I am Ellen Gurrola, I am running for White Bear Lake City Council in Ward 2. I have lived in White Bear Lake since 2019. Before that, we lived in Vadnais Heights, then moved to The Boatworks Commons and later to the Birch Lake Townhomes, until we became homeowners four years ago. I grew up in Richfield, where I was raised by two small business owners. Something that drew my spouse and I to White Bear Lake is that it reminds me of growing up in a city with a small-town feel. I am committed to ensuring White Bear Lake maintains its naturally beautiful and strong community for future generations, which includes my own two children. I hope that as I share more about myself, you'll find me approachable and relatable.

 

I attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, where I earned a B.A. in Education. I taught science in public schools for ten years, ranging from a small charter school on the east side of St. Paul to the largest school district in the state of Minnesota. I also coached Girls Varsity Soccer at Hope Academy in Minneapolis. In 2023, I earned a Master’s Degree in Natural Science and Environmental Education from Hamline University in Saint Paul. Since 2022, I have worked part-time at Macalester College for their Sustainability Office. 

 

One of the reasons I transitioned from full-time teaching was because my spouse, Ramon, became a full-time Saint Paul Firefighter. Prior to that, he worked as a heavy equipment operator for Bell Lumber Company in New Brighton and as a Community Service Officer in White Bear Lake. Since 2014, Ramon has also worked part-time for the Vadnais Heights Fire Department. Our family struggled to pay for full-time childcare and working part-time made sense for us.

 

My husband Ramon and I met through our mutual friend with whom he served in the United States Marine Corps. He is the son of two Mexican Immigrants and served in the Marines for 8 years, fulfilling deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the things Ramon and I first connected on was our commitment to public service and helping others. Our family understands the sacrifices made by first responders, veterans, and current military members in our community. We also recognize the hard work of immigrant families in our communities and the difficult journey many have faced to build lives here.