Brandi L. Benson is…
AN ACCOMPLISHED AUTHOR – Brandi L. Benson’s debut memoir, The Enemy Inside Me: A Young Soldier’s Unexpected Battle With Cancer, tells the powerful story of her 2009 Ewing Sarcoma diagnosis during her deployment in Iraq and her ensuing mental and physical battle to triumph over cancer. Over the years, Brandi has also published numerous articles about wellness, cancer and business.
A SOUGHT-AFTER SPEAKER – Through national speaking engagements, Brandi helps transform the lives of audience members by encouraging them to take charge of their healing and their wellness. Brandi has been a featured presenter at a wide range of events, from speaking about “Mental Fitness and Overcoming the Enemy Inside You” at the Family Café in Orlando and addressing “Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Resolution” at LSPC in Savannah.
A STRONG CANCER SURVIVOR – Brandi overcame a diagnosis of Ewing Sarcoma and fought to reclaim her life through treatments, therapy, physical activity and healthy living. Her mission is to provide strategies and resources to help anyone struggling with cancer. The Sarcoma Foundation of America will present Brandi with a Courage Award in October 2020, in recognition of the positive impact she has had by inspiring other cancer survivors.
A PROUD VETERAN – At the age of 24, Brandi bravely served her country by enlisting as an active-duty soldier in the U.S. Army. She deployed to Iraq in 2008, but her military career was cut short due to her Ewing Sarcoma diagnosis. Brandi continues to lead a life of service and enjoys working with other veterans. She is also a semi-finalist for Ms. Veteran America 2020.
A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR – Brandi is the founder and CEO of Resume-Advantage, an employment service for both civilians and transitioning military veterans. Brandi earned a B.A. in Mass Communications and Journalism from Ashford University and an M.F.A. in Writing from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education at Concordia University.
AN IMPRESSIVE ATHLETE – A longtime athlete and sports enthusiast, Brandi began playing on varsity basketball and soccer teams at the age of 13 and participated in Olympic Development Program (ODP) and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) sports. Unfortunately, part of treating her Ewing Sarcoma required the removal of the left adductor muscle in her leg. Now a 10-year cancer survivor, Brandi has become a gym enthusiast and has taken up salsa dancing, yoga, Pilates, and painting. She is currently training for the Paralympics Games, an Olympic-style competition for athletes with disabilities.
Brandi is dedicated to using her second chance at life to help fellow cancer survivors, participating weekly for the Livestrong cancer survivor program. She is also beginning the framework for a non-profit that will support military cancer survivors to find employment after medical discharge from their respective branches.
Brandi’s Articles & Writings
Brandi Benson column: The many ways to write a winning résumé
Brandi Benson column: Giving resignation notice and leaving with integrity
Army Veteran Healthy After Ewing Sarcoma
The 6 Elements I Attribute to My Survival
The Survivor (Thriver) Series ~ Brandi L. Benson: #22
I Am a Fighter and a Winner Who Never Gives Up on Herself
a little more about her life…
Born in San Bernardino, California on September 13, 1984 to Tippi Benson and Andre Hill, Brandi L. Benson has lived an inspiring life. Her mother Tippi, who was just 16 at the time Brandi was born, raised Brandi and her younger sister, Michelle, while working as a hair stylist. Brandi’s father, who died in 2000, was a talented artist and musician. It is perhaps from her father that Brandi received her own creative talent.
Brandi currently lives in South Florida with a Jack Russell/Yorkie named Maddie and enjoys speaking to audiences across the country. She is represented by Gamut Management & ZebeDee Management.