Scholars Seek to Make their Marks in Technology
Scholarship Winners: Garrin Costa, Jene’ Thomas, Grant Kentzman
Garrin Costa
Inspired to Create Software that Solves Problems
Garrin Costa is a musician who was working in audio engineering and software development when a light went on. He realized he could create programming that can solve problems for musicians and in many other applications. That is when he decided to pursue software development at New Orleans’ Operation Spark, a nonprofit organization that provides software development training.
“Programming has expanded my view of what’s possible,” said Garrin. “It provides the freedom to solve real problems. I’m driven by turning complexity into something clear, and by rebuilding my life around work that actually means something.”
A 2003 graduate of Vintage Academy in Metairie, Garrin previously studied audio engineering at Delgado Community College and later at University of New Orleans University but moved to Prairieville to be with family after Hurricane Katrina. He worked in restaurants, did woodworking and fine-tuned his skills in audio engineering and pursued software development in his spare time. Then he discovered Operation Spark, which he credits with motivating him to turn this interest into a career.
“As a musician and producer, I’ve felt the friction when software tools kill flow instead of supporting it. I want to build software that removes tedious barriers and expands what’s possible without stifling exploration,” Garrin explained. “Music is the place to start. There are others. The courage comes from knowing I can build real solutions and keep going from there.”
Garrin said he appreciates how the 431 Exchange recognizes the need for adult education, and brings awareness to this need. “I didn’t know this was possible given my financial situation,” he said. “It’s encouraging to know there are people who take this seriously and are actively helping.”
Jene’ Thomas
Providing Leadership to Foster Professional Enrichment Locally and Globally
Jene’ Thomas seeks to be an agent of change to enhance professional development in the workforce and help people become more engaged and connected. Learning, she said, is the tool that must be embraced to bring about this change.
“Many people see learning as just another task, and they feel they don’t have time to train,” said Jene’, who holds a doctorate in education from Southeastern University and is now studying information technology at Goodwill Industries in New Orleans. “But if not, you get left behind. It’s important for people to become more computer-literate and more engaged with each other. If you understand how to work with computers you will be able to connect with others.”
A graduate of De La Salle High School in New Orleans in 2000, Jene’ works as a human resources analyst and is interested in preparing adult learners for the workforce and helping others with professional development. She plans to use her knowledge of information technology to better use human resources software in ways that can be instrumental for large and small organizations, potentially reaching the global level.
“There are so many disparities with race, health and nationality that garner global attention and awareness,” she shared. “My aim is to make a change by partnering with leaders across various professional sectors and facilitating the platform for knowledge to be exchanged so that professional enrichment is global.”
What Jene’ values most about the 431 Exchange is the way its support helps to develop talent in Louisiana. “There is so much talent in this state,” she said. “But underfunding sends our talent to other places that can fund and provide transition into the workforce.”
Grant Kentzman
Building a New Path Through Tech and Creativity
Grant Kentzman is charting a new course—one built around creativity, flexibility, and long-term opportunity.
After originally exploring automotive training, Grant has shifted his focus to Application Software Development at South Louisiana Community College, where his journey will begin next semester with four classes and 12 credit hours. He expects to complete the two-year program in Spring 2028.
The decision came from both practicality and vision. With a back injury limiting hands-on physical work for now, Grant began looking for a field that would offer stronger income potential and the flexibility to support another lifelong dream: acting.
“I wanted something that could help fund the future I still believe in,” Grant shared.
That future includes creative work in film and performance. Grant recently appeared as an extra alongside Viola Davis in an upcoming film project, and he also played a father in the student film Voices in Bloom. In addition, he has written and produced his own independent project, which he hopes to release online soon.
Now, through software development, Grant is building another kind of creative skillset—one that can open doors to freelance opportunities, financial independence, and the freedom to pursue multiple passions.
His story is a reminder that success is not always a straight line. Sometimes the smartest move is the one that keeps your dreams alive while creating new possibilities.