Wave Makers

Recovery, Reinvention & Rising Higher: Two Students Redefining What’s Possible

In this inspiring episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese welcomes two extraordinary Rio Salado College students whose stories prove it’s never too late to start over, dream bigger, and redefine your future.
Meet Marielena “Mari” Aguirre Foster, who is approaching nine years of sobriety and preparing to transfer to Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College to study public policy and health policy. Alongside her is Goldie Johnson Pompey, a student leader balancing work, academics, and a future legal career as she prepares to transfer to the University of Arizona to pursue law.
Together, they share what it means to return to school as non-traditional students while juggling careers, recovery, leadership, and life experience. From late-night study sessions and online learning flexibility to discovering mentorship, purpose, and community through Rio Salado College, this episode highlights the transformative power of education at every stage of life.
In this episode:
Mari shares her journey through recovery and personal transformation
Goldie discusses returning to college while working full-time
Both students reflect on finding leadership, belonging, and mentorship through student life
The conversation explores how community college can open unexpected doors
They discuss overcoming fear, self-doubt, and starting again
This episode is a powerful reminder that growth is always possible — and that sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin later than expected.

From Foster Care to Founder: Building Hope Through 7th Dream Helping Hearts

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese sits down with Rio Salado student and nonprofit founder Shaniqua Hopkins, alongside one of the young women she mentors, Sharara.
Shaniqua’s journey began in the foster care system — a childhood shaped by adversity, resilience, and a promise to create something better for others like her. Today, she is the founder of 7th Dream Helping Hearts, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting foster, at-risk, pregnant, and parenting teens through mentorship, resources, and community.
But this episode is more than one story — it is impact in action.
Through Sharara’s emotional and inspiring testimony, listeners witness what happens when someone feels supported, seen, and believed in. From securing housing and employment to building confidence and independence, her journey reflects the heart of Shaniqua’s mission: walking alongside young women and helping them build self-sufficient futures.
Together, they discuss:
Breaking cycles and creating generational change
The realities of foster care and teen parenthood
Starting a nonprofit while raising a family and attending college
The power of mentorship, consistency, and community support
Why courage often begins with simply reaching out
This episode is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the life-changing impact of showing up for others.

Building the Future of Tempe: Workforce, Business & Education in Action

What does it take to build a thriving local economy? It takes collaboration.
In this episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese sits down with Robin Arredondo-Savage, President & CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, and Lisa Hausz , Program Manager for Economic Development with the City of Tempe. Together, they explore how higher education, workforce development, and business leadership intersect to shape Tempe’s future.
From attracting new industries to strengthening legacy businesses, from Career Ready internships to adult upskilling programs, this conversation dives into how Rio Salado College, the Chamber, and the City are working side by side to create opportunity for every generation.
You’ll hear about:
Why skilled talent is the #1 driver of economic growth
The in-demand skills employers are seeking right now
How micro-credentials and flexible education meet real workforce needs
Supporting adult learners balancing work, family, and career transitions
The power of collaboration in building economic mobility
 

From Group Homes to Graduations: Frank Nino’s Journey of Resilience and Hope

In this inspiring episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese sits down with Frank Nino — a first-generation college graduate, entrepreneur, author, and founder of Rising Sun Athletic League. Frank opens up about his powerful story, from growing up in group homes and becoming a father at 19, to walking into Rio Salado College with his four kids and a dream.
What started as one class turned into two associate degrees, two certificates, and a bachelor’s degree with honors. But Frank didn’t stop there. He’s now mentoring youth, building businesses, and redefining what’s possible for those who’ve felt unseen.
This conversation is a moving reminder that your past does not define your future — and that purpose can be found through perseverance, service, and a commitment to making others feel seen and heard.
🎙️ Topics covered:
Frank’s journey from foster care to college
How Rio Salado helped him discover confidence and direction
The creation of Rising Sun Athletics and his mission to support underserved youth
The power of mentorship, faith, and education to transform lives
What legacy really means when you start with nothing
🔗 Learn more at www.riosalado.edu

Brave Steps: Alysa Call’s Journey From Classroom to Clinic

In this powerful episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese sits down with Alysa Call, a lifelong learner whose two-decade educational journey with Rio Salado College spans from teacher to nurse — and every bold step in between.
Alysa first turned to Rio Salado in 2006 as a busy mom and Spanish teacher seeking licensure renewal. Years later, she returned with a new dream: to become a nurse. With humor, honesty, and heart, Alysa shares how Rio’s flexible scheduling and supportive structure helped her navigate intense science prerequisites while balancing motherhood, work, and health challenges.
From using frozen meal prep and family chore charts to layering chemistry classes between summer vacations, Alysa reveals the real-life systems, support, and mindset shifts that made it all possible.
Now a nurse who uses her Spanish medical interpretation skills daily, Alysa reflects on what it means to show up scared, stay organized, and trust that even in the messiness, growth is happening.

