Get To Know Ben!
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I ❤️ Hopkins!
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7 months old in Patna, India
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1st Studio Pic Since Arriving in Hopkins!
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Newly Crowned Jr. Raspberry Festival King Riding in the 1993 Hopkins Raspberry Festival Parade!
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Dancing with my Jr. Queen
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1993-1994 Hopkins Jr. Raspberry Festival King
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“Rat” in Stages Theatre Co’s: Wind in the Willows.
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Stages Theatre Co: Wind in the Willows Cast Photo
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Church Confirmation Day with my Mother
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Hopkins High School Peer Leadership Senior Youth Retreat
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2002 People To People Student Ambassador in France!
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![2003 People To People Student Ambassador in Australia!]()
2003 People To People Student Ambassador in Australia!
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HHS Graduation Pic
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Lucky enough to star in Hamlet @ The Guthrie! The final production ever in its original theatre!
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Barney
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Chilly Willy
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2010 UMN Graduation Day
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My Mother
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Auditioning for Big Brother with BB Star: Janelle!
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Teachers are lifelong role models! My 5th & 6th grade teachers
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Frank Vascellaro & Amelia Santaniello
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Taylor Swift: 2018 Reputation Tour
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Hamilton @ The Orpheum with My Mother
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On Broadway with David Hyde Pierce
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On Broadway with Jake Gylenhaal
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Manhattan Book Signing with Nicholas Sparks!
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Barney & Chilly Willy
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Walking in the 2019 Raspberry Festival Parade as a Royalty Ambassador & Alumni
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Remaining 1993-1994 HRF Royal Family
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Political Correspondent Pat Kessler!
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WCCO Interview with Chris Schaffer
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Strawberry Picking!
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NYC with 9/11 First Responder
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On Broadway with Laurie Metcalf
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On Broadway With Bryan Cranston!
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Harry Potter & The Cursed Child on Broadway!
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Essential Frontline Worker
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Finding the 2020 Golden Raspberry Medallion!
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The 2020 Golden Raspberry Medallion!
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2021 National Night Out!
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Working the Raspberry Festival Merchandise Booth @ 2021 Marketplace Arts & Crafts Fair
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Volunteering @ the 2021 Hopkins Raspberry Festival Parade!
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Shopping Local and Supporting our Farmers @ The Hopkins Farmers Market!
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![June 2022 Hopkins Planning & Zoning Commission Swearing In!]()
June 2022 Hopkins Planning & Zoning Commission Swearing In!
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![Hopkins Jaycees: "Rolling With Easter Bunny 2023"]()
Hopkins Jaycees: "Rolling With Easter Bunny 2023"
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![Resource West "Gathering To Grow" Volunteer]()
Resource West "Gathering To Grow" Volunteer
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Guthrie Theater: "Diamond Jubilee" Gala
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![Volunteering Up at Mainstreet Days 2023, Selling Raspberry Festival Merchandise!]()
Volunteering Up at Mainstreet Days 2023, Selling Raspberry Festival Merchandise!
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![Volunteering at the Hopkins Planning & Zoning Booth as a City Commissioner!]()
Volunteering at the Hopkins Planning & Zoning Booth as a City Commissioner!
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![Proud Hopkins Jaycees Member Volunteering for Cleanup Duties for 2023 Mainstreet Days!]()
Proud Hopkins Jaycees Member Volunteering for Cleanup Duties for 2023 Mainstreet Days!
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Attending the 2023 Taylor Swift "Eras Tour!"
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![Selling Raspberry Festival Buttons for the Royalty Coronation, proudly volunteering as a Raspberry Festival Board Member!]()
Selling Raspberry Festival Buttons for the Royalty Coronation, Proudly Volunteering as a Raspberry Festival Board Member!
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![Berry Berry Selfie!]()
Berry Berry Selfie!
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![Selling Beer at the Inaugural "Raspberry Jam" as a benefit fundraiser for the Hopkins Jaycees!]()
Selling Beer at the Inaugural "Raspberry Jam" as a benefit fundraiser for the Hopkins Jaycees!
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Inaugural "Raspberry Jam!" Proud to be Serving the Community as a Raspberry Festival Board Member and a Hopkins Jaycees Member!
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!["The World's Largest Raspberry!"]()
"The World's Largest Raspberry!"
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Hopkins Planning & Zoning Commissioner!
“Don’t ever forget where you came from. Don’t ever forget your story. Your growth is found in your roots.”
