Meet Isaiah
The next generation of Leadership
Raised in the Community
Isaiah T. Martin III, commonly known as Xeyah (zay-ah), was born at Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia under emergency circumstances, surviving an umbilical cord complication at birth. Raised by working-class parents, his at the time mother, was an administrative assistant in Norristown, and his father, a ramp service worker who refueled airplanes — Isaiah’s earliest years were shaped in the heart of Philly. From PHA housing on South 5th Street to splitting time between his grandparents in Point Breeze, Germantown, and Nicetown, then, eventually settling in Southwest Philadelphia, Isaiah’s story is deeply grounded in the neighborhoods and communities he now serves.
Early Struggles
Creates Lasting Success
Isaiah’s educational journey began in South Philly at the Delaplaine McDaniel elementary school, where he experienced bullying at the hands of underserved youth— but also found refuge in the encouragement of his teachers. After being rejected from selective high schools and facing the grim realities of his neighborhood school, his parents fought to get him into a better school, believing in a brighter future. At Philadelphia E&T Charter High School, Isaiah blossomed: serving in student government, leading student news media, and learning the value of voice, visibility, and advocacy.
Faith & Leadership
While working at Chick-fil-A, Isaiah climbed from team member to Restaurant Marketing Director, gaining early experience in leadership, marketing, and values-driven service. Simultaneously, his passion for youth and community led him to become the first Youth Director at Little Rock Tabernacle, where he built mentorship programs, organized youth events, and helped bridge the gap between generations through faith and service.
At Eastern University, Isaiah was elected Student Government Association President, founded a campus ministry called One Gen, and launched a government-funded student pantry during the COVID-19 pandemic, all while juggling academics, activism, and spiritual leadership. He studied both business and theology, seeing a clear connection between faith, reason, and justice.
Early Career & Public Service
Isaiah founded XM Real Estate Team, a values-driven company rooted in community, homeownership possibilities, and equitable local development. After displaying deeply rooted community values, at 24 Years old, he was appointed the youngest-ever Executive Director of any CDC in Philadelphia. Isaiah continues to serves as the Executive Director of Empowered CDC, a community development corporation serving neighborhoods across Southwest Philadelphia and the entire 3rd Congressional District. Under his leadership, Empowered has tripled its service footprint, expanded green spaces, community gardens, and launched workforce development programs for both youth and seniors. He also established and funded a Community Grant Program for local small businesses and nonprofits, created a Home Repair Program, and they coordinate the installation of free hot water heaters to families in need. The newest project is attempting to eliminate illegal dumping in various Philadelphian communities.
Isaiah has become a trusted partner to leading environmental, political, and public health agencies who routinely call on him for solutions to our various everyday problems.
Engagement & Policy
Isaiah’s commitment to civic service extends from the block to the ballot. He previously managed successful election campaigns for current Legislators. Isaiah has also worked closely with labor unions, city agencies, and community coalitions to advocate for more equitable policies and resources across Philadelphia.
As a partner with National Environmental and Local Health organizations, Isaiah has actively engaged in lobbying efforts to combat environmental injustice, pushing for stronger protections against illegal dumping, industrial pollution, and environmental neglect in underserved communities. His advocacy has focused on ensuring that public health, climate resilience, and community voice are central to environmental and health decision making — especially in neighborhoods too often left out of those conversations.
Isaiah has spent over a decade preparing for a different kind of leadership — one that does real work, obtains real results, and delivers real progress for our communities.