Leading with Heart: Isabella Pereira Correa de Almeida’s Journey of Service, Sports, and Strength

Exemplifying leadership both on and off the field begins with consistency and responsibility, qualities that Isabella Pereira Correa de Almeida lives by. For Isabella, leadership means helping others: close friends, new faces, and even those from older generations. It’s about choosing what’s right for everyone, listening without judgment, and taking the time to both learn from others and teach when she can.

“Being a leader requires a humble heart, an open mind, good ears, and strong communication,” Isabella says. And her story proves exactly that.

After moving to a new area, Isabella struggled to adjust. She faced moments of doubt and felt like giving up but she refused to let that stop her. Through perseverance, she reached her goals and gained wisdom along the way. That experience made her a source of strength for others. She met people going through similar situations, shared her story, and inspired them to stay strong and embrace every opportunity life offered.

Serving the Community During Crisis

In the wake of the pandemic, Isabella saw firsthand how families were struggling many without jobs or basic essentials. She joined her church in a mission to help. Together, they assembled and distributed care kits, food, and hygiene items, delivering them to hospitals where patients, families, and frontline workers were in desperate need of support.

Beyond physical help, Isabella offered emotional support visiting hospitals to comfort those grieving the loss of loved ones. Later, she returned with her church to donate blankets, soup, sweatshirts, water, and encouraging words. “We donated all night,” she recalls. “At the end, the gratitude on people’s faces made every minute worth it.”

Athletic Excellence with Compassion

Isabella’s leadership shines just as brightly on the field. Making the varsity team was a milestone that filled her with pride. Through athletics, she learned to work with teammates, listen to different perspectives, and grow in strength, compassion, and patience.

Her leadership roles included motivating others, offering constructive feedback, showing up early, and encouraging teammates to stay committed. “Leadership within a team is crucial for driving success and building unity,” she says. Isabella’s actions prove that being a great athlete isn’t just about talent, it’s about lifting others up and leading by example.