TRIO Training Speakers
Engage, Interact, Evolve
Speakers and Conference Facilitators
Chez Redmond, M.Ed.
Speaker
Chez has served as the Senior Director for EOC, VUB, and six of the different SSS iterations. She is an alumna of SSS and McNair. Chez is currently completing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Her areas of research and inquiry include contemplative practices in the training and development of front-line service providers.
S. DeShawn Watson, M.P.A., Emerging Technologies Certified
Speaker
DeShawn spent his post grad years in Tokyo, Japan. On his return to the States, he worked for the Upward Bound program. He has directed SSS Disabled, SSS Traditional, EOC, and VUB. He is an alum of SSS. His areas of expertise include operational management and internal controls.
Cheri Stout-Robinson, M.B.A
Event Manager
Cheri is the TRIO Training Event Manager. She has worked with budget management and recordkeeping with SSS, VUB, and EOC.
Taro Iwase, M.P.A
Technology Specialist
Taro is the TRIO Training Data Coordinator. He has worked with staff from SSS, VUB, and EOC to digitally enhance project services.
Victoria Arnold Harrel, Ed.D.
Grant Writer
Victoria has served as the PI for SSS, VUB, EOC, and TRIO Training. She is the grantwriter for GEAR UP, TS, VUB, EOC, all six SSS (STEM, K-12 Teacher Prep, Traditional, Disabled, Veterans, ESL), and TRIO Training.
Experienced Speakers
Cherryl Arnold, M.S.
Speaker
Ms. Arnold served as a practitioner for 35 years with TRIO. She is currently a consultant providing expertise and extensive knowledge of the Federal TRIO Program guidelines and regulations and has often been called upon to conduct workshops, site visits, program audits, on-boarding, proposal writings and edits to assist TRIO Program administrators.
Lucille Jones, M.S.
Speaker
Ms. Jones has been working in TRIO programs for 31 years; while at University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, she coordinated the efforts of four TRIO programs: SSS, EOC, ETS, and UB. Lucy has also served as President-Elect, President, and Past President of SWASAP, AASAP; and Chair of COE.
Nora Contreras, M. A.
Speaker
Nora has established research components for both McNair and Student Support Services STEM and Health Sciences programs. She currently serves as the Project Director for SSS-LA META (ESL). As an alumna of McNair, she is passionate about continuing education and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
Jim Hill
Compliance Specialist
Jim is the Compliance Specialist for TRIO programs at the University of Central Oklahoma. He has worked as a grant accountant and has overseen multiple federal grants.
