Meet Sadara

Dedicated to Colmar Manor, Maryland

I, Sadara Kashif-Barrow, was born in Washington DC; my family moved to Brentwood, MD, when I was 12. I attended Northwestern High School graduating at age 15. I attended Prince George's Community College and George Washington University. I married in 1982, and my husband and I bought a house in 1983, raising our five children in the Town of Colmar Manor for the past 39 years. During that time, we remodeled our home, and I participated in many youth-oriented activities for my children. I was a track mom.

I worked for Computer Sciences Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, for 18 years as Sr. Accountant, Sr. Staff Accountant, General Account Manager, Information Technology Implementation Manager, and Sr. Project Manager.

I have had the opportunity to travel to many places globally and all over the United States. In 1997, two of the Barrow children were selected by their schools, Bladensburg Elementary and Bladensburg High School to participate in the Port Towns Youth Council via End Times Harvest Ministry. With this interaction, I became more aware of the extensive community, amenities, history, and resources in the Town of Colmar Manor and The Port Towns - a "diamond in the rough."

I felt (feel) blessed by all the opportunities I have had over the years.

I grew up in a low-income family, and I genuinely understand the struggle. I am blessed. The learning and training afforded me was something I wanted to give back and help – shine this diamond.

In 2000 with the backing of then Candidate for Mayor Diana Fennell (now State Delegate), I ran for Town Council of Colmar Manor and won. Also, with the support from Denise Hamler, Green Festival Director who lives in Cottage City, I joined the Port Towns Community Development Corporation as a volunteer. I was voted Vice President on the Board of Directors. I served as the Vice President for two years, President for three years, and another year as Vice President. Volunteer service is terrific, but you need someone fully committed to a community to get the significant changes required at the end of the day.

My children and grandchildren

Paul-Delair, a graduate of the Art Institute of Washington,

Shakira, Prince George's Community College (with additional studies from Howard University),

Dr. Jasmine, Cornell University and Harvard Medical School,

Najah, Masters from Maryland University, Delilah, attending Prince George's Community College, and

my grandchildren, Kelly, Myles and Zia, give me the presence of understanding what we must do to create a better community for the future.

In 2006, after I left the Port Towns Community Development Corporation board. I was hired as its Executive Director. We accomplished a great deal in those last 22 years and bought a lot of attention and grants to the Port Towns. I am really pleased with what we have done, but there is much more to do. I have served on many community boards in an executive capacity and continue as Mayor.

In 2014, I ran for Mayor of the Town of Colmar Manor, and thanks to you, I won. I am humbled by your belief in me to make our Town better. It has been challenging. The Town needs much work to bring us into the 21st century, and we are making significant progress. Additionally, there are many legislation and policies that we need to encourage or limit that directly affect municipalities and your lives. I advocate on behalves of you. I have been a board member of the Prince George's Municipal Association Maryland Municipal Leauge, and; the President of the Maryland Mayors Association and Anacostia Trail Heritage Area Chair, and Treasurer of the Maryland Black Mayors Association and the Anacostia Watershed Society.

Learn More about Sadara and our Community history at:

http://www.heritage.umd.edu/chrsweb/ATHA/port_towns_interview_transcripts.htm