Persistent! - William Herrera - TRIO Alum & Co-Founder of First Gen Legacy

In this episode, we are joined by William (Will) Herrera ... a proud TRIO alumnus, dedicated educator, and co-author of the powerful new book, “Dear First Gen.” Will takes us through his inspiring educational journey, from his formative years to becoming a graduate of UC-Davis and holding a master's degree from UCLA. As a first-generation college graduate who grew up low-income, Will shares his perspective on the many "firsts" he’s experienced, the challenges he overcame, and the pivotal role that programs like TRIO played in his success. We dive deep into a critical conversation about financial literacy, exploring the strategies first-gen students need to build sustainable wealth and a lasting legacy. Whether you are a student striving for success, a parent supporting your child’s dreams, or an educator working on the front lines of college access, this episode offers a roadmap for turning dreams into action. Key Topics Covered: The First-Gen Experience: How to navigate academic and professional systems while honoring your roots. Educational Milestones: Reflecting on the path from UC-Davis to UCLA. Financial Literacy 101: Practical advice on breaking cycles, understanding money, and building first-generation wealth. Dear First Gen: A behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration and lessons found in his co-authored book. Connect with Will Herrera & First Gen Legacy Website: https://firstgenlegacy.com/ Buy the Book! 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 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 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