Isabella Saverino

2026 Young Adult Honouree

Poised at the barre of her (almost) second home, Isabella Saverino chose to have her portrait taken at the Woodbridge School of Dance - a place she feels deeply connected to, and where she has volunteered as a teaching assistant since the age of nine, mentoring younger dancers and fostering confidence through the arts.  Her ambition as a young leader and her commitment to meaningful impact can already be felt and measured well beyond the dance community.  At the age of just eleven, Isabella co-created Hopebandz, a grassroots effort launched during the COVID-19 pandemic that raised over $1,500.00 for SickKids Foundation through the sale of handmade bracelets and accessories.

Beyond these initiatives, Isabella has contributed through school leadership as a DECA executive and by supporting community events across York Region. Her efforts span fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy—always grounded in her belief that even small actions can create meaningful change.  Recognizing a need when she sees one, Isabella recently spearheaded a dancewear donation drive in partnership with Dance Happy Dancewear, helping redistribute costumes and shoes to those facing financial barriers.

Guided by strong values instilled by her family and a deep sense of Canadian pride, Isabella approaches giving with purpose and compassion. Her philosophy is simple: be the change you want to see. Through every initiative she undertakes, she continues to inspire others and strengthen the community around her.

She started volunteering at her dance studio at the age of 9, and then began getting involved in community work (with Hopebandz) at the age of 11, which was the summer going into her grade 6 year of elementary school.  Believe it or not, that was only 5 years ago, and our young honouree has already accomplished so much and inspired so many.  When asked what advice she would give her 17-year-old self, she laughed and reminded us that she is still “only 16” but went on to share wisdom beyond her years that we can all use over a lifetime.  She said, “It’s not always easy, or convenient, and it doesn’t always feel like we are making a difference, but the impacts we make can touch other people in ways we can’t even imagine, and we must never stop doing it (giving).”

Story Credit:

Meave Mastracci is the Owner of Ascend Services and a community-focused writer with over 25 years of experience helping local businesses grow. She specializes in community engagement, community give-back initiatives, and improving online presence through social media marketing, website design, Google verification and management, and the development of printed promotional materials. Her work—both in writing and business—champions good people, good businesses, and good organizations.  Contact: mmastracci@ascendalliance.ca