Mandela Benitez is a Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand graduate currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She has served as President of the Supreme Secondary Learner Government and as Public Information Officer of the Quezon City Division Federation of Supreme Secondary Learner Governments. She has a background in campus journalism and digital illustration, contributing to various youth-led publications and creative projects. She received a Special Recognition in Comic Strip Making from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), and was recognized by All Rights PH and IDEALS Inc. for her participation in carousel documentaries including "UnderStudent," "This is Graffiti," and "GradWaiting." In 2024, she directed the short films "They Call Me Monique" and "Ang Mukha ni Medusa," which explore themes of identity, social dynamics, and lived experiences.