Meet Isaiah
The next generation of Leadership
Raised in the Community
Isaiah T. Martin III, commonly known as Xeyah (pronounced Zay-ah), was born at Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia under emergency circumstances, surviving a life-threatening umbilical cord complication at birth. Raised by working-class parents—his mother, an administrative assistant in Norristown at the time, and his father, a ramp service worker who refueled airplanes—Isaiah’s earliest years were shaped in the heart of Philadelphia. From living in PHA housing on South 5th Street to splitting time between his grandparents in Point Breeze, Germantown, and Nicetown, and eventually settling in Southwest Philadelphia, Isaiah’s story is deeply rooted in the neighborhoods and communities he now serves.
Early Struggles
Creates Lasting Success
Isaiah’s educational journey began in South Philadelphia at Delaplaine McDaniel Elementary School, where he faced bullying at the hands of other underserved youth—but also found refuge in the encouragement of his teachers. After being rejected from selective high schools and confronting the harsh realities of his neighborhood school, his parents fought to secure him a better education, believing in his potential for a brighter future. At Philadelphia E&T Charter High School, Isaiah flourished—serving in student government, leading the student news media, and discovering the power of voice, visibility, and advocacy.
Faith & Leadership
Isaiah began his professional journey at Chick-fil-A, where he advanced from team member to Restaurant Marketing Director. In that role, he developed early skills in leadership, marketing, and community-focused service. His growing passion for youth and outreach also led him to serve as the first Youth Director at Little Rock Tabernacle, where he launched mentorship programs, organized youth events, and built bridges between generations through faith and service.
During his time at Eastern University, Isaiah was elected Student Government Association President, founded a campus ministry called One Gen, and established a government-funded student pantry to support classmates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Balancing academics, leadership, and service, he studied both business and theology—recognizing how faith, reason, and justice work together to create lasting change.
Early Career & Public Service
In his final year of undergraduate studies, Isaiah was laid off from what he once considered his dream job. Rather than accepting defeat, he turned adversity into opportunity by founding the XMREC Group—a values-driven company grounded in community, homeownership, and equitable neighborhood development.
At just 24 years old, Isaiah’s demonstrated commitment to community earned him the distinction of becoming appointed the youngest-ever Executive Director of any Community Development Corporation (CDC) in Philadelphia. He continues to serve as the Executive Director of Empowered CDC, a community development corporation serving neighborhoods throughout Southwest Philadelphia, Point Breeze and the entire 3rd Congressional District.
Under Isaiah’s leadership, Empowered CDC has tripled its service footprint, expanded green spaces and 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 oversees the coordination of free hot water heater installations for families in need. The organization’s latest initiative focuses on eliminating illegal dumping across multiple Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Today, Isaiah is recognized as a trusted partner to leading environmental, political, and public health agencies, who routinely call on him for innovative, community-centered solutions to the everyday challenges Philadelphians face.
Engagement & Policy
Isaiah’s commitment to civic service extends from the block to the ballot. He has successfully managed election campaigns for current legislators and has worked closely with labor unions, city agencies, and community coalitions to advocate for equitable policies and resources across Philadelphia.
As a partner to national environmental and local health organizations, Isaiah has been deeply involved in the fight against environmental injustice. He has championed stronger protections against illegal dumping, industrial pollution, and environmental neglect in underserved communities.
His advocacy emphasizes the importance of centering public health, climate resilience, and community voice in all environmental and health-related decision-making—especially in neighborhoods too often left out of those conversations.
Isaiah has spent his entire life preparing for a new kind of leadership—one that produces real work, real results, and real progress for our communities.
We are proud to have him serve as the youngest Executive Director, President, and CEO in Empowered CDC’s history.