Ben is an engineer and project manager. In 2012 she retired from work that pays money, and works now for the intangible rewards that come from being in community and striving to manifest our UU values in the world. She is an active member of Starr King UU Church in Hayward, California, and is a Zoom Inclusion Ministry evangelist.

Ben and her partner Susan Straghalis have been together since 1991. Highlights of their shared life include backpacking 200+ miles on the John Muir Trail in 2007, visiting Susan's family in England, and grandkids.