Meet Isa Bella Thomas, 2022 John and Marti Browne Leadership Scholar. She started Regent University in the fall of 2022 with plans to major in business.
“My goal is to develop a non-profit organization to benefit youth in low-income communities and give them more opportunities and support to pursue their passions.”
Isa Bella graduated from New Mexico School for the Arts where she took on numerous leadership roles. Sheco-founded the Women of Color Collective, which was featured in articles in the Albuquerque Journal, Source NM, The New Mexican, and Yahoo News.
“WOCC is a student-driven group that creates a safe space for women of color to exist authentically culturally in a school setting,” Isa Bella wrote in her scholarship application.
Isa Bella was also on the Equity Leadership Team, where she headed a committee to make her school more equitable. The team held brainstorming sessions with students, staff, and administration members to share ideas and solutions to make their school community more equitable. The team succeeded in getting trainings for staff to help support the LGBTQ community, and for students to participate in consent trainings and anti-racism conversations.
She received numerous academic awards including Principal’s Honor Roll, National Society of High School Scholars, and the Natural Helpers Award of Excellence for her work to prevent suicide and bullying. She also organized toy, clothing, and food drives.
“I enjoy the process of these activities and the feeling of making the world a better place,” she said.
As a business major, Isa Bella aspires to learn the skills necessary to create and run her own community service organization.
“I’ve thought a lot about what the organization will provide,” said Isa Bella. “Such as hot meals and snacks, access to counselors and providing/maintaining a safe space, having access to outside resources for jobs, government benefits, housing, sports equipment, a field/playground, various art programs and activities, access to academic tutors.”
Isa Bella hopes she’ll be able to participate in internship opportunities in a variety of fields so that she learns how best to run a nonprofit business.
Fun Fact! Isa Bella was awarded her own day in the city of Waco, TX! She was honored by the mayor and city council for her generosity and kindness, after she volunteered, helped design, and made a mural in the city.
“I am grateful to receive this scholarship, and it has encouraged me to follow my dreams. It has made me hopeful for my future as a black businesswoman and leader.”
