Welcome to the ACE Alumni Spotlight, where we highlight our alumni and share their stories.
Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez graduated from ACE with the college’s first cohort in 2007. She currently serves as a superintendent in Illinois, a published author and an adjunct professor at Aurora University. As part of ACE’s 20th anniversary, we were thrilled to connect with her and learn more about her experience during ACE’s first two years of operation and her career since then.
ACE: Tell us about your career journey since you graduated from ACE.
Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez (EA): Soon after graduating, I served as an assistant principal for two years before transitioning to principalship, a role I held for five years. Being a principal remains one of my favorite and most rewarding roles. Following that, I became a chief of schools for five years, where I gained valuable district-level leadership experience. Currently, I am completing my fourth year as the superintendent in Forest Park, a position that continues to inspire and challenge me.
ACE: What led you to attend ACE as part of the first cohort?
EA: I was a coach at the time when we were informed about the creation of a new school and the opportunity to be part of its inaugural group. My fellow coaches and I encouraged one another to take this bold step together. The mutual support within our group made the decision to join an easy and exciting choice.
ACE: Tell us what it was like to attend ACE back in 2005. Share some of your fondest memories.
EA: Attending ACE was a unique and memorable experience. One of my first memories is attending classes at Mark Sheridan Magnet School, where we began to forge strong connections as a cohort. The quizzes at the end of each module were always a lively topic of discussion — we couldn’t wait to compare how we did! I also fondly recall collaborating in groups of four to develop projects, as we were a competitive yet supportive bunch. Lastly, I’ll never forget the day we learned that one of us was awarded a principalship. We celebrated that milestone together, a testament to the camaraderie we built during our time at ACE.
ACE: Were there any unique challenges or experiences that came with being part of the first group of graduates?
EA: One of the unique challenges we faced was that ACE wasn’t accredited yet when we started. There were moments when we worried that all our hard work might not ultimately be recognized. Thankfully, the good news of accreditation came before we graduated, which brought us a huge sense of relief. Additionally, being the first cohort came with its own set of challenges as we navigated the growing pains of a brand-new program. It felt like we were setting the foundation and paving the way for future cohorts, a responsibility we took seriously.
ACE: What are you most proud of when you think about being part of the first graduating class, and how has it impacted your personal and professional life?
EA: I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of the inaugural cohort. It was an opportunity that has profoundly shaped my career. At the time, pursuing a Type 75 certification, which was crucial for taking on leadership roles, wasn’t even on my radar. However, joining the cohort gave me the confidence to take that leap and earn the certification, which was pivotal as it set me on the path to pursue leadership. The experience also made me realize how blessed I was to be in the right place at the right time. I take pride in being part of a group that set the tone for what ACE has become today.
ACE: Tell us more about the you authored and what inspired you to write it.
EA: The inspiration for writing this book came from a deep desire to honor my family’s resilience, reflect on my experiences with identity and share lessons I’ve learned navigating challenges of exclusion and belonging. The metaphor of the rabbit on the moon — drawn from Aztec and Mayan lore — resonated with me because it represents both perseverance and transformation. Like the rabbit’s journey to the moon, my story is one of finding strength in vulnerability and light in moments of darkness.
ACE: How does it make you feel to see the college celebrating its 20th anniversary?
EA: I feel immense happiness and pride for ACE as it continues to grow and improve year after year. Seeing how far it has come is truly inspiring.
ACE: If you could speak to current ACE students pursuing careers in education, what advice or wisdom would you share?
EA: You get out of this experience what you put into it. Don’t be afraid to put yourself in vulnerable positions, as that’s where the most growth happens. Seek out opportunities to challenge yourself and step outside of your comfort zone. Most importantly, prioritize building friendships and a strong support system. You’ll rely on it throughout your career.
Being an ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ alumni has its perks. When you return as an alumni for another program, you can save 5% off your tuition with the Alumni Continuing Education Grant.
