Programs at California State University, Fresno. Dr. Parra-Guerrero’s passion for educational opportunity is deeply personal. He opens up about his journey from South Central LA, where he was raised by formerly undocumented parents alongside 10 siblings, to becoming a celebrated leader. Hear how his background as a first-generation college student and a closeted gay Mexicano shaped his commitment to equity in education. Discover his unexpected professional path, which led him from a Fortune 500 company to pursuing his master’s and ultimately an Ed.D. culminating in him being named the prestigious 2025 Dean’s Medalist. Now, as the 2024 Director of the Year and a 40 Under 40 recipient, he impactfully supports 153 low-income, first-generation students every day. Get ready for an inspiring, honest, and yes, even humorous conversation! Community Announcement Links: TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. Let them know…TRIO Works! Find your Congressional Representative   NCCU 2026 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 Longsdale Publishing 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 Manager, and Producer Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host   Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram   Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage