Isabella South

Isabella is a food, music and Rottweiler lover! Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Isabella made the move two hours north to Akron, Ohio where she completed her Undergraduate degree in Social Work as a ZIP! After a few years of working in the Akron community, she wanted to leap into a graduate program that would take her Social Work background further in the scope of community health and wellness. It was then that she fell in love with Kent State University and started her journey as a Master of Public Health Student, concentrating in Social Behavioral Sciences! Go ZIPS! Go FLASHES! In her free time, you’ll find her snacking, smiling or walking her big baby Rottweilers, Vito and Gaara!  

As an Academic Coordinator for Upward Bound, Isabella gets the privilege of working with youth in areas such as Akron, Barberton and Warren. Through this work, she is able to support students in identifying their interests and more importantly, their “why.” Isabella’s favorite part of her job is laughing and spending time with the youth she serves.  

In previous roles, Isabella has always been community or youth facing. One of the most impactful roles Isabella held was a College and Career Advisor for Project GRAD Akron, a small non-profit organization partnered with Akron Public Schools.  Her work at Project GRAD Akron, sparked her passion in helping youth create a plan for their futures that makes them feel proud, excited and motivated to achieve!