User:Norvy/Ben Kalasho

Ben Kalasho (born April 9, 1983) is the Founder & President of the Chaldean American Chamber in the State of California. The Chamber covers San Diego & East County regions. He is also the Founder and President of the Miss Middle East Beauty Pageant of California.

Early Life & education
Ben was born in Baghdad, Iraq of Chaldean/Assyrian heritage. He is the son of Sana and Ghazwan Kalasho. His father, Ghazwan Kalasho, was a hotel owner, as well as a prominent businessman in Iraq. Ben was born a Chaldean Catholic and is the middle of 6 children. He has a brother, Brandon Kalasho and four sisters, Yvonne Esoo, Bessma Garmo, Ellen Jaboro & Rhonda Kalasho. He attended UCSD (Ext.) where he studied economics. Ben left school to pursue a career in Real Estate and Investments. As a right hand to his father, Ben was intimately involved in all aspects of the family owned businesses. His wits and passionate personality proved him to be a very successful businessman in San Diego.

Political Career
Ben has volunteered in many local and national campaigns. Ever since he was 18 years old, Ben dedicated his time and energy to beautifying his local community and has been an advocate for government transparency. In 2012, he was urged to run for office after hundreds of El Cajon residents wrote him direct letters and emails. After his official announcement to run for office, he soon obtained the endorsement of Teachers, Police, Elected Officials and Community Leaders. Ben was facing a challenging race, as there had not been a minority elected to the El Cajon Council since the 1980’s. Ben lost his bid for council by less than 1%. He continues to stay active and has amassed a huge following. He has been urged to run for higher office because of his passion, eloquence and his innate talents for problem solving.

In a speech in 2012, former California State Senator Waddie Deddeh announced Ben as the Liaison of the Chaldean American Community. Ben is the Chaldean/Assyrian Spokesman for the greater San Diego area.

He is the Founder and President of the San Diego East County Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce. A vision he had for the Chaldean/Assyrian community for over a decade. Currently the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce is the only legitimate Chamber of Commerce for the Chaldean Community in San Diego.

He is the Founder and President of the Miss Middle East Beauty Pageant of California. His goal and vision was to empower Middle Eastern Women.

Achievements & Goals
Ben has earned endorsements and recommendations from local, national and international officials and organizations. He received an award from the East County Small Business for Job Creation. He received recognition from State Senator Joel Anderson and Congressman Duncan Hunter. He was the honorary speaker at the annual 2013 Halabja Genocide, which was held at the Ronald Reagan Center in El Cajon. His goal is to unite the Assyrian and Chaldean communities under the commonality of oneness.

Personal Life
He is currently married to Jessica Deddeh, a professional in the dental field. Jessica is also the Producer of the Miss Middle East Beauty Pageant of California.