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Meet Fatmata

An experienced fighter for the people of Montgomery County.

Fatmata Barrie

Meet Fatmata Barrie

An experienced fighter for Montgomery County.

Fatmata's story is representative of so many in Montgomery County. Originally from Sierra Leone, Fatmata emigrated to the US at age 11. She graduated from Florida A&M University with a BS in Psychology before attaining her JD from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. She has been an immigration and special education attorney, community activist and organizer for more than 30 years, working with organizations including CASA de Maryland, ACLU of Montgomery County and Jews United for Justice.

As an immigration attorney, Fatmata has fought to keep families together and help people achieve the American dream, including providing free workshops and clinics for immigrants and DACA applicants. Fatmata remembers the challenges her parents faced in their efforts to navigate the immigration system and is determined to help other families avoid the same pitfalls. As a special education attorney, Fatmata helps families navigate a system that can seem set up for families to struggle.

As a county resident for over 20 years, she previously served as the Executive Director of the Montgomery County Police Accountability Board and Administrative Charging Committee and she worked for Councilmember Will Jawando. She also serves as a member of the Montgomery County African Affairs Advisory Group and is an Executive Member of the African Immigrant Caucus and Immigrant Community Services.

A lifelong Democrat, Fatmata has been heavily involved in politics and engaging with diverse communities to get them involved in the political process. In 2024, Fatmata created Africans in the Diaspora for Harris, a group which had over 2,000 members across the country, working on voter contact to the African community for the presidential election.

Fatmata has been an advocate for women, children and families. As a board member of the Women's Democratic Club of Montgomery County, Fatmata fought for legislation in Annapolis including paid family leave, paid sick leave, increasing the minimum wage and protections for workers across the state.

In the Community

Out in the Community

Service & Leadership

A lifetime of public service.

Police Accountability

Executive Director of the Montgomery County Police Accountability Board and Administrative Charging Committee.

County Government

Worked for Councilmember Will Jawando on policy and constituent services.

African Affairs Advisory Group

Current member of the Montgomery County African Affairs Advisory Group and executive member of the African Immigrant Caucus and Immigrant Community Services.

Coalition Building

Founded "Africans in the Diaspora for Harris" — a coalition of over 2,000 members mobilizing civic participation across the country.

Women's Democratic Club

Board member of the Women's Democratic Club of Montgomery County, fighting for paid family leave, paid sick leave, higher wages, and protections for working families.

Community Legal Services

Free legal workshops and community clinics for immigrants, DACA applicants, and families navigating the special education system.

"I'm running for Council to deliver for the people of Montgomery County. As an immigration and special education attorney and community activist for more than 30 years, I know what it means to face uncertainty and still show up for everyone everyday. We need an experienced fighter who will push forward an agenda for a more inclusive community for all and protect the future of Montgomery County."
— Fatmata Barrie
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