Bio

JuanRaymon Rubio

JR’s ACE story began as a student in Chicago, and his journey came full circle when he became a mentor in Austin. He quickly became a cornerstone of ACE Austin—first as a mentor, then as Scholarship Chair on the board. Over the years, he mentored more than 1,000 students and left a lasting mark on the program.

What made JR extraordinary wasn’t just his knowledge or his leadership, it was his heart. He had a way of making every student feel seen, capable, and inspired. One student recalled JR bringing in a massive stack of background documents for a project—not to lecture them, but to empower them. JR gave students the tools to succeed but always encouraged them to figure things out on their own. He believed in their potential and pushed them to believe in it too.

His fellow mentors and students remember him not only for his guidance, but for his laughter, his joy, and his constant encouragement. He made ACE sessions feel like a place where everyone belonged.

Tragically, JR passed away in a car accident in December 2024. In the months since, his ACE Austin family has worked to ensure his legacy continues. The ACE Alumni Scholarship he helped create now bears his name—and it will be awarded annually to support the very students he championed so fiercely.

ENR and The ACE Mentor Program are proud to recognize him with this award.