Edina, MN — Farhia Budul embraced her culture, community, and faith to achieve recovery. Her experience led her to develop culturally specific recovery support for her fellow East Africans in Minnesota. As one of the first Somali women in Minnesota to openly share her own story, she has become a source of hope and healing for dozens of people. She believes that while people may initiate sobriety in treatment, recovery happens and is sustained in the community. Having battled her own addiction, she understands the pain and isolation that can accompany substance use disorders. She also understands how a more compassionate and inclusive approach can help others facing similar struggles. With her Fellowship, Farhia will amplify her own story to create greater awareness of addiction, spread hope for recovery, and help eliminate stigma related to the disease. She will engage in transformative learning experiences, access valuable resources, and connect with a diverse network of experts and mentors.
What has informed your approach to leading change in your community?
My approach has been informed by having to achieve sobriety and stability with a lot of barriers. Now, I want to use my vulnerability to help others. Because of my experience, I understand what it’s like to be in a place of despair and hopelessness, but there is hope. I want to instill hope in others. I want to say, “I have made it through.” I know what my community needs because I am from it. My courage comes from God and authenticity is what brought me to where I am now and what makes me show up. #ThePathofPeace is what I live.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would go back to Africa for sure. I was born in a hut in the small village of Ooryoley, Somalia and going back is on my bucket list. I left when I was five years old in the midst of war. I would dearly love to go back and confirm that I made it! I want to dip my feet in the river and eat coconuts and bananas.
What is your favorite quote or expression?
“You must be the change you want to see in the world” by Mahatma Gandhi. I try to live by this because we need to help each other. Also, my own quote, “it’s time to live my recovery out loud!”
