Fatima Dirie

State: Utah

City of Residence: Salt Lake City

Country of origin: Somalia

Arrival in the US: 1997

Fatima Dirie is the Refugee Community Liasion for the Salt Lake City Mayor’s office. Fatima was born in Somalia, and lived in Kenya for several years before coming to the United States. She moved to Utah with her family in 1997 and has lived here since. Fatima Speaks 5 Languages. Somali, Mai, Mai, Chimini, Swahili, and English. Fatima graduated from the University of Utah with a master’s degree in social work and with an emphasis in international Social work. Fatima has 15 years on the job experience supporting youth enrichment programs and working with the refugee and immigrant population. Fatima served as the “Black Student Union” President at the Salt Lake Community College. She is also the co-founder and Vice President of the “Somali Youth Center.” In addition she served as an interpreter for the Somali community, assisting clients with medical needs, transportation and social supports. She is also currently serving as a member in “United Africans of Utah”, a network group to assist the common needs for the diverse populations within the African community. Fatima is currently coordinating the Utah Refugee Civic group and is serving on the Governs Refugee advisory board. Fatima is passionate about advocating for human rights and social justice issues, empowering women and youth to be leaders, and educating people on refugee populations.