Dr. Aida Martinez-Freeman, MHQ Managing Director extraordinaire, was recognized by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) in October as a “Face of TRIO” alumni. The Federal TRIO Programs are educational programs that provide support to first generation, low income and students with disabilities so they can become successful college graduates.
“Aida is an accomplished leader in so many capacities,” said Dara Rudick, CEO of MHQ. “We couldn’t be more pleased to celebrate with her this important part of the foundation of her education.”
The TRIO Program is one of the most successful and longest running federal educational reform programs. It was a part of Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty which became official with the passing of the Educational Opportunity Act of 1964.
“To this day, this is one of the greatest moments in our nation’s history,” said Dr. Aida Martinez-Freeman. “Our federal government prioritized the eradication of poverty in our country. An educational pipeline from high school to college became of the critical strategies to fight poverty.”
Read an excerpt from Aida’s TRIO interview:
What does TRIO mean to you?
“Michigan State’s TRIO Student Support Services (MSU TRIO SSS) and McNair Program created an ecosystem of success and support that centered my humanity. The TRIO staff reminded me of my brilliance, pushed me to reach higher, and gave me a home away from home. It is this modeling of what education for liberation looks like that propelled my passion for education and service. I am TRIO. Because of TRIO, I’m not only the first one in my family with a bachelor’s degree but also a doctorate degree. Because of TRIO, I’m the first one in the family to own a home, and my own business (TAINA Coaching & Training, LLC).”
