Isabella – 2025 Apple Region Rising Star

Isabella is a powerhouse in her energy management internship, where she works with local businesses to eliminate waste. She and her friends are founding a nonprofit to help senior citizens in their community.

Her cradle-to-career journey

What was an important learning experience you had before you started school?
Before I started school, I used to go to the LA Zoo (I lived in California), and that’s where I really started to love animals. Around that same time, I was also obsessed with the show Octonauts, which is a kids’ show about marine biology that taught me the names and facts about sea creatures. It came on at 8 pm, and my parents would let me watch an episode before bed. After, I’d tell them facts about different sea animals while they tucked me in.

Looking back, I didn’t realize how those little moments like visiting the zoo, watching nature shows, and sharing what I learned were already building a love and curiosity for the environment. As I’ve gotten older, it’s been really cool to see how much that early exposure shaped who I am and has cycled back.

Who is the teacher or mentor who sparked your interest in STEM?
One of the biggest influences on my interest in STEM has been my Intro to Physics and Chemistry teacher from freshman year. What makes him so inspiring is how deeply he cares not just about his students, but about the world around him. He drives an electric car, helps students compost at school, supports Earth club, teaches robotics, and teaches several environmental science classes. Everything he does shows how much he values sustainability and science. He’s just the definition of a STEM guy. Seeing someone live out their values like that, in and out of the classroom, really made me want to follow a similar path of using science not just to learn, but to care and make a difference.

What are you thinking about doing after high school?
After high school, I’m thinking about majoring in environmental studies and possibly going into environmental law. I’ve explored careers through AVID since 7th grade, visiting college campuses each year, and preparing for college. My internship with Advanced Energy Management has shown me the business, marketing, and data sides of energy, which helped me realize how many paths are out there. Our team also won an award through the NCW Tech Alliance, and that gave me a chance to connect with professionals like a psychiatrist, which got me further interested in behavioral health too.

I’ve been lucky to have so many experiences during high school, and now I’m working with other AEM interns to start a nonprofit called Senior Allies that helps elderly people in retirement homes who feel lonely or don’t have basic essentials. All of this has helped shape what I want to do in the future, I know I want to help people and make a difference.

 

Pursuing a career in sustainability

Isabella’s energy management internship helped her figure out her plans for after high school.


 

Nominated for being a team-player

“In what is still a male-dominated space of energy management, Isabella stands out not by trying to outshine others but by collaborating well, contributing consistently, and earning respect through her work.”

“We’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Isabella through her involvement in the AEM (Advanced Energy Management) Champion internship program, where she has played a key role on a student team tasked with reducing energy waste in commercial buildings. The AEM program focuses on identifying and eliminating energy waste taking place during unoccupied hours. This work requires not only technical understanding, but also communication with professionals and community members. Over the past year, we’ve had the opportunity to work closely with her as a valuable member of our AEM delivery team. In short, Isabella’s performance has been exceptional.

One of the qualities that sets Isabella apart is her communication skills. She writes clearly and professionally, and when it’s time to present to an audience—whether it’s local business owners or a civic group—she delivers with clarity, poise, passion, and confidence. We often choose her to present first, knowing she’ll set a strong tone for the rest of the team.

In what is still a male-dominated space of energy management, Isabella stands out not by trying to outshine others but by collaborating well, contributing consistently, and earning respect through her work.”

—Isabella’s Advanced Energy Management mentors
 

 

 

The Washington STEM Rising Star Awards encourage young women and trans and nonbinary youth to embrace STEM learning in ways that will support their education, career, and community.

Meet all of the 2025 Washington STEM Rising Stars!