Meet Heidi | Re-Elect Garrido For Hopkins

Meet Councilwoman Garrido

Hello Hopkins! I am a 10-year resident of Hopkins and I'm honored to serve the people of Hopkins as a City Council member, the first woman of color to do so.

I was born in Santiago, Chile and adopted to the US at 3 months old. I was raised in Wisconsin and moved to Minnesota in 2003. I am the mother of 3; Jace, Caden, & Dori. I am also a new mother-in-law to Jace's wife, Maria. I owned a portrait and wedding photography business for 15 years. I am a triathlete, a gardener, an activist, and a cheese lover. In 2022, I received my Bachelor's Degree in Political Science with a certification in LGBTQ+ Studies from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. I also received a DEI certification from the University of Minnesota. I plan to pursue further education by earning a Master's Degree or Law Degree.

I changed career paths in 2023 and now work as a Project Coordinator for the Office of Public Service at the City of Minneapolis, where I coordinate project redevelopment at George Floyd Square and at the Minneapolis Democracy Center (former 3rd Precinct).

I am honored to be a public servant and proud to call Hopkins my home. I would be thrilled to continue my service to Hopkins for a 2nd term on the City Council. I hope to earn your vote on November 4th!

Yours in Service,

Organizations and Activities

Heidi is a member of many professional organizations and working groups.

Hennepin County Race Equity Advisory Committee - Appointed 2025

The mission of the Race Equity Advisory Council is to strengthen the county’s goal of disparity reduction and to advise the county board and county administration on the county's vision and strategy focused on reducing racial disparities and advancing racial equity throughout Hennepin County.

League of Minnesota Cities - Improving Service Delivery Policy Committee - Appointed 2024

The Improving Service Delivery Committee focuses on policies that deal with such issues as unfunded mandates, environmental mandates, elections, charter law, transportation, government innovation and cooperation, and public safety.

Association of Secular Elected Officials - Joined 2023

The Association of Secular Elected Officials (ASEO) is a community of secular elected officials and religious allies who educate about how we can be inclusive of secular colleagues and constituents, and support policies that protect religious freedom for all.

League of Women Voters - Joined 2023

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

National League of Cities Race, Equity, And Leadership (REAL) Council - Appointed 2023

The REAL Council provides guidance to member leaders on efforts that address the impact of race and equity issues in their communities. The leadership of the REAL Council offers tangible insights and opportunities to apply a racial equity lens within cities and within each NLC leadership structure.

Hopkins Race Equity Initiative - Joined 2023

The Hopkins Race and Equity Initiative (HREI) is a collaborative effort creating opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of race, equity and diversity and promoting a sense of community that welcomes and values all residents. Partnering organizations include City of Hopkins, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Hopkins Public Schools, and Hopkins Police Department.

National League of Cities Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO) - Joined 2022

Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO) is a caucus within NLC that serves as forum for communication and networking among Latino and Hispanic local elected officials and their colleagues.

National League of Cities LGBTQ+ Local Officials - Joined 2022

LGBTQ+ Local Officials (LGBTQ+LO) is a caucus within NLC that serves as forum for communication and networking among LGBTQ+ local elected officials and their allies.

National League of Cities Women in Municipal Government (WIMG) - Joined 2022

Women in Municipal Government (WIMG) is a caucus within NLC that serves as forum for communication and networking among women local elected officials and their colleagues.

Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA) - Joined 2021

ALPFA empowers and develops Latinx men and women as leaders of character for the nation, in every sector of the global economy.

Pi Sigma Alpha - Initiated 2020

Pi Sigma Alpha (ΠΣΑ or PSA), the National Political Science Honor Society, is the only honor society for college and university students of political and social sciences in the United States. Its purpose is to recognize and promote high academic achievement in the field of political science.

ACLU - Joined 2020
Hopkins Community Ed Advisory Council - Joined 2021

She is also a proud member of several Hopkins organizations:

Friends of the Hopkins Center for the Arts

Being a member of the Friends of Hopkins Center for the Arts means giving support to the arts programming at the Center. Memberships keep the Center operational and ensure that art remains vibrant and accessible. This support enables HCA to offer affordable concerts, present free art exhibitions, and provide opportunities for emerging artists.

Access Hopkins

We believe abundant biking and walking contributes to a healthy environment and a strong economy.

Hopkins Area Little League

Hopkins Area Little League (HALL) prides itself on teaching sportsmanship, teamwork, and baseball skills in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Fun facts about Heidi:

Heidi has a strong agriculture background. She grew up in southern Wisconsin on a 100-cow dairy farm. She also served as her Chapter FFA President, National FFA Ambassador, and represented her community as a Green County Dairy Queen.