While studying Nursing at the University of Greenwich, it was within the lecture halls, wards and early placements that the foundations of Fatima Kamara’s remarkable career were forged. She often describes her nursing education as a “catalyst” not only shaping her technical expertise but sharpening the values and leadership instincts that now underpin her work across health, social care, public policy and national governance.
“Greenwich shaped how I think, how I lead, and how I serve,” Fatima reflects. “The university instilled in me discipline, empathy, and the belief that compassion and leadership belong together.”
After qualifying in 1999, Fatima began her clinical career in the NHS, serving across London’s major teaching hospitals. Her early grounding at King’s College Hospital, followed by roles in acute and community care, women’s health, high dependency and primary care, strengthened her understanding of people, systems, and the structural challenges that shape health outcomes. She describes these years as “the training ground for purposeful leadership” where she learned to lead with clarity, fairness and courage.
Her trajectory into senior leadership accelerated quickly. Fatima went on to become Deputy Director for Clinical Governance at Barts Health NHS Trust, then the largest trust in the UK and Europe.
“I was brought in during a challenging period to strengthen governance and quality systems and to build a culture of accountability and excellence. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of strategic, values-driven leadership to turn systems around at scale.”
Today, Fatima serves as a Senior Management Executive within the NHS, influencing national policy discussions and championing equity and safety for marginalised groups. “I have the privilege of ensuring that diverse patient needs are reflected in policy and practice and that compassion, safety and equality remain at the heart of decision-making.”
But Fatima’s influence extends far beyond healthcare. She is also a Labour Party Councillor, Labour Link Officer, and a member of the UNISON Southeast Regional Executive Committee, advocating for diversity, women’s leadership, and fair representation within political spaces.
Shortlisted as a Parliamentary Candidate, she continues to champion inclusive democracy. “My commitment is simple: our political institutions must reflect the diversity of the people they serve.” As Founder and Chair of The 1987 Committee, a platform created to honour and continue the legacy of the trailblazing Black MPs elected in 1987, Fatima has become a recognised voice in shaping conversations around political representation, youth engagement, and leadership equity. The Committee’s events, many hosted at Parliament, convene policymakers, MPs, community leaders and young people. “Real change happens when diverse voices are not just heard, but centred,” she says.
Alongside her public leadership roles, Fatima also works closely with care leavers and young adults, supporting them to build confidence, independence and stability as they transition into adulthood. This continues her lifelong commitment to social justice and community empowerment.
To students and future health professionals, Fatima says: “My career has never been linear; it has been the constant pursuit of impact. Nursing taught me not only the science of care, but the art of leadership to listen deeply, act decisively and serve with integrity.”
She adds: “When I first walked through the doors of Avery Hill as a young student, I could never have imagined how far that journey would take me. Greenwich didn’t just educate me; it transformed me. It gave me the confidence to lead, the curiosity to explore new frontiers, and the courage to make my voice count.”
Fatima continues to lead with purpose, influence and integrity across multiple sectors including health, social care, politics and public service. And for her, that journey began and proudly continues with the University of Greenwich.
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