Mara Luna, the visionary director of the TRIO Upward Bound program at the University of Puerto Rico’s Río Piedras Campus, boasts a remarkable career journey that began as an elementary English teacher in a rural community outside San Juan over two and a half decades ago. Her dedication to uplifting low-income families has left an indelible mark, as she has expertly navigated the realm of English as a Second Language (ESL), instructing students of all ages, from kindergarteners to adults. With an impressive 17 years of higher education experience, Mara transitioned seamlessly into the TRIO community, overseeing a federal grant dedicated to enriching the professional development of public school teachers. A dynamic presence within the Caribbean Association of Educational Opportunities Programs (CAEOP), she has led the charge as an active board member, steering the Professional Development and TRIO Achievers Committees and contributing to the Conference committee. Beyond her illustrious career, Mara holds a bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages (1993) and a master’s degree in Teaching of English as a Second Language (2003) from the University of Puerto Rico. After conducting groundbreaking research in Curriculum and Teaching at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, she completed her doctoral degree in 2022, cementing her status as a true educational trailblazer.

Jeff Kahlden currently serves as Director of Grant Management Services for Dallas College in Dallas, TX. As Director, Jeff works and assists with seven TRIO Grants (Student Support Services, Talent Search, and Upward Bound) and 3 Title V HSI Grants among the seven campuses of Dallas College. Through his work with the grants at Dallas College, he is part of a team of dedicated professionals that assist 2,000-plus students in Dallas and its surrounding communities. Before joining Dallas College, Jeff directed TRIO Programs at Weatherford College (17 years), University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (2 years), and Tarleton State University (3+ years). As a professional, he has seen his roles grow at this institution and within the professional associations of Texas TRIO Association, SWASAP, and COE. Previously, Jeff has served as COE Treasurer, COE Resource Development Co-Chair, SWASAP President, and Texas TRIO president. In addition, he has served as the parliamentarian and numerous committee chair positions at the region. Along the way, he has enjoyed taking on the roles of Emerging Leaders Institute Co-Chair and Student Leadership Conference co-chair, as it was a chance to mentor young professionals and see the students grow by leaps and bounds in the span of two to three days at their conferences. Jeff is a native of Weimar, TX, a first-generation college graduate of Tarleton State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Services and Development and his master’s degree in Agricultural Education. Besides college and TRIO professional activities, Jeff has been active in the TTAA Alumni Association, a volunteer coach for numerous youth sports programs, Peaster High School Football Booster Club, and Grace First Presbyterian Church. In addition, Jeff loves sports, hunting, outdoor activities, and live music. Jeff resides in Weatherford, TX, with his wife Dawn, son Hudson, daughter Quinn, and his “adopted” kids Josh and Nicole.

Leo Conway began his work with TRIO as an Upward Bound Summer Program Tutor Counselor at Saint Francis University in 1990.  Prior to working full-time for TRIO, Leo was a high school mathematics teacher who returned almost every summer to the SFU Upward Bound Program to teach the students Calculus and Trigonometry and help to supervise the tutor counselor staff.  He enjoyed working with TRIO students so much that when a full-time position was available in 1999 at Saint Francis University, he jumped at the opportunity.  Leo worked at SFU for over eighteen years before becoming the Associate Director of TRIO Upward Bound Programs (Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math-Science, and Upward Bound Migrant) at Penn State University. Leo has been actively involved in the Pennsylvania Association of TRIO Programs (PA TRIO) and has served in various positions including Financial Affairs Committee Chair, Conference Chair, Treasurer, and President.  Prior to his tenure in leadership positions with Mid-Eastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MEAEOPP), Leo began as a regional Emerging Leader and served as the region’s Treasurer for almost six years. Leo earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with a Minor in Secondary Education from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA and his master’s degree in education from Saint Francis University.  While a high school instructor, he was active in the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), served as the Student Organizations Committee Chair, and sat on its Board of Directors.  Leo enjoys watching Pittsburgh Steeler football, going to the movies, and listening to music from the 1980s (especially Tina Turner).