The Unbreakable Path of Rio Grad Frank Nino IV
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Check out the latest episode of the Wave Makers podcast!
How do you overcome a childhood spent in group homes, without parents, guidance, or financial resources? If you’re the unbreakable Frank Nino IV, you put one foot in front of the other — and keep moving forward.
In the latest episode of the Wave Makers podcast, host Michelle Reese talks with Nino — a single dad, entrepreneur, and author — about how Rio Salado College helped him build confidence, pursue higher education, and give back to his community.
“Growing up as an orphan, I didn't have time to think about my future or college,” Nino said. “I bounced back and forth between group homes, and it was really just about surviving.”
(Nino details all the challenges of his childhood in his inspirational book, The Unbreakable Orphan).
Working multiple jobs to support his young children, Nino’s path changed after a 2019 conversation with his boss.
“I was working as a physical education teacher, and my principal kept encouraging me to take classes at Rio Salado,” Nino said. “I was intimidated by college because of my background, and assumed it was something I couldn’t afford.”
Nino’s principal explained how financial aid and scholarships can offset the cost of college and encouraged him to apply.
“That's when I decided to take the chance,” Nino said. “I packed up my four kids and came to Rio’s Tempe campus. I told the person at the front desk I wanted to sign up for one class. That's how it all began.”
After getting an A in his first class, Nino’s confidence grew, and he enrolled in more.
“I realized that I could work two jobs and be a successful full-time student,” Nino said. “I started enrolling in four classes every semester, including summers. It was something that brought me alive.”
By 2024, Nino had earned two associate degrees and two certificates from Rio Salado. The college featured his inspiring story in a marketing campaign video.
“My initial thought was, ‘Are you sure you want me to be in the campaign? Are you sure you’re talking to the right person?’” Nino recalled. “Then I started thinking, maybe my story can help other people who are in the same boat to diminish their fears and overcome obstacles.”
In May 2025, Nino completed his bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Northern Arizona University, graduating magna cum laude with a 4.0 GPA.
“I’m very proud of that,” Nino said. “I'm literally paving the way for my entire family. My fiance, Christina, and stepdaughter, Jasmine, are currently enrolled at Gateway Community College, and my daughter, Rosemary, attends Rio Salado, making ripples.”
Last summer, Nino was one of several college students nationwide interviewed for the Generation Now: Postsecondary Pathways for Older Learners report by Inside Higher Ed and AARP.
Today, Nino is pursuing two master’s degrees at Grand Canyon University and is a member of the college’s chapter of Alpha Chi, the national college honor society. He also continues to run three businesses - Rising Sun Athletic League, Rising Sun 360 photo booth and a custom apparel brand. He’s also developing an AI-driven mentorship platform, and continues to write books.
Looking back, Nino maintains a healthy respect for where his journey started.
“It doesn't matter where you come from, what your family situation is or how you start,” Nino said. “It matters how you finish. If you keep walking forward, you'll finish the race successfully.”
Want to hear more of Nino’s story? Listen now on Podbean or find Wave Makers on your favorite podcast channel: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube.