Brenda Velasquez: CSN 2026 Commencement Speaker
It was supposed to be a regular staff meeting at Doris Hancock Elementary School, where Brenda Velasquez works.
Instead, she walked into a room full of applause with the news that she’s been named the 2026 CSN Commencement Speaker. Her coworkers, who see her impact every day, were in on it and ready to celebrate.
You can see the moment it hits her. Confusion, then realization, then a whole lot of smiles.
Velasquez works at the elementary school while pursuing her degree, balancing both with a clear focus on serving her students and her future. That’s what stood out in this year’s commencement speaker contest.
“College felt distant, almost imaginary, like something designed for someone else,” she shared in her commencement speech.
As a first-generation college student, a mother of four, and someone who spent years wondering if higher education was even an option, taking that first step was the hardest part.
“The truth is, we didn’t almost quit,” she said. “We almost never began.”
That perspective is what set her apart in this year’s commencement speaker contest.
Now, she’ll take the stage this May to represent CSN’s largest graduating class ever.
She was also awarded a full-ride transfer scholarship to continue her education toward a bachelor’s degree at an NSHE institution, including UNLV, UNR or Nevada State University.
During the surprise, she received a message from President Stacy Klippenstein, along with words of encouragement from Dr. James McCoy and Principal Mrs. Lucero, all recognizing the same thing: Brenda shows up, puts in the work, and makes a difference where she is.
“I once believed I would only sit in the audience and watch my children graduate,” she said. “Today, they are watching me.”