St. Cloud City Council Makes History, Selecting Hudda Ibrahim to Fill Out Remainder of Jake Anderson’s Two Year Term

(KNSI) — The city council selected its first member from the Somali community, marking a historic moment for St. Cloud.

Hudda Ibrahim was chosen by all six council members on the first ballot to represent Ward Three, filling out the remainder of Mayor-elect Jake Anderson’s two year term. Outgoing Mayor Dave Kleis immediately swore her in.

KNSI News spoke with Ibrahim moments after taking the oath of office to ask how she felt. “I’m really elated. I’m really excited for our city because if you look at the data right now, 30% of St. Cloud’s residents happen to be diverse young people, people of color. But you know, I’m not just a person of color. I’m also competent and qualified for this. I’m a leader.”

Council members cited her heavy involvement in the community as one of the reasons she was selected. Ibrahim is a teacher at St. Cloud Technical and Community College and holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Benedict and a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. She is the founder and president of Filsan Consultant LLC, the Executive Director of Community Alliance, and a member of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She is also part of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and Anna Marie’s Alliance.

She is also the author of “From Somalia to Snow: How Central Minnesota Became Home to Somalis” and the children’s book “What Color Is My Hijab.”

Ibrahim has lived in St. Cloud for more than 19 years. She plans to be a bridge builder and pledges to listen to residents. “I would love to hear from the residents, particularly those of Ward three. And I will be absolutely visiting those homes, knocking on doors and asking people what it is that we can do together to make St. Cloud a better place for all.”

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