Thursday December 5, 2024
Hudda Ibrahim was sworn into office on Dec. 2, 2024. She will represent Ward 3 in the St. Cloud City Council after the position was vacated by former Councilmember Jake Anderson, who will become the city’s new mayor this January. Corey Schmidt/ St. Cloud Times
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (HOL) — Hudda Ibrahim made history on Monday as the first Somali American appointed to the St. Cloud City Council. With a unanimous vote, Ibrahim was selected to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat, succeeding Jake Anderson, recently elected mayor.
"This has been something due for a long time," said outgoing Mayor Dave Kleis, who administered the oath of office. "To unite this council on the first ballot shows a lot about your candidacy."
Born in Somalia, Ibrahim, 39, has lived in St. Cloud for nearly two decades. Her professional achievements include educator, author, and nonprofit leader roles. She holds a bachelor's degree from the College of St. Benedict, a master's in conflict resolution from the University of Notre Dame, and a doctorate in education from St. Mary's University in Minnesota.
"I'm not just a person of colour," Ibrahim said. "I'm also competent and qualified. I'm a leader."
Ibrahim previously ran for an at-large council position in 2024, finishing fifth in the general election. Despite the loss, her candidacy raised awareness about critical issues such as affordable housing, economic development, and public safety — priorities she plans to address during her tenure.
Her appointment reflects the growing influence of St. Cloud's Somali American community, which has expanded significantly over the past 20 years. It also marks a shift in the city's narrative. In 2017, the council rejected a moratorium on refugee resettlement, declaring St. Cloud a welcoming community.
Ibrahim's leadership extends beyond politics. She teaches diversity and social justice at St. Cloud Technical and Community College and founded initiatives like "Dine and Dialogue," which uses food diplomacy to bridge cultural divides. Her book, From Somalia to Snow: How Central Minnesota Became Home to Somalis, has further cemented her as a voice for inclusivity.
"Every day I ask myself, 'What can I do to make St. Cloud a better place for all?'" she said. "This is about building bridges and ensuring that every resident feels heard and valued."
The council will convene on Dec. 16 to continue addressing the city's pressing challenges under Ibrahim's historic leadership.