Benjamin Suhrstedt
Pullman,WA
Summary
With my master's degree in political science, I have seen the world and worked with key international policymakers; I built 3,000-strong coalitions that have seen bills turn into laws; I shook hands with anyone and everyone necessary to help humanity through governance. This is my passion, and I am an up and coming game changer.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Board Member
Pullman Civic Trust
Pullman, WA
08.2024 - Current
- Attended meetings and contributed to key decisions on local park planning.
- Provided guidance to other board members in making informed decisions.
- Advocated for initiatives that align with the organization's values and goals to local politicians.
Public Affairs Specialist
Chilli Foundation
New York, NY
04.2024 - 09.2024
- Built and led a 3,000-member coalition to influence policymakers on climate change.
- Directed awareness initiatives highlighting the intersection of finance and federal governance.
- Helped write and distribute pitches and press release to key contacts.
- Analyzed news coverage to assess effectiveness of public affairs efforts.
- Contributed to formulating comprehensive communication strategies.
Political Affairs Ambassador
The Borgen Project
Tacoma, WA
03.2024 - 08.2024
- Met with congressional committees to discuss human security.
- Secured billions in funds for the International Affairs Budget.
- Delivered presentations on critical foreign policy issues
- Maintained relationships with key stakeholders in government organizations as well as non-governmental entities.
- Advocated for global security via infrastructure development.
Field Leader
Sole-Strategies
Miles City, MT
07.2024 - 07.2024
- Coordinated and spearheaded door-to-door campaign to endorse client's ballot measure.
- Organized and directed field team operations to meet objectives.
- Collaborated with local businesses and social groups to promote policy initiatives on the ballot.
Policy Analyst
International Crisis Group
Brussels, Belgium
01.2023 - 05.2024
- Coordinated think tank to support women's enfranchisement in rural Afghanistan.
- Collaborated with team leaders including former U.S. Ambassador John Ross, the deputy foreign minister of Turkey, and the MENA Chair of the International Crisis Group.
- Delivered comprehensive assessment on behalf of group.
Campaign Aid
Deb for Pullman
Pullman, USA
08.2023 - 11.2023
- Conducted polling research and canvassed voters
- Orchestrated media coverage and arranged student group meetings
- Advised mayoral candidate and colleagues
Education
Master of Arts - Political Science
Washington State University
Pullman, WA12.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Global Politics, History
Washington State University
Pullman, WA05.2023
Skills
- Media Relations
- Ethical Decision-Making
- Political knowledge
- Meeting facilitation
- analysis
- Campaign Management
- Community organization
- Coalition building
- Effective Public Speaking
- Strategic Advising
- Economic development
- Budget Management
- Unwavering optimism
- Scheduling
Websites
Leadership
- Vice-President of Scholarship, FarmHouse Fraternity, 2020 - 2022
- Director of Recruitment, FarmHouse Fraternity, 2020 - 2021
- Service and Philanthropy Chairman, FarmHouse Fraternity, 2020 - 2021
- Participant, FarmHouse Leadership Institute, 2020, 2021
- Participant, Greek Leadership Camp, 2020, 2021
Affiliations
- Master's student senator with Washington State University's GPSA
- Youth Climate Finance Alliance coach
- Congresswoman Cori Bush's re-election campaign, volunteer
- Seed the Vote field leader
- Dr. Pam Kohlmeirer's congressional campaign, volunteer
- Interfraternity Council Senator, 2023
- Vice President of Scholarship, FarmHouse Fraternity 2021-2023
- Vice President of Recruitment, FarmHouse Fraternity 2021-2023
- Service and Philanthropy Chair, FarmHouse Fraternity 2020
Accomplishments
- Built a 3,000 strong coalition and led the Chilli app to be the most popular in its category on the app store.
- Fought for and won millions in funding for the International Affairs Budget.
- Championed an "Electrify Africa" bill and saw it through to become law through every step.
- Got recreational marijuana on the ballot in an extremely conservative county in Montana. If I can do that, there's nothing I can't do.
Certification
- Certificate in Global Justice and Security Studies, Washington State University (Dec 2024)
- Completion of the political affairs track of the Chilli Academy
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Board Member
Pullman Civic Trust
08.2024 - Current
Field Leader
Sole-Strategies
07.2024 - 07.2024
Public Affairs Specialist
Chilli Foundation
04.2024 - 09.2024
Political Affairs Ambassador
The Borgen Project
03.2024 - 08.2024
Campaign Aid
Deb for Pullman
08.2023 - 11.2023
Policy Analyst
International Crisis Group
01.2023 - 05.2024
- Certificate in Global Justice and Security Studies, Washington State University (Dec 2024)
- Completion of the political affairs track of the Chilli Academy
Master of Arts - Political Science
Washington State University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Global Politics, History
Washington State University
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