Great Grads 2026: Isabella Gonce
Reimagining Student Governance Before Turning the Tassel
By Cheryl Brayboy Butler
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Isabella Gonce, Student Government Association President at Johnson C. Smith University has helped shape a new era of student leadership on campus. During her tenure, Isabella helped establish a fully operational three-branch governance system within SGA — including activating the legislative branch for the first time in modern JCSU history.
“For the first time in modern JCSU history, we achieved a governance system that includes the executive, judicial, and legislative branches.”
The accomplishment marked a major milestone for student leadership and campus engagement, creating a more comprehensive and representative structure for student advocacy and decision-making.
“We are now operating in a full-fledged government” she said.
Gonce noted that the transformation also helped elevate the visibility and impact of the Student Government Association across campus.
“In doing this, we’ve increased SGA’s visibility by 100%,” she said.
Throughout her leadership, Gonce focused on strengthening student representation, increasing engagement, and building a foundation that future student leaders can continue to develop. Her work reflects the university’s broader commitment to engagement during President Kinloch’s New Era of Excellence.
A senior leader and Sport Management major known for her commitment to student advocacy and institutional progress, Gonce says she is both excited and reflective as she prepares to graduate and begin the next chapter of her life.
“I’m excited about graduating and the next steps,” Gonce said. “I feel very excited, very much ready to move on to what I call the next chapter of my life.”
In addition to her leadership on campus, Isabella Gonce has also built a growing presence as a digital entrepreneur and social media influencer through her platform, “Get Ready with Izzy." Gonce gives followers a glimpse into her daily style by sharing fashion inspiration and lifestyle tips. The platform has attracted an engaged audience of more than 100,000 followers across platforms.
“This chapter has meant so much to me,” she said. “I feel like it helped shape me into the person I am today and prepared me for the next steps that needs to be taken.”
Next, Gonce will take on corporate management at Sherwin Williams in Charlotte. As commencement approaches, the young leader leaves behind a legacy of service, and a strengthened student governance system designed to empower future generations of Golden Bulls.