Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan is pleased to honor Isabella with the most prestigious award in the world for girls: the Girl Scout Gold Award. Isabella is among 13 young women who have made a difference in each of their respective communities through sustainable, community change projects. The time and continuous effort these girls have dedicated towards their projects prove they’re true leaders, innovators, and exceptional examples for all girls to look up to.

The Gold Award is Girl Scout’s highest honor and girls are required to spend at least 80 hours investigating the problem, creating a plan, and implementing it. It is presented to Girl Scouts who address a community issue or problem they’re passionate about. Isabella chose to inspire kids in her community with a music program for her project.

Isabella took action to provide Detroit elementary school students with a sustainable music program. She learned that many elementary and middle schools in Detroit Public Schools do not prioritize music education and lack the budget and funding for music programs, making it difficult for teachers to secure resources. To address this, Isabella secured funding from her nonprofit, Music Matters Benefits for Life, to develop a recorder music program for 4th graders at Noble Elementary-Middle School, on Detroit’s west side. She also educated the school’s staff on why music education is necessary for the development of young students. This resulted in a successful music program, with every single student wanting to continue pursuing music beyond 4th grade. The program will be sustained beyond Isabella’s involvement with the help of fellow Noble teachers and continued funding from her nonprofit.

“I’ve gained leadership skills that have allowed me to grow. I’m truly capable of more than I ever imagined. Starting a music program is something that I’ve aspired to do for years and actually putting it into effect has given me so much confidence.”