Ben Wheeler serves as the Seattle Housing Authority's Yesler Terrace Community Builder. Each week he collaborates with neighbors to increase self-sufficiency, leadership and community capacity by building upon the shared strengths and community relationships. The past nine years Ben has held various positions within the public and governmental sector addressing various community issues. He has completed his Master's of Science in Community Development from Kansas State University where the focus of the studies explored the strengths and weaknesses of institution led community building efforts in marginalized communities. Additionally, he has completed the Initiatives of Change-Hope in the Cities racial trust building coursework and has attended several of the People's Institute racial equity workshops. He is passionate about inclusive neighborhood led efforts that build collective trust while leading to meaningful social change.