Place Plans at Jesus' Feet
Isabela’s leadership journey shows us how young Adventist professionals can use their talents to serve their church and community.
Her journey of faith has been shaped by two pivotal churches: the Toronto Yugoslavian Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she was raised, and the Barrie Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she developed a personal relationship with Christ and found a passion for service.
After completing her Bachelor of Commerce at York University and Juris Doctor at Toronto Metropolitan University, Isabela now works as a legal professional and enjoys researching the latest legal dilemmas plaguing society.
Isabela has followed her passion for service by taking on a recent leadership role with the Young Professionals Network (YPN), a ministry under the Young Adults Ministry of the Ontario Conference. YPN began as a dream shared by Isabela and her best friend, Victoria Lim, after attending the Adventist Young Professionals Convention in the US.
Recognizing the need for a similar initiative in Canada to support educated young adults, they assembled a vibrant team with the support of Pastor Hong and grew the membership to over 100 young professionals.
As the current Chair of YPN, Isabela is excited to host the first annual YPN Convention from November 8-9, 2024. This event will bring together Seventh-Day Adventist young professionals to network, share their projects and entrepreneurial ideas, and grow both professionally and spiritually.
If you are interested in attending this event, register before the November 3rd deadline. Professionals are also invited to set up a booth at the event to promote their business or initiative!
When asked about her commitment to leadership, Isabela highlighted that she is motivated by the opportunities to create new avenues where they currently do not exist. She goes on to say:
"It is a marvelous manifestation of creativity that comes directly from God, because you know that on your own will and might you would not be able to notice such gaps.”
However, the most challenging aspect of leadership for her is balancing daily responsibilities with ministry commitments. Despite these challenges, she leans on Christ’s example of using His team of disciples to fulfill the work. Her leadership approach is “about the collective, not about a singular individual being elevated”. Isabela credits her amazing YPN team for making it all possible and highlights that the right team makes all the difference.
Isabela’s favorite part of leadership is witnessing others thrive and become empowered - she calls it, “discipleship in action”. Her advice to other leaders is to always place plans at Jesus' feet, ensuring that the work is done for His glory above all else.
Through initiatives like the YPN, Isabela is passionately empowering this generation of Adventist young professionals to integrate their faith and careers in meaningful ways. Her story is an inspiration to all who seek to use their talents to serve their church and community.