Michelle Budiwski is an advocate, speaker, and host of REAL TALK, committed to advancing social change, strengthening inclusive communities, and supporting rural economic development. A political voice and mother of four, she brings more than 25 years of hands-on experience in business management and ownership, supported by an MBA in Human Resource Management and a post-graduate certificate in Adult Education.
Michelle’s work is grounded in lived experience. She is a stage 3 rectal cancer survivor living with a permanent colostomy and uses her journey to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and advocate for representation and dignity in healthcare and beyond. Her path has also included poverty, childhood abuse, and addiction—maintaining recovery from opioid and narcotic dependency since October 2000.
A suicide loss survivor, Michelle lost her husband in 2008 following his battle with complex PTSD related to military service. This experience continues to shape her advocacy around mental health, trauma, and support for families and communities.
Through writing, radio, podcasting, and public speaking, Michelle brings a direct, honest voice to difficult conversations. Her work is rooted in authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to turning lived experience into meaningful impact—creating space for connection, understanding, and real change.
Michelle in the news:
November 30, 2025: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/women-western-manitoba-election-candidates-9.6997209
September 16, 2023: https://discoverwestman.com/articles/i-know-we-can-do-better-and-we-deserve-better-spruce-woods-mlp-candidate-michelle-budiwski
September 18, 2023: https://youtu.be/X9I9qyW1Q4E?si=LJjbnQrSvucHcNj3
June 6, 2023: https://www.brandonsun.com/local/2023/06/06/budiwski-looks-to-run-for-liberals-in-spruce-woods
December 1, 2023: https://www.brandonsun.com/local/2023/12/01/electric-vehicles-spark-conversation
May 9, 2019: https://www.brandonsun.com/local/2019/05/09/businesswoman-tops-awards
January 18, 2019: https://www.brandonsun.com/local/2019/01/18/budiwski-chronicles-addiction-journey-in-book
November 17, 2017: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/michelle-budiwski-shares-drug-addiction-story-1.4405541