Brandon is someone who shows up—whether it's for his family, his community, or the future he refuses to give up on. Raised by a single mother who immigrated from Mexico, he grew up in a low-income household where strength came from showing kindness and working hard, even when no one was watching. Brandon balances two jobs as a Floor Supervisor at McDonald’s and a Togo Specialist at Chili’s while serving as Class President, a Teen PEP educator, and a Junior Firefighter. He helps pay bills at home and still finds time to serve others, volunteering every other week at the Flemington Food Pantry, the same place his family has depended on since he was in preschool.

Brandon is most proud of founding See The World Foundation, a nonprofit inspired by his childhood eye condition and his family’s struggle to afford care. The organization helps children in need access vision treatment and feel seen in more ways than one. He is also a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar and a published researcher. Brandon plans to study political science and pursue public service. As he puts it, “Everything I do is for the kid I used to be, who stayed quiet not because he had nothing to say, but because he thought no one would listen.”