Social Impact Fellow Reflection: Ishita Sukul | The Little Guy Foundation

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

When I began my Spring 2026 internship as a Social Impact Fellow through the Georgia Tech Institute for Leadership and Social Impact (ILSI) with The Little Guy Foundation, I did not realize just how deeply this quote would shape my experience. As a second-year Biology student at Georgia Tech, I entered this fellowship expecting to grow professionally in media, marketing, and fundraising. What I did not expect was to discover how storytelling, empathy, and service could transform communities — and transform me.

At The Little Guy Foundation, I served as a Media, Marketing, and Fundraising Intern, helping coordinate regional and local events while also sharing the stories of the communities we serve. Throughout the semester, I had the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and embrace leadership in ways I never imagined. Whether it was capturing media content, learning videography, improving my film editing skills, or helping expand outreach efforts, every experience taught me that impact begins with human connection.

One of my most meaningful experiences this semester was participating in Home for Humanity, a program dedicated to supporting unhoused communities in Atlanta through art-centered experiences, creativity, and connection. During these events, we hosted poetry workshops, music sessions, and art-based activities designed to create spaces for self-expression and healing.

Yet one of my favorite memories came from something completely unexpected: learning how to give someone a haircut for the very first time.

I remember feeling nervous, wanting to make sure I did it right. But as conversations unfolded and stories were shared, I realized the haircut itself was never the most important part. It was about dignity, trust, and human connection. In those moments, I learned that service is not about “helping” from a distance — it is about showing up, listening, and walking alongside others with empathy.

What stood out to me most about Home for Humanity was the power of storytelling. Through poetry, art, music, and honest conversations, people were able to share pieces of themselves. We were not simply hosting workshops; we were building community and creating spaces where stories could be seen, heard, and valued.

Beyond Home for Humanity, I also collaborated with a co-intern to strengthen The Little Guy Foundation’s campus presence at Georgia Tech. We hosted tabling events on Tech Green, interviewed students about their passions, and asked a simple but meaningful question: “What does art mean to you?”

Students designed their own custom stickers based on The Little Guy template and printed them instantly. What began as a creative activity quickly became something much bigger — a way to spark joy, encourage self-expression, and create conversations around empathy, creativity, and belonging.

Week after week, seeing students stop by our table reminded me that impact often starts with the smallest interactions. A conversation, a smile, a shared story — these moments matter more than we realize.

In addition to event coordination and outreach, I managed The Little Guy Foundation Instagram page (@littleguyofficial), creating reels, interviews, and storytelling-based content featuring Georgia Tech students, Home for Humanity participants, and community members. Through videography and digital storytelling, we worked to amplify voices and share stories rooted in empathy and creativity.

Over the course of the semester, I helped increase social media engagement by 250%, demonstrating the power of authentic storytelling to strengthen community engagement.

I also supported outreach efforts promoting The Little Guy Foundation’s international service-learning opportunities in Guatemala and Ecuador, helping connect more students and community members to experiences centered on global impact and cultural exchange.

This internship showed me that leadership is not always loud. Sometimes leadership looks like holding a camera to preserve someone’s story. Sometimes it looks like facilitating conversations, building community, or simply showing up with kindness and an open heart.

As I reflect on Spring 2026, I realize I did not simply follow a path — I helped create one. And while this journey has already left an unforgettable mark on me, I know this is only the beginning. I am incredibly grateful to continue this work in the fall and deepen my impact through The Little Guy Foundation.

Because sometimes, the most “meaningful trails” are the ones we build together.

This reflection is part of Georgia Tech’s Social Impact Fellows program, offered through the Institute for Leadership and Social Impact (ILSI). This program connects students with nonprofit and community organizations in Atlanta for semester-long, hands-on project experiences designed to foster co-learning, social responsibility, and personal growth. To learn more about program details and application information, please visit our program webpage.