IGNITE's new face of advocacy, Isabella Vergara

“When you step up to lead, you’re not just taking on responsibility — you’re giving others permission to shine too.”
Isabella Vergara

With the dawn of the academic year, a vibrant new voice joins our ranks. IGNITE is thrilled to welcome Isabella Vergara as our newest student advocate. Vergara, an international student from Colombia and in her fourth year of the public relations program at Humber Polytechnic, arrives with a burst of enthusiasm and a deep-seated commitment to uplifting her fellow students.

Before taking on the student advocate position, Vergara excelled as a student ambassador and promotions team lead at IGNITE. Her experience in managing several large-scale events helped her transition seamlessly into her new role as she continues to champion student needs and support.

Her arrival marks the start of a dynamic partnership with Naisha Suthaharan, a seasoned advocate in her fourth year of justice studies at the University of Guelph-Humber. Vergara is excited to collaborate with Suthaharan, whose experience and dedication to student advocacy have been inspiring. Together, they aim to enhance the support systems available to students and create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.

“Collaboration is at the heart of everything I do. You can’t create a meaningful impact alone,” Vergara said in excitement.

From humble beginnings to IGNITE leadership

Vergara’s journey with IGNITE began in September 2021 during her first year at Humber. She recalls the excitement of moving to Canada and starting a new chapter as an international student.

She credits a classmate for introducing her to IGNITE, describing it as “the best department we have here at Humber.” Despite being hesitant due to her shyness and uncertainty about her English skills, Vergara pushed past her doubts and applied for the brand ambassador role.

“I was so afraid, even my English wasn’t great. I was still learning but I thought, ‘I’ll give it a try,’” Vergara said.

To her surprise, she received an interview invitation and successfully landed the job.

Over the years, Vergara grew in confidence, moving from brand ambassador assistant to leading the brand ambassador team. These experiences shaped her understanding of student needs and advocacy, which ultimately motivated her to step into the role of student advocate.

Reflecting on her personal and professional growth over the years, Vergara says her initial apprehensions transformed into a deep commitment to supporting students.

“To anyone hesitant about getting involved on campus, I’d say take the leap — once you’re in, you’ll see how much it shapes you as a person,” Vergara said.

A leader with a passion for advocacy

Driven by her passion for helping students feel included, empowered, and safe on campus, Vergara eagerly takes on this new responsibility. Her previous roles with IGNITE and her journey as an international student have given her a deep understanding of the unique challenges students face. This perspective fuels her commitment to advocate for their needs and foster a supportive environment.

One of Vergara’s primary goals is to address the ongoing issue of unpaid internships, which she sees as a significant barrier to equitable student opportunities.

“I want to advocate for better support and resources to help students ensure they get the experience they need without being financially burdened. No student should have to choose between advancing their career and covering their basic needs,” Vergara said.

Beyond work-integrated learning opportunities, Vergara’s commitment to advocacy extends to creating a campus culture rooted in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). She is determined to create an environment where students from all backgrounds feel welcome, respected and valued. Her commitment to EDI initiatives aims to dismantle barriers and provide all students with equal opportunities.

Another key focus for her is supporting mental health — a topic she believes should be discussed more openly.

“It’s not just about academics or career development; mental health is a fundamental part of student well-being and we need to break the stigma around it. Students should feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment,” Vergara said.

Driven by a clear vision and passion for advocacy, Vergara strives to make the campus a better place for everyone.

A vision for the future

Vergara envisions the campus as a place where students can thrive, feel safe and connect with others. Her dedication to the student community is evident in her desire to lead with compassion and understanding. She doesn’t just see leadership as a responsibility; she views it as an opportunity to inspire others.

“When you step up to lead, you’re not just taking on responsibility — you’re giving others permission to shine too,” she said.

This philosophy drives her commitment to creating an environment where every student feels empowered, supported and valued. By fostering connection and understanding, Vergara aims to build a stronger and more united community at Humber and UofGH.

Shy beginnings, bold impact

When Vergara first applied to be a brand ambassador at IGNITE, she was a bundle of nerves. Her journey from a timid international student to a dynamic student advocate is nothing short of remarkable. She recalls how the interview for the role was nerve-wracking.

“I remember the interview asked us to sing a song,” she said laughing. “I was terrified but I did it, and even if they hadn’t called me back, I would have been okay with it because I enjoyed the experience.”

Vergara’s leap from shyness to leadership is now inspiring others. In her new role as IGNITE’s student advocate, she will collaborate with Suthaharan to enhance student support and foster inclusion on campus.

“I was just so excited to work with students again,” Vergara said with a bright smile.

Next time you see Vergara, remember her stepping out of her comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to approach her to share any concerns you may have related to your student life. The shy student is now a passionate advocate who proves that big steps often start with just taking a chance.

If you’d like to connect with Vergara, feel free to reach out to her on the IGNITE website. And don’t hesitate to say hello if you see her on campus!

Feature image courtesy of IGNITE.

Wondering what IGNITE student advocates do? Check out a day in the life of a student advocate!