Communities throughout the globe struggle with discrimination and poverty on a daily basis. Educating the general public is the first step in reversing this cycle of international inequality. For neighborhoods that suffer from the forces of intolerance, teamwork is essential. Senior philanthropist Emily Isaac captivates the minds of many, leading youth in the right direction toward ending global poverty.

Isaac was introduced to charity work at the age of six. She began making cards at a home for the elderly on Valentine’s Day. As she grew older, her experiences pushed her to become a strong advocate for natural human rights.

“It is in my bones to help others,” said Isaac. “I do not consider what I do to be volunteer work or charity; I think of myself as more of a global advocate.”

As Isaac became more involved with volunteer work, she began the Malawi Repair Project at CHS, where members of New Global Citizens, educated their community about the world water crisis. Another project Isaac brought to CHS was the Global Poverty Project. She invited a speaker to explain how ending global poverty is an achievable goal and how a community can work together to inform others.

“[Isaac] has done some of the most admirable projects I have seen on campus,” said senior Ari Plachta. “I look forward to working with [her in order to achieve] global activism on a [worldwide] and local scale.”

She has educated 25 girls at the West Valley Boys and Girls Club about the role women should take to end global poverty .

During summer vacation, Isaac volunteered in Guatemala, where she made repairs to a local school for poverty-stricken students.

“It is completely inefficient to hand people money and expect all of their problems to be solved,” said Isaac. “It requires educating the community so they [can] lead healthier lives and break the cycle of poverty.”

Currently, Isaac is the president and founder of the New Global Citizens club. NGC is an active club on campus that inspires and teaches students to eradicate poverty. Once people are educated about all of the global issues the world faces, real change can occur. Isaac advocates for people around the world who cannot campaign for themselves.

Isaac is also very active in the Falling Whistles charity. She informs community members about the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo and teaches them how to make an impact. Isaac is implementing a Falling Whistles awareness week at CHS. Currently in its early stages, the awareness week will urge electronic companies to boycott the importation and exportation of illegally mined minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“As [the] youth [of this generation], we need to address these pressing issues,” said Isaac. “We must adopt them and take matters into our own hands because we are all unified through a global community.”

She encourages others to educate the general public and fundraise locally and globally. Isaac believes that to make a difference, all one needs is motivation, hope and a vision. •

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