A mother of three, musician, community leader, and now, Austin Community College District’s (ACC) Chancellor’s Student Achievement Award recipient. When Genevieve Kent Elbaor crosses the graduation stage this spring, she brings with her a journey defined by resilience, curiosity, and a deep commitment to lifting others along the way.
“My very first course at ACC was an informal French class that my mother helped me sign up for when I was 12. I came back as a college student in 2013, while working for the City of Austin as a cultural arts event coordinator. My goal at that time was to earn a degree in Arts Administration. Many years and kids later, I re-enrolled in 2023 to study Psychology.”
As a single-income family of five, financial support played a key role in making her education possible. Scholarships—including ACC’s Affordability Scholarship—helped her stay focused on her goals and reach graduation. She chose ACC for its affordability and flexibility, but stayed because of something deeper.
“I kept choosing it every semester because of the student support, resources, student organizations, excellent Honors Program and advising, culture, scholarship opportunities, seminars, new friends, and so much more.”
That support became critical during one of the most difficult chapters of her journey. In fall 2024, Genevieve faced a serious health challenge that lasted nearly a year.
“That year, I chose to keep taking one class at a time through copious testing and surgery, and I am so glad that I did. I am now graduating with a clean bill of health.”
Through it all, she remained engaged on campus. What began as volunteering quickly grew into leadership roles across organizations like Phi Theta Kappa, the Honors Student Organization, Active Minds, and the FunNation Foundation.
“The chance to use my abilities to serve my community and to see that the work my team did actually made a difference let me know that I was in the right place.”
Her service has taken many forms, from researching the impact of music on individuals living with Alzheimer’s and registering students to vote to organizing book drives for underserved families. She also found ways to connect her passion for music with her community, performing Zimbabwean folk music through ACC’s Find Your Voice concert series.
“I am proud to have worked alongside so many talented and devoted students to serve my community through Honors service learning and all the wonderful Student Life organizations. I will also never forget the feeling of registering my first student to vote as a Volunteer Deputy Registrar.”
Genevieve credits ACC faculty and staff for helping shape her experience.
- Jana McCarthy is the best advisor I’ve ever had. In 30 minutes, we figured out exactly which credit hours would transfer to my Bachelor’s program of choice, and she informed me of many other good university options as backups.
- Dr. Kathy Frost brought me face-to-face with community members when she and iACT trained me as a Red Bench facilitator to host conversations with strangers about the nature of belonging for my Social Psychology class.
- Dr. Samuel Eschevarría-Cruz taught an Honors Contemporary Social Problems class, which gave me valuable information and historical context about my hometown and my country.
- Carol Ann Hernandez has been a nonstop cheerleader, offering so many opportunities for growth through FunNation Foundation.
- Dr. Mona-Elo Martinez has helped me reflect on my time with ACC and instilled in me the confidence that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.
- Last, but not least, Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart truly sets the tone and the campus culture from the top down and makes being at ACC feel like a warm hug.
“There are teams of people ready and eager to help you overcome any obstacle you might have, from childcare to technology access, on through free transportation, affordable groceries, and emergency rent assistance. ACC is a haven where everyone wants you to succeed. Give yourself permission to follow your curiosity.”
Next, Genevieve will continue her journey at Angelo State University, pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with plans to graduate in spring 2027. But even as she looks ahead, her commitment to community remains central—continuing her work in cultural education, service, and advocacy.
“The next step after graduation should always be dancing, in my opinion.”
For Genevieve, this moment is more than an achievement—it’s a reflection of perseverance, purpose, and the power of community.
Help celebrate Genevieve and the Class of 2026 by sharing a message of encouragement on the Padlet Wall.
Tags: Affordability Scholarship, commencement, graduation, HEB Center, Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa, Spring 2026 Commencement, Spring 2026 Graduation, Transfer
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