FORGE Opened My Eyes

FORGE at Roy Place Assistant Isabela Evans is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Business Management and minoring in Spanish at the Eller College of Management. She is active in the Eller community in the Professional Women in Business Association as well as the Eller Hispanic Honorary, and an alumna of the professional business fraternity AKPSI. She will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Isabela Evans chose to attend the University of Arizona even though the rest of her family are committed Sun Devils. When she visited, she fell in love with the beautiful campus and all that the University of Arizona had to offer.  “I joined the Hispanic Honorary,” said Isabela. “So I started coming to campus before I was admitted, and I got to meet a bunch of amazing Hispanic professionals and my Hispanic peers. It has been amazing. It's a really tight-knit group. Eller has been a great experience overall.” 

Some of her favorite academic experiences have been working on team projects.  While she admits that team projects aren’t for everyone, for her it helped build close friendships.   

She first learned about FORGE through a former co-worker, Aleshia Howell, who became her supervisor. “Isabela is such a natural fit for her role as a FORGE at Roy Place Assistant, " commented Aleshia. "In a public-facing environment where you don’t always know what’s going to happen during your work day, her curiosity, motivation, collaborative spirit, and good humor make her efficient, effective, and a joy to work with."

In her role at FORGE, Isabela was able to interact with founders and UA staff from across campus, help maintain a safe, inclusive space and promote co-working and entrepreneurial mindset.  The ability to adapt to situations and meet many different people has been a valuable experience for her.

“I think I've learned how to speak with anyone. I have been able to interact with such a diverse group of individuals at FORGE,” Isabela said.  “I know now that it's beneficial to ask for help, that you have a wealth of resources and knowledge in the people around you. FORGE is a hotspot for information, knowledge, wisdom.”

A highlight of working at FORGE has been meeting new people and experiencing the events. “Every Thursday I get to meet someone new, I get to plan events, and I get to meet so many cool people,” she said. “I also get to be downtown and organize different things, and just have a good time with the people here and the people that come in.”

She also enjoys coming to work in a building rich in architectural history right in the center of downtown. 

“I wish people knew that it really is a wealth of resources. There's just so much to offer,” said Isabela. “FORGE opened my eyes to the fact that entrepreneurship isn’t just all about the business. It's about the mindset and innovation and creativity.” 

After graduating, she plans to spend time in Australia working at the business of a family friend. She hopes to take on more project management roles in the future and feels that FORGE has prepared her well for what’s ahead.  “I think FORGE has really made me able and willing to do anything. I feel I'm so adaptable now, and I’m willing and happy to do any role for any project that I’m given.”