Today we’d like to introduce you to Fatou Jome.
Hi Fatou, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My Story
I was born and raised in The Gambia, a small country in West Africa. It’s where I spent my childhood and completed my early education. At the age of 18, I moved to the United States, where I finished high school at Patrick Henry High. Following that, I pursued higher education at multiple institutions, starting at Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC), where I earned a degree as a Medical Office Assistant. From there, I transferred to the University of Minnesota and later to Metropolitan State University, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Communications. During this time, I also interned at a PR company for a semester, gaining invaluable professional experience.
However, my journey took a life-changing turn when I was diagnosed with endometriosis—a painful condition that affects 1 in 10 women. Experiencing the immense challenges of living with endometriosis inspired me to take action. I founded Let’s Fight Endo, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women who are battling endometriosis, particularly those who struggle to access treatment due to financial constraints.
The inspiration behind Let’s Fight Endo came from my personal battle. In my culture, there’s often a “culture of silence,” where many suffer in silence rather than speak out. I decided to break that silence—not only to share my story but also to support young women and girls in The Gambia and beyond who are dealing with endometriosis or similar health challenges.
My work in real estate has become a critical part of this mission. After completing my education, I ventured into the real estate business. Today, my real estate career allows me to serve a dual purpose: helping families find their dream homes while also funding Let’s Fight Endo. A portion of every commission I earn—2% of each sale—goes directly to supporting the organization. This funding is crucial since we currently have no major sponsors.
The foundation helps women in several ways, such as providing essential items like heating pads, pain medication, and hot water bottles for pain relief. Additionally, Let’s Fight Endo assists with diagnostic procedures, such as laparoscopic surgery, which is often necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Living with endometriosis has not been easy. It has caused significant health issues, including the blockage of one of my fallopian tubes and struggles with infertility. The journey has been physically and emotionally taxing, filled with moments of pain, stress, and depression. Yet, I remain determined to fight not only for myself but for all the women who are going through similar battles.
I believe that by sharing my story and supporting others, we can create lasting change in the lives of women. My mission is to raise awareness, break barriers, and provide tangible support to those in need. Together, we can make a difference and build a community of strength and hope for women facing endometriosis.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all—but every challenge has only deepened my commitment to the cause. As someone living with endometriosis, I’ve experienced firsthand how painful, isolating, and often misunderstood the condition can be. One of the greatest struggles has been raising awareness in communities—particularly in The Gambia and even here in the United States—where women’s pain is frequently overlooked or dismissed.
Financial support has also been a major hurdle. While we occasionally receive donations through Facebook, family, friends, and community members, the majority of the funding—about 80%—comes directly from me. I’ve committed to donating a percentage of my real estate commissions to support the foundation and the women and young girls we serve.
Establishing and sustaining a foundation in two countries hasn’t been easy. There have been emotional, financial, and logistical challenges—from navigating different healthcare systems to addressing deeply rooted cultural stigmas. But what keeps me going is the knowledge that so many women are suffering in silence. Every story we hear, every life we touch, reminds me why this work is so important—and why I won’t stop.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m a licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty, operating under my personal brand, Fatou J Realtor. My primary focus is helping families—especially first-time homebuyers—navigate the process of buying and selling homes. I’m passionate about guiding my clients through each step of the homeownership journey, ensuring they understand the process, their financial options, and the long-term impact of their decisions. A key part of my mission is promoting financial literacy, including the importance of credit scores, budgeting, and mortgage readiness.
In addition to my real estate career, I am the founder of The Let’s Fight Endo Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women living with endometriosis. Our mission is to raise awareness, provide education about diagnosis and treatment options, and help women access necessary medications. Much of the foundation’s funding comes from my real estate business, allowing me to give back and support women in both the United States and The Gambia.
I also work part-time assisting individuals with disabilities, a cause that is deeply personal to me. My commitment to this work began with caring for my late grandmother, who lost her ability to walk. Supporting her through that experience ignited my passion for serving those with physical challenges.
Real estate is my profession, but service is my purpose. Through both my business and nonprofit work, I am dedicated to building stronger communities, empowering women, and helping families achieve their dreams of homeownership.
I’m also a part-time model, represented by a few modeling agencies here in Minnesota. My work includes professional hand modeling as well as runway modeling—both of which I truly enjoy. Fashion has always been a significant part of who I am, and modeling allows me to express that passion in a creative and dynamic way.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Minneapolis—and Minnesota as a whole—is the diversity of people and the vibrant sense of community. Many residents are warm, welcoming, and supportive, which makes it a great place to build both personal and professional relationships. I also appreciate that there’s always something to do, no matter the season. Whether it’s enjoying outdoor festivals in the summer, cozy activities in the winter, or beautiful fall scenery, every season brings its own unique charm and opportunities for connection.
Another thing I admire is how the community often comes together to support one another, especially during difficult times. That sense of unity and care really stands out.
As for what I dislike—winters can be extremely cold, and at times, the weather can feel isolating. Additionally, while many people are friendly, there are moments when the “Minnesota Nice” reputation doesn’t always hold true. Some individuals can be reserved or less open to newcomers, which can make it challenging to build deeper connections right away.
That said, overall, I truly love Minnesota. The seasonal beauty, community spirit, and cultural diversity make it a special place to live and work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fatouj.com
- Instagram: FatoujRealtor or SincerelyFatouJ
- Facebook: Fatou Jome