Full Circle: When Your Fourth Grade Teacher Becomes Your College Professor

In this heartwarming episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese brings you a story that truly defines a full-circle moment. When Bob Waters logged in for his first teacher prep course at Rio Salado College, he discovered something unexpected: his instructor was none other than his fourth-grade teacher, Julie Ferin.
Julie, now an Instructional Services Director and long-time educator, vividly remembered Bob — a once-anxious child who found comfort in her classroom. Now, decades later, he’s on the path to becoming an educator himself through Rio’s post-baccalaureate program.
Together, they reflect on their shared past, the evolution of education, and how compassion, empathy, and connection remain at the heart of great teaching. From classroom memories to future aspirations, this episode is a moving celebration of educators' lasting impact.

Guiding the New Majority: How Rio’s Avanzar Program Supports Today’s Students

In this empowering episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese sits down with Henry Smith, Title V Program Manager, and Clarice Wziatek, Academic Life Coach, to dive into Rio Salado College’s transformative Avanzar Program.
Funded by a $3M Title V grant, the Avanzar Program is on a mission to support the new majority learner — students who are first-generation, working parents, caregivers, or navigating financial and personal challenges.
Clarice shares how academic life coaching is redefining student support through tools like Gallup Strengths, the Stanford-designed “Design Your Life” method, and deep, individualized guidance that helps students align their education with real-life goals. Henry reflects on how mentorship changed his own life — and why building relationships rooted in trust, accountability, and empowerment is key to retention and student success.
🎓 This episode is a must-listen for educators, advisors, and anyone who believes in the power of higher education to change lives.

Fast-Tracked Futures: High School Interns Making College Waves

What happens when two ambitious high schoolers take on college coursework, explore their career passions, and help run a college’s marketing department — all before graduation?
In this inspiring episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese welcomes Rio Salado College’s first-ever high school interns, Alexandria and Alyssa, from Desert Vista High School. These dual enrollment students share how they're earning college credits while still in high school — saving time, money, and accelerating their dreams.
From architecture to film, Alexandria and Alyssa are designing bold futures. They reflect on managing demanding schedules, growing through mentorship, and the supportive community that helped them succeed — both in the classroom and on the job.
🎓 If you’ve ever wondered whether dual enrollment and real-world internships can spark lifelong success, this episode proves they absolutely can.

Rising with Purpose: Kesha Shelton on Education, Advocacy, and the Power of Perseverance

In this heartfelt episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese sits down with Kesha Shelton — a proud Rio Salado College alum, single mother of three, first-generation college graduate, and fierce advocate for early childhood education.
Kesha shares her inspiring journey from enrolling at Rio as a busy working mom to graduating with honors and serving as the 2024 Graduate Marshal. She discusses how she built a new future by embracing online learning, staying disciplined, leaning on community support, and leading by example for her children.
Now a double major at Arizona State University and a public speaker on education equity, Kesha is turning personal challenges into public impact — and she’s just getting started.
🎓 Be inspired by how one woman’s determination is shaping her future — and her community.

Defining Moments: From Adversity to Achievement with Beka & Cordero

In this powerful debut episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese welcomes two extraordinary Rio Salado College alumni, Beka Namachanja and Cordero Holmes. Their paths to higher education were anything but traditional — marked by resilience, reinvention, and unwavering hope.
Cordero began his academic journey while incarcerated, later earning multiple degrees and stepping into community leadership. Beka, after facing major life shifts, rediscovered her purpose through Rio’s online flexibility and personal support. Together, they share how Rio Salado became more than a college — it became a community and a catalyst for change.
This is a raw, heartfelt conversation about redefining success, building lasting friendships, and the power of education to transform lives.
🎓 #DefineYourMoment with us.