My Story
I was born in 1978 in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, where I spent the first 18 years of my life. It was also there that I met and married my husband, Joe Barreto. Shortly after our wedding, we moved to Canada, where Joe had previously lived. Although I had already completed my studies in Portugal, I chose to continue my education in Nova Scotia during the five years we spent there. It was also during that time that our first child was born.
Back to Europe
Five years later, Joe was offered a position in Naval Architecture back in our hometown. We were excited for the opportunity to be closer to family and made the move back to Portugal, where our second child was born. Joe took on the role of managing a local branch of a Greek shipbuilding company in Viana do Castelo.
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In 2005, another opportunity came calling, this time in London. Joe was asked to head a new branch, and we made the decision to move again, always committed to staying together as a family. After an injury at work, Joe and I moved to the Norfolk countryside, where we fell in love with the peace, beauty, and sense of community.
A Life In Norfolk
Inspired by the needs around us, Joe and I began volunteering our time and knowledge to support local charities. Eventually, we decided to start our own initiative, working closely with local authorities to provide vital support services advice surgeries, youth sports clubs, and heritage programs. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for law and began studying to earn my first degree in the field.
Even while rooted in our new home, we maintained strong ties to the Portuguese community, regularly liaising with the Portuguese Embassy in London to represent and support fellow citizens living in East Anglia.
After adopting our third child, we moved to Thetford, where we felt an even deeper call to support the youth. In 2017, we opened a multifunctional office at the Charles Burrell Centre to help young people find purpose and direction in their professional lives. As the project grew, we moved into St. Peter’s Church on White Hart Street, envisioning a Cultural Arts Centre that would preserve this historic space while connecting the younger generation to their heritage.
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Fighting for Change!
Unfortunately, due to limitations from the town and district council, and the building’s deteriorating condition, we faced major challenges. Our charity lost over £100,000 in assets when the council disposed of everything inside the building, despite many efforts to reach a resolution. This setback only deepened my resolve, and I returned to study for a second law degree to better defend and advocate for our cause. In the same year we traveled to Rome, visited the Vatican and and were granted an audience with Pope Francis.
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​Motivated by a strong desire to bring about real change, I ran in the 2019 Thetford Town Council elections just days before the deadline. I chose to run as an independent, with no party affiliation, and to my surprise and great honour, I was elected to represent Burrell Ward. During this time, our charity launched a woodworking factory to offer hands-on training to young people.
In Times of Need
When COVID-19 hit, we quickly mobilized. With 30 amazing volunteers and the help from local businesses, we delivered over 130 tons of food parcels to more than 400 families during lockdown. It was busy, exausting and heart breaking, but it was also an honour to serve my constituents imediately after their vote of trust in me.
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In 2023, I was re-elected for a second term, met with the Portuguese President, and in that same year, I was honoured to be appointed Deputy Mayor of Thetford. I also became a Director of a non-profit focused on helping British businesses export abroad and attract investment to the region. In May 2024, Joe and I organized a major business and diplomatic event at Thetford’s Guildhall, where we signed memorandums of understanding between European and local stakeholders, putting Thetford on the international map for business and investment.
Later in the year, I was invited by the Portuguese Government to Lisbon, where I represented Thetford and worked to strengthen ties between Portugal and East Anglia, helping companies connect with local councils and chambers of commerce.
Biggest Honour
And then, in March 2025, something happened I never imagined when we first moved here: I was elected Mayor of Thetford, becoming the first migrant and first Portuguese-born woman to hold the role anywhere in the UK.
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This recognition brought national and international attention, with coverage on major TV networks, radio, newspapers, and podcasts across Europe. I’m deeply humbled by the journey, and more motivated than ever to serve Thetford, the town I now proudly call home.
