Maple Grove, MN — Farhio Khalif is a passionate advocate for East African women and girls. She wants to make sure their voices are heard and their needs clearly understood. An influential voice in her community, she frequently challenges cultural practices that are harmful and illegal. She founded the first shelter in the U.S. for East African and Muslim women who experience homelessness or domestic and sexual assault, and she has worked extensively with government and community leaders to address violence against women, Islamophobia, hate crimes, and the need for equity and inclusion. To elevate her leadership and amplify voices in her community, she understands that she needs greater policy development, advocacy and communication skills. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health and public policy, enhance her storytelling skills in English and seek mentoring with local policy makers.
