Leadership Highlight: Johnson C. Smith University ‘s Student Government President Isabella Gonce

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Johnson C. Smith University  and did an interview with Isabella Gonce, the 2025–2026 Student Government Association president.

The position of student government president is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes in being elected by their peers to lead. Gonce, who is majoring in Sport Management, is from Mills River, North Carolina .

She is a proud Fall 2023 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc..

We interviewed Isabella Gonce and talked to her about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2025–2026.

Read the full interview below.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as a student government president so far?

The biggest thing I’ve learned as SGA President is that passion and personality can start change, but systems are what protect it. You need both, and learning how to balance the two has shaped the way I lead. Leadership isn’t just about personalities or positions, it’s about building systems that respect people, create clarity, and continue working even when the faces in the room change.

I’ve also learned that change only matters if it can be cemented into a system that functions well after you’re gone. For me, that has meant rebuilding the SGA constitution to ensure that the work I’ve put in doesn’t stop with my term, but continues to serve students long after I leave office.

What made you decide to attend Johnson C. Smith University  for undergrad?

Johnson C. Smith University wasn’t part of my original plan. In fact, I didn’t even know what an HBCU was until I was introduced to JCSU. From the moment I first visited, I fell in love. There was a sense of belonging and intentional care that I hadn’t experienced in an academic space before.

Growing up, school often felt like a place where I blended into the background rather than being a priority, and JCSU felt different. It was a community that encouraged me to step forward, use my voice, and believe that my presence mattered. I wanted to be in an environment that poured into me as much as I was willing to pour into it, and JCSU has done exactly that.

How has Johnson C. Smith University  molded you into the person you are today?

Before JCSU, I didn’t fully believe in myself. I often felt like a background character supporting everyone else’s story instead of leading my own. My freshman year became a turning point when I didn’t make the cheer team and had to ask myself what was next.

Instead of shrinking, I decided to take a chance on myself and entered a pageant for my residence hall, and I won. That moment was the first time I truly bet on myself, and I’ve been doing it ever since. JCSU gave me the confidence to trust my instincts, the courage to step into leadership, and the belief that when you show up for yourself, everything can change. During my time here, I’ve learned that once you believe in yourself, absolutely anything is possible.

What specific initiatives have you headed up this year (or are planning) and how do you think they will improve the school and surrounding community?

This year, I’ve focused on creating sustainable change within SGA. A major priority has been restructuring operations by implementing a true three-branch system that emphasizes accountability, clarity, and long-term impact. This work included establishing the first-ever Judicial Branch at Johnson C. Smith University and revising the SGA Constitution through a two-thirds Senate vote, marking the first time the Senate has been fully active and operational in modern JCSU history.

We’ve also prioritized transparent student communication through consistent press releases and updates to keep students informed and included. I implemented a Presidential Passion Project centered on student engagement, leadership development, and open dialogue. Moving forward, this project will be required of every SGA President, ensuring student-centered initiatives remain a lasting priority. As part of this effort, we will host monthly student-facing forums next semester to give students direct access to information and conversation around issues that matter to them.

Beyond policy, we’ve worked to make SGA more accessible in tangible ways. The SGA office has been cleaned, reorganized, and transformed into one of the most utilized student spaces it has been in years. Serving as the 81st SGA President holds special meaning to me, especially since I also served as the 81st Chapter President of Gamma Delta and my line number is 8. That alignment has reminded me that leadership is about continuity, purpose, and leaving things better than you found them.

How is your student government administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?

Mental health has been a priority for our SGA administration, especially recognizing how much students are navigating both academically and personally. Our focus has been on creating space for transparency, communication, and access. Through student-facing forums, open dialogue, and consistent updates, we are working to ensure students feel heard and informed rather than left in the dark.

In addition to conversation, we’ve intentionally created moments for students to pause and reset. We’ve hosted events like Cooking with SGA and collaborated with organizations such as Luv Ur Curves to hold midterm study breaks, giving students time to decompress, connect, and recharge. Alongside partnerships with campus resources, these efforts are part of our broader goal to normalize mental health care and make support feel accessible, visible, and community-centered.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership, to me, means responsibility, consistency, and service. It’s about showing up even when it’s difficult, making decisions with integrity, and putting people before personal recognition. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about being willing to listen, delegate, and build systems that allow others to succeed.

I believe real leadership is measured by impact and longevity. If the work continues after you’re gone and the people you’ve served feel supported and empowered, then you’ve led well.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2025–2026?

In 2025–2026, schools need to prioritize transparency, authenticity, and consistency in their digital presence. Students want real-time information, clear communication, and platforms that reflect what campus life actually feels like, not just what looks good.

That means using social media and digital platforms as tools for engagement, not just promotion. Schools should highlight student voices, share timely updates, and address concerns honestly. A strong digital presence builds trust, strengthens community, and ensures students feel connected even outside of physical spaces.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture?

Watch The Yard is important because it documents, uplifts, and preserves Black college culture in a way that is authentic and student-centered. It gives visibility to traditions, leadership, and excellence that are often overlooked or misunderstood, especially within HBCU spaces.

For Black students, representation matters. Watch The Yard creates a platform where our stories are told by us, for us. It reinforces pride, unity, and cultural awareness while connecting students across campuses and generations.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to pursue opportunities in event operations or roles focused on marketing and operations within the sports industry. I’m passionate about work that blends strategy, organization, and creativity, especially in environments that move quickly and require strong leadership and communication.

Alongside this, I plan to continue growing my career as a full-time content creator through my platform, Get Ready With Izzy. Content creation has allowed me to build community, tell meaningful stories, and create impact in a different but equally powerful way. Whether through sports, events, or media, my goal is to continue leading, building, and creating in spaces where people feel connected and inspired.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Isabella Gonce for her work as the student government president of Johnson C. Smith University .

Photo Credits:

Headshots were taken by Jonathan Keitt @designsbyjk