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Angelina Brunelle

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Band
  • Track and Field
  • Alpine Skiing
  • Japanese
  • Dance
  • National Honor Society (NHS)
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Piano
  • Advocacy And Activism
  • Foreign Languages
  • Computer Science
  • STEM
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Key Club
  • Fitness

Reading

  • Fantasy
  • Mystery
  • True Story
  • Science Fiction
  • Action

I read books multiple times a month.

Bio

Thank you for viewing my Bold profile. I am an 18-year-old gap year student (Class of 2025) entering college in Fall 2026 to study Computer Science, Information Science, or Human-Computer Interaction. I took a gap year intentionally to build real-world experience, conduct independent research, and launch my websites. I am the founder and developer of Easy Speech AAC, an assistive communication platform for nonverbal and neurodivergent users. I created the site in response to the limited customization and accessibility barriers. I design through HCI research and user testing to improve daily autonomy. I have also been the primary caregiver for my autistic, nonverbal older brother for nearly a decade. Supporting him shaped my commitment to building technology that empowers people with disabilities to communicate with confidence. Additionally, I built and scaled ElleBruns Collectibles, an online resale business generating over $15,000 in profit. I am currently developing Sakura Haus, an AI-personalized fashion marketplace inspired by my heritage and focused on human-centered design and AI-powered recommendation systems. I also continue advanced language studies, as I have been speaking Japanese since childhood, learning kanji, passing national language exams, and engaging with native speakers. I am entering college with a goal: to combine computer science, AI, and human-computer interaction to build ethical and accessible technology for underserved communities. These scholarships support me in continuing my education and development in inclusive tools.

Education

Emerson Jr Sr High

High School

2021 – 2025

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
Computer Science, Information Science/Studies, Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other, Human Computer Interaction
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Founder & Ecommerce Business Owner- ElleBruns Collectibles

    Business Supplies and Equipment · Built and scaled an online resale business generating $15,000+ profit; managed sourcing, pricing, logistics, customer service, and marketing; implemented automation and analytics to optimize operations

    Jan 2023 – Present

  • Crew Member- Chipotle Mexican Grill (25–30 hrs/week)

    Hospitality · Operate in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with strict food safety standards; deliver customer service, cash handling, and order fulfillment; maintain speed, accuracy, and professionalism under pressure while working full-time during gap year

    Jan 2025 – Present

  • Primary Family Caregiver- Special Needs Advocacy

    Individual & Family Services · Primary caregiver for autistic, nonverbal older brother; managed daily routines, communication support, and safety; developed personalized structure and support strategies; experience directly inspired the creation of Easy Speech AAC

    Jan 2016 – Present

  • Founder & Lead Researcher- Easy Speech AAC (https://easyspeechaac.com)

    Research · Built a free assistive communication platform for nonverbal users; conducted HCI research and user testing; designed accessibility-first UI and AI-powered features; led full-stack development and product strategy

    Jan 2025 – Present

  • Founder & Product Developer- Sakura Haus (https://sakura-haus.com)

    Apparel & Fashion · Founded AI-personalized fashion and lifestyle marketplace inspired by heritage; built interactive style quizzes and personalized user profiles; designed e-commerce infrastructure with AI-driven recommendations; developed brand identity and UX systems

    Jan 2025 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Computer Software
Dream career goals:
UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Data Analysis
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Lyndsey Scott Coding+ Scholarship
In my school's computer lab, I sat in front of a computer, coding my final project—a product of my efforts over the past few weeks. As I clicked "run," I experienced the true joy of coding, with all of my efforts finally paying off as the program executed successfully. Code can create anything—computer science is a constantly evolving field, a tool for solving real-world challenges. As I discovered other passions, such as service, I always hoped to apply my love of technology. These moments sparked my realization of innovation's potential to drive advancements that help others. I am excited to begin my studies of computer science in college, using my unique experiences to create impactful solutions with like-minded students. I was always interested in STEM subjects, but during my sophomore year, I joined my school's Intro to Java class, which sparked my love for coding. After taking this course, I engaged in countless others, from AP Computer Science A to Advanced Programming, improving my problem-solving skills. The endless possibilities that could be explored through the field, whether you want to make games or create worldwide solutions: these programs have the power to change lives. These initial interests motivated me to join the robotics team, where I took on diverse roles—from the social media manager and driver to scout and logbook writer. While navigating countless challenges from building and programming, I collaborated with my team’s engineers to develop our robot, which taught me how to blend technical knowledge with strategic thinking—a combination important for success in computer science. Motivated by my passions, I also launched a successful e-commerce business on eBay, learning how technology and entrepreneurship can transform ambitious ideas into valuable solutions. By selling collectibles such as coins and building a business from scratch, I discovered the importance of community within the online world. Watching my venture generate a profit was exciting, but the true lessons lay in resourcefulness and adaptability. Running the business independently reminded me of my coding experiences, where a single error requires patience and critical thinking, just as a business demands thoughtful adjustments and persistence. Additionally, as a caregiver for my nonverbal, autistic brother, his outbursts were overwhelming, but supporting him deepened my love for family. My responsibilities motivated me to provide support, knowing how difficult it is for him to express his thoughts. This shaped my ability to create environments where others are supported through advocacy. I aim to improve the quality of life for vulnerable communities. Recognizing my brother's struggle with verbal communication, technology became a tool for him to express himself, using a speech device to tell others his feelings. I hope to further explore human-computer interaction and AI by joining research initiatives, creating advanced projects that improve accessibility for those with disabilities—tools such as communication devices that can positively influence lives. I aspire to blend my passion for service and entrepreneurship with a commitment to growth within computer science, drawing on the values instilled in me by my experiences. This new chapter of life is more than just academics; it’s about building a diverse community where we all dare to grow. In college, I will enrich my new campus with lessons from my personal experiences with technology, inspiring everyone to reach their full potential through innovation—whether through research projects or student organizations. This scholarship will provide me with the financial support necessary for me to pursue research and internships in human-computer interaction and AI, areas where I plan to create innovative solutions for disabled communities. Drawing from my unique experiences, I am deeply committed to improving lives through accessible technology.
Angelina Brunelle Student Profile | Bold.org