Throughout Black History Month, Austin Community College (ACC) sits down with influential and accomplished faculty and staff to discuss what Black History Month means to them.

Meet Joyce Aberebigha Tolofari, MSN, RN, associate professor of Professional Nursing. She will be graduating with her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Texas at Austin this spring.

Why do you work at ACC?

I work at ACC mainly because of the culture of the nursing community. The faculty and leadership support each other immensely. I am successful at graduate school while working full-time mainly because of the support of the team I work with. They have assisted in carrying more of the work responsibilities so that I am able to focus on my studies and goals. It is also a stressless work environment.

Why do you believe it's important for the college to commemorate Black History Month?

It is important for the college to commemorate Black History Month because a large staff, student, and faculty are represented in the ACC workforce. They also contribute over the years to the success of ACC.

What are some personal or professional accomplishments you are most proud of?

I am most proud of what I have become because of ACC. I started pre-requisite classes in nursing at ACC and graduated as a licensed vocational nurse, returned for a bridge program, became a registered nurse, and now as a master-prepared faculty. I feel like my professional life and success has its roots in ACC.

What's the best lesson you've learned?

I have learned to be positive and be true to who you are in every situation, even when you're being mistreated.

Why do you feel it is important to seek out and value diverse perspectives?

It is important to seek out and value diverse perspectives because growth is not linear. No one has a monopoly on knowledge, creativity, and innovation. It usually takes diverse perspectives and opinions for success and growth to occur.

How do you build bridges between communities?

One can build bridges by listening to the communities, accepting their opinions, and accepting them as they are if not unsafe to health and wellness.

What inspires you?

Positivity inspires me.

Read our previous Black History Month spotlight on Nicole K. Bell, ACC Training and Development Coordinator >>