Fredricka “Kawehi” Brandow is half Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) and Diné. Her mother was from Lā’ie, O’ahu and her father is from Coyote Canyon, New Mexico. Kawehi grew up living in Arizona and New Mexico (on and off the Navajo Nation), as well as Hilo and Honolulu, Hawai’i. She has over 15+ years of experience working directly with Native American tribes, Native Hawaiians, Alaska Natives, and Native led Nonprofits in various capacities. 

Kawehi’s recent experience included working as a Federal Project Officer for the Department of Labor – Division of Indian and Native American Programs (DINAP). During her time with DOL, Kawehi was recognized for her work by nomination for the “2023 Department of Labor’s Secretarial Award.” She was nominated by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), for her National advocacy for Native American Disabilities education and training. She participated in a three part White House Series through the Department of Education, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of Labor, as a moderator for Indigenous medical career paths, and acknowledgement of disability awareness. She also developed a webpage resource for Native American DINAP grantees. In addition, Kawehi co-moderated a Federal Interagency Convening which included 18 federal agencies, to discuss the reality of disparity between Native populations and other populations. 

Kawehi has 20 years of experience extending to work with  the Department of Defense, nonprofits, Museum Institutions, Educational institutions (research and instructor), and for profit entities. Her professional background includes Business Consulting, Management and Leadership, Project Management and Project Coordinating,Training and Training Development, as well as Public Speaking and Moderating. 

Kawehi graduated with a BA degree in Native Studies from Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. She is now completing her MBA in Native American Leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.