We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ms. Isabella Gonzalez. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Isabella, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
Lately, I’ve felt so surrounded by love. From my family, my friends, and my entire community. As many of you know, I lost my dad back in July, and it’s by far the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through. My dad was my rock, my best friend, my everything. My whole world revolved around him. Growing up, my biggest fear was losing him, but behind that fear was also the thought of ending up alone.
When he was in the hospital, and later when he transitioned to hospice, I realized something I never expected: I wasn’t alone at all. People flew in from all over the country just to be with me and my dad during those final moments. Friends I hadn’t spoken to in years reached out to check on me. Every single day, I was reminded how incredibly lucky I am to have so many beautiful souls who love and care for me. My friends and family would visit me every day, they would cry with me, laugh with me, and sit with me in silence.
Even in my darkest, most painful moments , when the grief felt unbearable, I found comfort in knowing that both of my parents have left me with an army of people who love me deeply. I still ask myself sometimes, “Do I even deserve all of this love and support?” And honestly, I don’t know the answer. But I do know that God has been so merciful with me. He’s surrounded me with so much love, grace, and compassion through the people in my life.
My friends and family kept reminding me that the reason so many people showed up for me is because I’ve always shown up for others, and maybe that’s true. Either way, I feel endlessly grateful and blessed to have this kind of love around me.
I want to carry that forward. I want to show up for others the same way everyone showed up for me during the hardest season of my life. I’ve experienced loss before, my mom, my grandmother, my aunt, but losing my dad shattered me in ways I can’t even put into words. Still, I’m so thankful for the people who helped me pick up the pieces and reminded me that even in loss, there can still be love, and light. My life mission is to continue to the legacy of my beautiful parents, and to spread as much love and light as possible.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Isa Gonzalez. I’m a first-generation law student, and I was born and raised here in Miami, and after law school, I plan to work for the State Attorney’s Office. I chose a career in law because I want to use justice as a tool to create real change in people’s lives. Growing up in Miami, I witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by underserved communities, and I am committed to advocating for those whose voices are often overlooked. Beyond my career in law, my true life mission is to lift others up and serve as a beacon of hope, showing that even in life’s darkest moments, there is always a reason to keep going. Helping others is deeply personal to me because I’ve experienced loss and hardship firsthand, and I know how transformative it can be to feel supported, and inspired to keep fighting. I want to dedicate my life to being that source of strength and encouragement for others, reminding people that they are never truly alone.
I lost my mother when I was just six years old, and almost exactly 17 years later, I lost my father, just before my 23rd birthday. Losing him was an unimaginable pain. He was my bestfriend, my rock, and we spent every single moment together. For a time, it felt impossible to find a reason to keep going. But within that heartbreak, I rediscovered my purpose: to serve others. That loss reminded me that my life is meant to make a difference, and that despite life’s hardships, I carry the legacy of my parents’ love, sacrifices, and resilience.
A week after my father passed, I was accepted into law school. Now, three months into this journey, I feel a profound sense of gratitude. I truly believe that God placed me here for a reason, and in a way, this acceptance felt like one of my father’s final gifts: the chance to continue helping others, to be a light in the darkness, and to remind people of the good in the world.
My mom was born in Colombia and my dad in Cuba, and they both came to the United States in search of better lives. They met at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, a place dedicated to empowering visually impaired people and serving the Miami community with compassion and care. The Miami Lighthouse has always been very special to me and my parents, and together, they devoted their lives to raising me with love, purpose, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Every life my parents touched was profoundly impacted, and anyone who spoke with them walked away forever changed by their light.
I have always loved backpacking and exploring the world, and through my travels, I hope to share my parents’ story, a story of resilience, boundless love, and unwavering commitment to others. Every person I meet becomes a teacher in my life, and I am endlessly inspired by the kindness, wisdom, and strength I encounter along the way. My parents mean everything to me, and though I miss them every day, I am determined to keep their memory alive by serving others, lifting those around me, and carrying forward the loving example they set. Their love, their sacrifices, and their lessons are woven into who I am, and through me, their light continues to shine on to the rest of the world.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My dad, Carlos Gonzalez, shaped who I am and how I see myself, someone who can actually make a difference in the world. He was the most beautiful human I’ve ever known, he had a way of touching everyone he met. From a young age, he faced so many health challenges. By the time he was 23 (my age now) he was completely blind. Later on, he had his leg amputated, went through multiple heart surgeries, a kidney and pancreatic transplant, and so many other scary health battles. And through all of it, I never once heard him complain. He always kept moving forward with courage, positivity, and strength, showing me what it means to persevere even when the world feels impossible. That resilience stayed with him all the way to his final breath, and it continues to inspire me every day to face my own challenges with the same determination and grace.
He devoted his whole life to raising me. He gave me the world, the happiest childhood, and he loved me more than I can ever put into words. That love set the foundation for the rest of my life, and even though he’s not here physically, I feel him guiding me every day.
To know my dad was to love him. I’ve always wanted to impact people the way he did. He left a mark, lifted others, and spread so much love and hope. My goal now is to honor him in everything I do, to make him proud, and to carry forward his light. I was so incredibly lucky to have him for as long as I did, and I’ll spend the rest of my life living in a way that reflects on the extraordinary person he was.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
For a long time, I tried to hide my grief, to tuck it away and pretend it didn’t exist. But I eventually realized that my pain didn’t have to be something to conceal, it could be something to harness, something that could give me strength and purpose. I began to use my grief as a source of power: the power to lift others up, to walk alongside them in their own struggles, and to help them navigate the heartbreak, loss, and challenges that life inevitably brings. There is a profound beauty in transforming your struggles into a force for good, in letting your pain teach you empathy, compassion, and resilience, and in using it to inspire love and hope in the people around you.
It’s not easy, and it’s far from a linear journey. Some days, grief feels heavy, overwhelming, and impossible to bear. But I’ve learned that there is absolutely no shame in struggle, it is not weakness, but a pathway. Our struggles, our losses, and our hardships shape us, teach us, and ultimately push us toward growth and purpose. They prepare us to touch the lives of others in ways we could never imagine. Using my pain to help others has shown me that even the darkest experiences can be turned into light, and that there is true power in vulnerability, in showing up for others, and in letting your heart, broken as it may be, guide you toward something greater.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends and family know that what matters most to me in this world are the relationships I share with them, as well as the meaningful connections I’ve built with people from all over the world. I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such magical humans, and I strive every day to nurture these relationships. Each friendship, and every bond, is a gift, and I try to cherish that daily.
My friends and family have celebrated my joys, lifted me in my darkest moments, and shared in my journey of growth and self-discovery. I value their love more than words can describe, and I work every day to ensure that my actions reflect the deep gratitude I have for them. These relationships are not just a part of my life; they are the foundation of who I am, shaping my perspective, my purpose, and the way I show up in the world. As I continue to navigate this earth, and connect with people from different walks of life, I carry with me the lessons and love of those closest to me, sharing it outward and growing together with every connection I make.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I lived with an open heart and a deep commitment to lifting others up. I want them to remember that I was someone who truly showed up, not just in words, but in actions. For my family, my friends, and even for strangers who needed a little light in their lives. I want them to remember that I tried to live with purpose, that I believed in the good in people, and that I strived to leave every place, every room, and every conversation a little brighter than I found it. If there’s one thing I would hope people remember, it’s that I lived not just for myself, but for the people I loved, and that my life was measured by the impact I left on those around me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: isaabellitaaa
Image Credits
Valerie Chaparro-Yacaman
