Supporting Global Service

The Office of Access, Collaboration, and Engagement for Success (ACES) at the Isenberg School of Management sponsored two students on an Isenberg service-learning trip this summer to South Africa—an experience in which undergraduates gained international business, non-profit (NPO), and non-governmental (NGO) experience.

The trip included time spent at Nourish Eco-Village, a sustainable NGO that enhances education, enterprise, and economic impact for its community members. Students also gained NPO experience at Zululand Conservation Trust, participating in conservation efforts to protect rhinos from poachers.

Read more about the 2025 Isenberg service-learning South Africa trip here.

Supporting the opportunity for the two students, who both hold work-study positions in ACES, aligns with the office’s mission and action plan.

"Study abroad programs like this one are incredible character-building opportunities,” said Assistant Dean of ACES Jesenia Minier-Jennings.

Leslie Sanchez is a junior majoring in accounting and public health. Sophia Chiodo is a senior marketing major.

“For students like Sophia and Leslie, these enlightening experiences will be reflected in their work with the Isenberg Office of ACES,” Minier-Jennings continued. “For us as educators and staff at ACES, they also serve as a powerful reminder of the joy and energy that comes from learning, allowing us to re-engage with our mission and see the world through the eyes of our students.”

Both students shared reflections on the experience and how the program sparked personal growth, global awareness, and leadership development for them.

What inspired you to get involved in this international service trip?

Sanchez: I was first inspired after hearing about the trip from a friend and a professor who spoke about it in class. Hearing their stories made me curious and excited. I’ve always cared about giving back and building community and this trip felt like the perfect way to connect those values with real world experience in a global setting.

Chiodo: I’ve always cared deeply about helping others in my local community, so the chance to contribute on a global level felt like the next step in growing that passion.

How did the Office of ACES impact your South Africa experience?

Sanchez: Although I wanted to apply, I had concerns about the cost. After speaking with one of the organizers, I was encouraged to explore the ACES sponsorship. I was incredibly grateful for their support—ACES helped me cover the remaining balance after I received partial funding from another source and made this meaningful experience possible. I am truly thankful.

Chiodo: The Office of ACES sponsored me for this trip by covering the remaining balance after I received partial funding from another source. The Office of ACES’s support wasn’t just financial; Ubuntu, the idea that “I am because we are,” is all about community, compassion, and mutual respect—that spirit has always been present in the ACES community. During this journey I realized how much the Office of ACES had already been teaching me this mindset all along.

How has Isenberg impacted your education and experience in South Africa?

Sanchez: The South Africa trip has been one of the most impactful experiences in my time at Isenberg so far. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone and gave me a new perspective on leadership, service, and global responsibility. It also taught me what it truly means to be part of a community and to build mutual support with others.

Chiodo: This trip helped me connect the skills I’ve learned and developed at Isenberg to real-world experiences across the globe. While working with the students at Nourish, I had the opportunity to use what I’ve learned to uplift others so we can all grow and succeed together. That’s what my professors, success coaches, and advisors at Isenberg have done for me, and now I feel inspired to pass that support forward. 

What does the Isenberg Office of ACES mean to you?

Sanchez: ACES has helped me grow, connect, and feel more involved at Isenberg. It has opened new doors for me and given me opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Being part of ACES has helped me feel more connected to my campus and more confident in my journey.

Chiodo: To me, ACES means community, support, and belonging. It’s a place where I feel seen and valued for who I am. As a first-generation student and a community college transfer, that kind of support has meant everything. ACES has given me opportunities I never imagined, from leadership development and a strong support system to the chance to travel to South Africa. ACES has shaped the way I lead, connect with others, view the world, and view myself.

How has your South Africa experience influenced your future academic or career goals?

Sanchez: This experience helped me think more intentionally about the kind of impact I want to make through my career. It showed me that real change often starts with listening, empathy, and community engagement. No matter what field I go into, I want to carry those values with me and be mindful of how my work can support others and contribute to something bigger than myself.

Chiodo: Tracking rhinos and witnessing a safe dehorning with the Zululand Conservation Trust was a powerful moment. It taught me firsthand about the complexity of wildlife protection and the importance of global responsibility. The experience was a turning point. I returned more aware and inspired, with a stronger commitment to using my education and career to drive meaningful, sustainable change.

How has this trip changed the way you see your own life and challenges?

Sanchez: It showed me that there are so many brilliant and passionate people in the world with amazing ideas and dreams, but who often face barriers simply because they lack access to the right resources. One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was visiting the Nourish villages and spending time with the kids there and I wish I could do it all over again.