Great Grads 2026: Jaiden Isome

99th Miss JCSU Reflects on Leadership, Service and Growth

By Joshua Nypaver

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When Jaiden Isome, the 99th Miss Johnson C. Smith University, crosses the graduation stage, she will carry with her the legacy of the University and her personal journey of growth and purpose. 

The Cincinnati, Ohio, native grew up in a military family that helped shape the discipline and adaptability that later defined her success as a student and student leader. 

“I would describe myself as driven, compassionate and service-oriented,” she said. “I’m someone who values leadership, sisterhood and creating meaningful impact while remaining authentic and approachable.”
From the moment she first visited campus, she knew JCSU was where she belonged.

“JCSU felt like home the moment I stepped on campus,” she said. “I wanted an HBCU experience that would challenge me academically while also nurturing me personally, socially and professionally.”

That community was front and center to her college experience. She embraced campus life through several campus organizations, including Royal Court, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., NPHC, NAACP and the Pre-Alumni Council.

Known by her classmates as an energetic and dedicated leader who proudly represented the University in every space she entered. Isome was known for her school spirit and commitment to uplifting others. 

There were challenges, of course. Juggling academics, leadership and service was one of the biggest trials of her collegiate journey. But discovering how to manage the pressure of wearing so many hats helped her to grow. 

Isome leaned on her faith, mentors and support system to push forward. 
“My faith, my support system and my purpose helped me push through,” she said. “I constantly reminded myself why I started and who I wanted to become.” 

JCSU helped her transform into a more confident and self-aware leader. 
“JCSU helped me discover my voice and taught me how to lead with both grace and resilience,” she said. 

One highlight of that growth was her journey through Royal Court, where she earned the distinction of becoming the 99th Miss Johnson C. Smith University. 

“Being Miss JCSU meant legacy, responsibility and representation,” she explained. “It was more than wearing a crown. It was about serving the student body, honoring the University’s history and leaving an impact that would outlive my reign.” 

As a student leader, her focus was on visibility, accessibility and connection. 

“I believed in being visible, accessible and intentional,” she said. “I wanted students to feel represented and inspired.”

She also strove to promote school pride, highlight student voices and encourage involvement across campus as she represented the University at events on and off campus. 

Another place where Isome found community was through the Gamma Delta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Crossing over was one of her most meaningful college experiences. 

“Being initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha taught me the importance of sisterhood, service and maintaining excellence in every space I enter,” she said.

The biology major plans on using her degree and her passion for healthcare to help others. 

“My goal of becoming a prenatal genetic counselor inspired me to pursue a field where I can educate and advocate for future generations,” she said.

After graduation, she plans to continue preparing for a career in prenatal genetic counseling while expanding her experience in healthcare, advocacy and community outreach. Long term, she hopes to continue advocating for maternal and infant health while creating opportunities for underserved communities.

Looking back, she says her definition of success has evolved significantly since arriving on campus as a freshman.

“When I first entered college, success meant achievements and recognition,” she said. “Now, success means growth, impact, fulfillment and the ability to inspire and help others along the way.”

As Isome’s journey comes to a close, she hopes her classmates remember her as someone who encouraged others to believe in themselves. 

“I hope they remember me as someone who led with authenticity, represented JCSU with pride and always encouraged others to strive for greatness,” she said.

Her advice to upcoming freshmen is to take advantage of every opportunity and build meaningful relationships. 

If asked to summarize her time at JCSU in a single sentence, her answer reflects the transformation that defined her journey:

“My journey at JCSU was one of purpose, perseverance and becoming the woman I was always meant to be.”