Kim Akalski
Benefits and Accommodations Coordinator
As ACC's Benefits and Accommodations Coordinator for the past 19 months, Kim supports employees through life’s unexpected moments by guiding them through medical leave and workplace accommodation requests. We asked her tell us more about her job, and to give us some glimpses of her life outside of work.
How do approach the work you do?
My goal is to ensure employees feel informed and supported, while helping the college remain compliant with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I manage the full FMLA process – from the initial request to the return-to-work stage and partner with employees and supervisors during the ADA interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations. At the heart of my work is helping employees balance their health, work, and personal responsibilities, while fostering a caring, compliant, and supportive workplace.
How did you get into HR as a career?
I started my HR career back in 2007 when I lived in San Diego working as a Benefits Specialist at a Biomedical Research Facility, The Scripps Research Institute. This is where my love for HR grew and I have been in this field ever since.
How do you think your job contributes to student success?
Although my work focuses on supporting employees, it directly impacts student success. By helping faculty and staff navigate medical leaves and workplace accommodations, I ensure they have the support and flexibility they need to focus on their health and return
to work ready to give their best.
When employees feel valued, supported, and cared for, they’re better able to create a positive learning environment for students. In short, by taking care of our employees, we help create the conditions that allow students to thrive.
What is your favorite ACC Value and what does it mean to you?
Caring, compassion, and joy are definitely my favorite ACC values! I love being able to support employees through challenging situations with understanding, kindness, and empathy. I didn’t include “yes”—because in my role, I can’t always say it—but even when the
answer has to be “no,” I try to handle every situation with care and compassion.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you wish for?
If I could wave a magic wand, I would wish for a world without homelessness or illness—and maybe, while I’m at it, to finally clear up the traffic on I-35.
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
I grew up in San Diego, California, and my love for the ocean has stayed with me ever since. I’m scuba certified and have always dreamed of working with orcas. From surfing and water skiing to swimming and jet skiing -- if it involves the water, I’m all in!
Kim may never find orcas in Austin (or a traffic-free I-35, for that matter), but we're sure glad to have her!
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