When Jasmine Mondelo packed up her bags and prepared to leave her home, ‘Ili‘ili, American Samoa, she had one goal in mind. That goal was to attend college and graduate with her bachelor’s degree. Something that was not in her plan was to become one of the most influential student leaders on campus.
Today, the fourth-year double major in Accounting and Business Administration not only serves as the Chaminade Student Government Association president but also holds roles with the United Nations Association of Chaminade, the Office of Student Engagement, and CIFAL’s Experiential Honors Program.
However, her path to leadership wasn’t always clear.
“I honestly did not have any leadership experience,” Mondelo said. “Coming here [to Chaminade] exposed me to so many opportunities that made me grow.”
Jasmine Mondelo (front left) joins Chaminade President Lynn Babington and other staff members during the 2025 Silversword Preview Day in early November. (Photo courtesy of Chaminade University Communications and Marketing)
Mondelo’s growth can be traced back to her arrival at Chaminade. From being the data specialist for the former Chaminade Student Programming Board in her freshman year, to the senator for the School of Business and Communication, to financial vice president and now the CSGA president, her leadership is rooted in humility, learning, and service.
Andrew Ancheta, Chaminade’s director of Student Engagement and advisor for CSGA, recognized Mondelo’s growth in confidence and her choice to lead through empathy rather than authority.
“She’s grown a lot more confident in being a leader,” Ancheta said. “It’s definitely a very others-centered approach, a very servant-based leadership style.”
As CSGA president, Mondelo believes in developing her team internally, building team trust, and making meaningful improvements. Her motivation to create real impact stems partly from her experience as a senator before she was elected president.
“My focus has been on improving our team internally because by improving inside, people outside will recognize that we are better,” Mondelo said. “I didn’t really feel like I made an impact as a senator, so I wanted to change that once I became president.”
Despite all her accomplishments as president, Mondelo acknowledges the challenges that she has faced that come with being a leader, especially balancing expectations, academics, and emotional well-being.
“My mental health has definitely taken a blow this semester,” Mondelo said. “I did learn to practice more self-care and make time for myself. I’ve learned to communicate with the staff and faculty to work with them.”
Mondelo’s work ethic and intentionality have not gone unnoticed.
“Jasmine really cares about the people that she leads, and that shows,” Ancheta said. “It shines in the way that the people she is working with follow her, and the quality of the work that they produce under her leadership.”
For Ancheta, Mondelo’s legacy goes beyond the physical improvements she brought to campus. He sees it in the students she has guided and the younger leaders who admire her, even if she would never admit it. To him, they are the ones who will carry her impact forward, continuing to practice the leadership skills and style she instilled in them.
As she looks forward to graduation, Mondelo hopes her final year and time as president is not defined by a personal milestone but by a collective achievement.
“I don’t just want a legacy project for myself,” Mondelo said. “I want something for my entire executive board because the majority of them are also graduating.”
Mondelo stepped into college unsure of her place. However, she will leave not only as a graduate, but as a servant leader whose impact will live in the people that she’s touched, inspired, and empowered.