For over the past 35 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to call Hopkins my hometown and place of residence. At just 14 months old, I was adopted from Patna, India, and have considered Hopkins my home ever since. In short, this city has given me everything.
7 months old in Patna, India.
Riding in 1993 Raspberry Festival Parade as newly elected Jr. King!
My love of community was instilled at the age of 7 when I was chosen to represent Hopkins in more than 80 parades/festivals throughout the state and Midwest region. I was crowned Jr. Raspberry Festival King in 1993, and each time I rode on our float or spoke in front of crowds, my love of this city was evident to all. In 2020, when The Festival Board made the bold choice to still put on a limited virtual festival so the community did not lose out on an 86 year old tradition, I reengaged so that I could be part of its preservation and ensure its survival for decades to come by being elected to serve on the Festival Board of Directors. Currently, I continue to serve the community as the Festival’s Merchandise Coordinator.
As a lifelong resident, I took full advantage of the excellent Hopkins School District. Upon completion of K-12, I graduated with academic distinction from Hopkins High School in 2004. I hold a dual major in political science and musical theatre from The University of MN, graduating with honors in 2010. An upcoming goal of mine is to obtain a Master’s Degree in public policy. I was taught by my mother Judy, who was a pediatric nurse at a local hospital, that one is defined by their work ethic and ability to turn their passions into careers that serve others. I am committed to ensuring that every student enrolled in the Hopkins School District receives a world-class education, that prepares them for college and beyond.
2010 UMN Graduation Day
Stages Theatre Co: Wind in the Willows Cast Pic.
Originally I decided to pursue a serious career in the arts. My very first theatrical experiences were watching local performances and taking classes at Stages Theatre Co. At age 10, I began a successful acting career performing at The Guthrie, Children’s Theatre Co., Park Square, Stages Theatre Co., Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, and The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. My love of theatre continues to this day as an avid supporter of Broadway and our local Twin Cities Theatre Scene. We are fortunate to have a world-class local performing arts center in Hopkins, and we must continue to harness the economic benefits that such a facility creates.
At the age of 14, my first job in the community was as a bagger at Tait’s Grocery Store. I then worked at Lunds & Byerly’s: Minnetonka throughout high school. In 2003, I left to pursue what would become a 17 year career in commission sales, selling shoes at Dayton’s/Marshall Field’s/Macy’s until the pandemic arrived. Due to the changing needs of retail, I returned back to Lunds & Byerly’s: Minnetonka in 2019, and proudly served there in management throughout the pandemic. I currently work as a sales account executive for Ty Inc. I take enormous pride in these opportunities to serve and give back to our community.
Essential Frontline Worker Serving Hopkins during the pandemic.
Legislative Aide @ MN House of Representatives!
I had the distinct honor of serving the entire state as a Legislative Aide during the 2016 Legislative Session at the MN House of Representatives. Through my tenure at the State Capitol, I developed an appreciation and interest in how our government functions and is accountable to the people. Working just steps away from the Governor and MN Speaker of the House, I was able to experience first hand the importance of bipartisanship and surrounding oneself with diverse and opposing perspectives. There was an understanding that we all shared the common goal of making MInnesota the best it can be, and the need for inclusivity to make sure there’s greater representation in government at all levels. These principles extend far beyond the state level, and undoubtedly have an impact at the local level.
I believe that we must do everything in our power to promote our city and to elevate it in the coming years ahead so that Hopkins emerges from the pandemic in a stronger position than when it entered. This begins with new representation on our Council, where everyone’s voice can be heard, and is reflected in the diversity of those who serve our community. We must not lose sight of our small-town identity, with an economically competitive climate on Mainstreet, and the tax policies to support them. I’m a local small business owner of an online company, and the past few years have been very difficult in terms of taxes and balancing the budgets. Together, we must make wise, fiscally responsible decisions that set us up for long-term sustainable growth and success.
As a city government outsider, my number one goal will be to listen to the needs of the public. I will provide an independent voice for the community that advocates for a common sense, collaborative approach to find innovative solutions for the obstacles we face.
I look forward to meeting as many residents as possible. Whether I’m at work, out walking my two rescue dogs, Barney and Chilly Willy, or gardening, feel free to introduce yourself and share your ideas, concerns and feedback on how we can improve our city. I believe in a good community, a good economy, and in making good decisions; and if elected, together we can be good for Hopkins!
