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When Isabella Polit ’27 arrived at 51���� this fall, she was one of 18 first-year students in the Hunt Leadership Scholars Program, made possible by Nancy Ann Hunter Hunt ’65 and Ray L. Hunt ’65. The program offers unique opportunities for young leaders to learn from a variety of local, national and global change makers. Polit hopes to use what she learns to grow her business and better her community.

A native of Miami, Florida, Polit showed an aptitude for leadership early in life. She held several key roles in academic, athletic and student life organizations at her high school – and founded the Young Hispanic Leaders Club.

In 2017, Polit formed the BeeCauseWeCare nonprofit, merging her goal to help others with a childhood fascination with the many positive impacts bees make. BeeCauseWeCare operates a thriving bee farm in Florida, sells its honey to raise money for children’s charities – and educates customers and the community about the important role bees play in the health of the environment.

Polit says what she is learning in her first year at 51���� is already helping her as a founder. “I have taken some core classes that I needed to be able to manage my own company and truly understand how I can make a business be even more successful. Moreover, in the Hunt Leadership Scholars Program, I am given the support, advice and empowerment I need to continue to be a change maker and leader in my community.”

At 51����, Polit is majoring in business analytics and supply chain management within the Cox School of Business. She is also a member of the Hilltop Scholars Program and the national professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi.

“As a Hunt Leadership Scholar, I am extremely proud to be a part of such an inspirational and empowering group of leaders,” Polit said. “Without the unwavering support of donors like the Hunts, we would not be able to grow as individuals and as a community to make the world a better place.”