MASFAAmeUP - Ep. 23 - Authenticity in the Ring & in Life: Angelo Dawkins on Perseverance, Pressure & Purpose

MASFAAmeUP - Season 2 Ep. 3 - MASFAA Summer Institute & Leadership Symposium - Let's Go!

In this episode, MASFAA SILS Co-Chairs Sara Bauer and Jamie Davis get us ready to grow, connect, and lead at the 2026 MASFAA Summer Institute & Leadership Symposium! Hosted June 1–5 at Indiana University Indianapolis, this week-long professional development experience brings together financial aid professionals from across the Midwest for hands-on learning, leadership development, networking, and inspiration. Whether you’re newer to the profession looking to build a strong foundation or an experienced professional ready to sharpen your leadership skills, there’s something for everyone. Summer Institute focuses on the fundamentals of financial aid administration and NASFAA credential preparation, while Leadership Symposium is designed to cultivate future leaders within MASFAA, state associations, and campus communities. Participants will engage with seasoned financial aid professionals, collaborate with colleagues from across the region, and leave energized with new knowledge, connections, and ideas to bring back to their institutions. Learn more about the event and MASFAA at MASFAA Summer Institute & Leadership Symposium [https://www.masfaaweb.org/SI&LS-Events?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

MASFAAmeUp - Season 2, Ep. 2 - OB3 Pell Changes and Athletics Aid

In this MASFAAmeUp podcast episode, Chad, Alex, and Emily talk with special guest Ben Montecillo from the University of Houston.  In this episode, we get to know Ben a bit, and some of the key lessons he learned from "Coach" (aka Bob Knight).  Ben also helps us break down the current guidance from the consensus language for the OB3 Pell changes, and we chat about tips for administering athletic aid and the importance of building strong relationships with campus partners. Ben also laid down a challenge from SWASFAA to MASFAA for the upcoming NASFAA conference in a 5k challenge - more to come on this, but the challenge was accepted!  Tune in, have a listen, stay warm, and cheers, MASFAA!  NASFAA AskRegs Link referenced: https://askregs.nasfaa.org/article/37252/how-will-the-prohibition-on-pell-grants-for-students-with-nonfederal-grants-and-scholarships-covering-the-entire-coa-work

MASFAAmeUP - Season 2, Ep. 1 - OB3 and Fraud Chit Chat

In this episode of the MASFAAmeUP Podcast, Chad, Alex, and Emily gather to reflect on what’s energizing them as we head into the holiday season, and then diving in on a conversation about OB3 changes from the RISE committee, and then a little bit about preparing for and handling the growing challenge of fraud prevention.

MASFAAmeUp - Ep. 24 - The Dr. "Key" Keyimani Alford Podcast Episode

What an episode...!  Tune in for an inspiring growth conversation with Dr. Keyimani Alford - upcoming MASFAA President-Elect, and Associate Vice President of Student Access and Success at Madison Area Technical College.  A space where profound thought meets practical growth. Dr. Key — a leader, motivator, mentor, and lifelong learner — we explore his journey into higher education, becoming an author, his passion for mentorship and development, leading through change and tackling difficult tasks. We learn about building your personal brand, turning keywords into motivational content and the power of storytelling in leadership.

MASFAAmeUP - Ep. 23 - Authenticity in the Ring & in Life: Angelo Dawkins on Perseverance, Pressure & Purpose

In this powerful episode, we step into the ring — metaphorically and literally — with WWE Superstar Angelo Dawkins as he shares his journey to the global stage of professional wrestling. Speaking directly to financial aid professionals and student success advocates, Angelo opens up about what it means to navigate high-pressure environments, choose the harder path, and stay true to your identity through it all. Known for his charisma and resilience, Angelo’s story is one of perseverance, self-belief, and authenticity. Whether it's staying mentally strong when no one is watching or stepping into the spotlight with the weight of expectations, Angelo’s insight resonates far beyond the squared circle. Join us as we explore: * How high-stakes decisions in the ring mirror life’s academic and career challenges * The value of authenticity in building long-term success * Why choosing the tougher route often leads to the most meaningful victories * What financial aid pros can learn from Angelo’s journey to better support the students they serve This episode is more than just a conversation — it's a reminder that the fight for your future is worth it, and believing in yourself is the most powerful move of all.