On May 1, 2024, Isa Sanchez, founder of SISU Empowering Others, had the honor of serving as a panelist for a class at Northampton Community College (NCC). Invited to share her personal and professional journey, Isa spoke candidly about the challenges, struggles, and victories that shaped her path in community health and nonprofit leadership.

The session resonated deeply with students, who described Isa’s words as both validating and inspirational. Ferdinand Surita, later wrote:

“Your willingness to open up about your lived experiences truly resonated with all of us, providing both encouragement and validation for our educational journey ahead.
Your stories were not just inspiring; they were a reminder that every path has its hurdles, and it’s the determination to overcome them that defines our success.”

Isa’s talk highlighted the power of resilience, the importance of using personal challenges as fuel for change, and how leadership can be rooted in humility and service. By sharing how she founded SISU Empowering Others to meet the unmet needs of vulnerable populations, she showed students that their aspirations are within reach — and that impact starts with one courageous step forward.

SISU Empowering Others continues to advocate for mentorship, advocacy, transportation, and housing programs (M.A.T.H.), uplifting those who often go unheard. Isa’s appearance at NCC is a reflection of SISU’s broader mission: to empower individuals through community and compassion.

“It was truly an honor to speak with these students,” Isa said. “Their questions, reflections, and openness reminded me why this work matters — and how the next generation is full of purpose-driven leaders.”

SISU thanks Northampton Community College for the invitation and looks forward to continued collaboration in shaping and supporting future changemakers.