Born and raised on the island of Oahu, Brandi-Lee Gonzales graduated from the Kamehameha Schools – Kapalama campus in 2012. She entered Chaminade Universty of Honolulu as a freshman and is a first-generation college student. Brandi majored in Psychology and received her Bachelor’s of Science degree from Chaminade University, Magna Cum Laude, in Spring of 2016.
During her time at Chaminade, Brandi successfully balanced her classes and extracurricular activities with her work commitments as a Resident Assistant and History Teaching Assistant. She was inducted into the Delta Epsilon lota Academic Honors Society and selected as Resident Assistant of the Year. Highly engaged in her faith and campus ministry, Brandi was the recipient of the Parish Scholarship for her involvement in community service and church.
For three consecutive years, Brandi volunteered with the Ohana Club, a program that helps young adults with developmental disabilities. She also served as a peer mentor for first-year Chaminade students. In addition, Brandi volunteered at the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific in Honolulu, where she shadowed occupational therapists.
In June of 2016, Brandi will begin her studies in Occupational Therapy at Loma Linda University in California. She credits the Chaminade community for helping her to gain volunteering experience with occupational therapists. Her time at Chaminade has prepared her to be a better leader and enabled her to gain more confidence to pursue her Master’s degree. After attaining her degree, she hopes to travel around the world to help people.