Student Spotlight – Barbara Sixtos
At Johnston Community College, student leadership takes many forms, and for Barbara Sixtos, it means showing up, representing student voices, and strengthening campus community.
As the current Student Government Association President, Barbara has been a dedicated advocate for the student body. She works closely with peers, faculty, and staff to ensure student voices are heard. Her involvement in SGA has allowed her to grow as a leader while helping shape a campus experience that is welcoming and supportive for all Jaguars. She received the Eddie Myers Award at the recent North Carolina College Student Government Association (N4CSGA) conference, which celebrates a student who champions positive change.
Through her time at JCC, Barbara has embraced opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. She has participated in campus initiatives, represented students in important conversations, and taken on responsibilities that have prepared her for the next stage of her academic and professional journey.
Outside of school, Barbara is super active in the community. She is an Ambassador for the North Carolina Period Power Coalition, where she promotes menstrual equity and awareness. She also serves as the Assistance Executive Director for Voices De Nuestra Historia, an organization focused on preserving cultural history and uplifting community voices.
In addition to all of her volunteer work, she still makes time to help her mother with her business, as well as working as a paralegal at a local law firm. Barbara has even founded her own small business! She is the proud owner of Florecitas Con Amor, specializing in floral arrangements. Her ability to balance academics, community involvement, and family responsibilities speaks to her maturity, compassion, and unwavering drive to make a meaningful impact.
Barbara’s journey has not always been easy. She shares “I had a rough-upbringing and really struggled through middle school, and even entering high school. As low-income, first-generation student and a daughter of a single parent, I want students to know things can get better and their goals are never too far out of reach, no matter what their past or present looks like.”
Barbara’s journey at JCC has been shaped by the encouragement she’s received along the way. From classroom experiences to leadership opportunities, she credits the college for helping her build confidence, develop communication skills, and discover her passion for service.
This foundation has opened doors for Barbara beyond her time at JCC. She will continue her education at Campbell University, where she has been awarded a full scholarship. Barbara looks forward to building on the academic and leadership skills she developed at JCC as she takes the next step in her educational journey.
Barbara has also been selected to participate in the Governor’s Page Program, a competitive opportunity that allows students to gain firsthand exposure to state government and public service. Through the program, she will work closely with state leaders, observe legislative processes, and apply the leadership experience she gained at JCC in a new and impactful setting.
Looking ahead, Barbara is excited to continue serving others and applying what she has learned at JCC in new environments. While her journey will take her beyond campus, the lessons and relationships she built here will remain a lasting part of her story.
Barbara’s experience is a reflection of what’s possible at Johnston Community College — where students are empowered to lead, grow, and pursue opportunities that align with their goals.
