Rising Stars: Meet Isabella Jarvis of Durham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabella Jarvis

Hi Isabella, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Manhattan, New York, and spent much of my early education in Bridgeport, CT. I graduated from Achievement First Amistad High School in New Haven, CT, in 2018, and soon after, I was North Carolina-bound to attend North Carolina A&T State University. Now, you might wonder how a city kid from up north found her way down south. I always knew I wanted to attend an HBCU, but I wasn’t sure which one. When that acceptance letter from A&T arrived, I was overjoyed. In July of 2018, I set foot on Greensboro soil for the first time during my new student orientation. Instantly, I felt a deep sense of belonging on campus and knew that this was where I was meant to be.

During my time at NCAT, I was involved in incredible research, joined several organizations, and even launched my content creation journey, making vlogs, reels, and much more. After graduating in May 2022, I became a Lead for North Carolina Fellow (LFNC) through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government. In that role, I worked with Mecklenburg County Government in the Community Support Services department, where I reviewed over 48 domestic violence fatality cases and collaborated with survivors to develop better practices for preventing domestic violence. I also created a Qualtrics survey to gather data and ultimately wrote a community report on the issue.

After that, I transitioned to higher education as an Assistant Director of Annual Giving at UNC-Chapel Hill. It was during this time I realized that long-term fundraising wasn’t my passion. I knew I wanted to go back to school, which led me to my current path. I am now a graduate student at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media, pursuing a master’s in Strategic Communication. In addition to my studies, I serve as the Social Media Manager for the Carolina Association of Black Journalists (CABJ), Communications Intern for the Hussman School, and Student Activities Graduate Coordinator.

Alongside my professional journey, I’ve continued content creation and host a podcast where I share my story—the journey of how I became the amazing woman I am today.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the significant challenges I faced during my undergraduate journey was having to take a semester off in fall 2019 because my family couldn’t afford the tuition. It was incredibly difficult to step away from school, and I felt an overwhelming fear that I might fall behind. To make the best of the situation, I took on a part-time job and dedicated myself to building my content creation skills. Fortunately, I was able to return in spring 2020, but just as I was getting back on track, COVID-19 hit, and I felt like I was starting all over again.

Despite these setbacks, I devised an academic plan, committing to two summer sessions for the next two years to ensure I could still graduate on time in May 2022. When Chancellor Martin told us we could turn our tassels at the Greensboro Coliseum, I cried—not out of sadness but pure joy because I knew how hard I had worked to make it to that moment.

Another obstacle I faced was being the only young woman of color on a predominantly white team. I often felt left out of the insider jokes, constantly had to prove my enthusiasm, and frequently had to advocate for myself in ways others didn’t. Being micromanaged and feeling isolated in that environment taught me that my dream job needs to be in a place that values diversity, where I’m not the only one representing my community.

These experiences helped me build resilience, drive, and determination. They taught me not to let my obstacles define me, but to shape my attitude and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work primarily in the fields of strategic communication, social media management, and content creation, with a focus on lifestyle, and empowering the voices of underrepresented communities. I specialize in developing comprehensive communication strategies that elevate brand visibility while aligning with key trends, particularly in digital spaces such as Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. My experience spans from managing influencer collaborations to creating impactful content for organizations, particularly in higher education and wellness sectors.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend storytelling with data-driven strategies, ensuring that content is not only engaging but also impactful in terms of growth and reach. My experience as both a social media manager and an influencer allows me to understand the nuances of audience engagement and brand partnerships from both sides.

I’m most proud of my work in empowering young women of color through my podcast, She’s Got Next, where I share my experiences navigating relationships, career paths, and the complexities of being a Gen Z Black woman. My dedication to authenticity and fostering genuine connections with my audience has helped me build a community that values transparency and self-care.

What truly differentiates me is my unique combination of technical skills in data analytics and creative storytelling. This enables me to craft content strategies that not only resonate but are also backed by measurable results.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love being authentic and constantly finding new ways to grow in the content creation world. I’m passionate about expanding my knowledge in this space and evolving my craft. Outside of that, I enjoy reading romance novels, staying on top of fashion and makeup trends, cooking, journaling, and unwinding by sitting outside, soaking in the sounds of nature. Music is also a big part of my life—it keeps me grounded and inspired.

On the flip side, one of my dislikes is when people judge you for stepping outside the norm or trying something new. I find it frustrating when others project their insecurities onto you, instead of embracing individuality and change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tarheels.live/isabellaxsabrinaa/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabellaxsabrinaa/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@isabellaxsabrinaa