Elma-Lorraine Diggs is running for the District 5 seat on the Montgomery County Board of Education. Diggs is a global health policy advisor and parent of two MCPS students, according to MyMCMedia. The nonpartisan race is part of the Nov. 3, 2026, Maryland general election.
Diggs said on her campaign platform that she wants to strengthen connections between families, educators and community voices. She said she would serve as "a bridge so parents and communities are heard, represented, and included in shaping our schools."
BallotReady lists Diggs as certified for the ballot.
Candidate information
- Office sought: Montgomery County Public School Board, District 5
- Party: Nonpartisan
- Ballot status: Certified for the ballot
- Education: Master of public health, Mercer University (2011); bachelor's degree in public health education and promotion, Liberty University (2007)
- Family: Two children attending Montgomery County Public Schools
Experience and public service
Diggs' professional background spans global health and humanitarian policy. Her BallotReady profile lists the following positions:
- Humanitarian policy and program advisor at USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (2023–2025)
- Program manager at the Center for Global Health Engagement (2018–2023)
- Program manager at Metabiota (2015–2017)
- Community health program manager at UNICEF (2012–2014)
- Health policy intern at Rebuilding Basic Health Services (2011–2012)
- Graduate research assistant at Mercer University Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities (2009–2011)
Her master of public health degree from Mercer University was confirmed through the Uniformed Services University, where she is listed with an MPH credential. Her bachelor's degree in public health education and promotion is from Liberty University, according to BallotReady.
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Diggs' responses on BallotReady and her campaign website. They reflect the candidate's own statements.
Equity in education: Diggs said she will push for equitable investment across the district so that every child has access to high-quality education and programs that prepare them for college and career success "regardless of zip code." She said she will work to ensure equity is "delivered through action, not just policy."
Family and community engagement: Diggs said she will work to bring diverse perspectives into school decision-making. She described herself as a bridge between families, educators and the broader community, saying she wants parents to be "heard, represented, and included in shaping our schools."
Accountability and oversight: Diggs said she will bring leadership and strong oversight to the board. She said she wants to ensure every dollar and decision directly improves classrooms and student outcomes.
Endorsements
Diggs has been endorsed by the Maryland State Education Association, according to BallotReady.
- Maryland State Education Association
Candidate responses in this profile come from BallotReady questionnaires and the candidate's campaign website. The Bethesda Beacon did not interview the candidate for this profile.
