Life on the Mother Side | 2022 National Convention Magazine

87TH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF AMERICAN MOTHERS

LIFE ON TH E MOT HE R SID E

ME E T THE MOM S

202 2 MOT HER OF THE YEAR

®

TABLE OF CONTENTS Greetings From The National President...................................................................................................................................................1 About Us.................................................................................................................................................................................................................2 Our History............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Q&A with the 2021 National Mother of the Year®................................................................................................................................8 2022 Mother of the Year® Honorees........................................................................................................................................................10 Past National Mothers of the Year®.......................................................................................................................................................... 19 Motherhood during the Pandemic..........................................................................................................................................................20 Fifth Grade Essay Contest Winner.......................................................................................................................................................... 22 87th National Convention of American Mothers.............................................................................................................................. 23 Get Involved........................................................................................................................................................................................................24 Life Members of AMI...................................................................................................................................................................................... 25 Donors & Sponsors.........................................................................................................................................................................................26

GREETINGS from the National President Welcome to the 87th National Convention of American Mothers, an organization rich in history. Every year since 1935, AMI has recognized mothers who are courageous, bold, innovative and creative. Moms who come from all walks of life, different states, different faiths, and various cultural and educational backgrounds are making a meaningful and lasting difference in their families and communities.

American Mothers continues to serve as a constant reminder of the importance of mothers and the influence they have at home, in the workplace, and the world. I love hearing the inspirational stories of moms from around the country that elevate the status of motherhood and more importantly, raise great kids!

Although we are gathering together virtually this year, we are continuing this historic tradition with enthusiasm and excitement. The extraordinary women featured on the following pages are genuine examples of today’s American Mother.

Take a moment to read about the incredible mothers being honored this year. You’ve chosen a thrilling time to be a part of our powerful network of moms working to positively impact their families and communities.

It is a sincere privilege to be a part of an organization that celebrate these exceptional women and the invaluable contributions they are making for the benefit of the next generation.

Congratulations and welcome to American Mothers!

Joyce Stevens

National President

American Mothers, Inc. | www.americanmothers.org

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AMERICAN MOTHERS, INC

ABOUT US Since 1935, American Mothers, Inc. is committed to valuing mothers through service and education. As the official sponsor of Mother’s Day and the Mother of theYear® award, American Mothers serves as the voice for the 85 million mothers in America.

Honoring the mission of the organization’s founders, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sara Delano Roosevelt, Mamie Eisenhower, JC Penney, and Norman Vincent Peale, American Mothers is dedicated to improving the lives of mothers and children. Each year American Mothers honors motherhood by naming the National Mother of the Year® and hosting a

OUR MISSION National Convention. As an NGO centered at the United Nations, American Mothers organizes panel discussions and participates in high level meetings focused on addressing global struggles for mothers and children. By bringing mothers together from across the country, American Mothers empowers them to positively impact their families and communities.

Many outstanding individuals have been honored

by American Mothers including Phyllis Marriott, Congresswoman “Lindy” Boggs, Golda Meir, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Kathie Lee Gifford, Alison Sweeney, Robin McGraw, Elizabeth Smart and Ree Drummond.

American Mothers educates, inspires, and recognizes mothers through programs that teach, support, and honor moms, empowering them to positively impact their families and communities.

OUR VISION Mothers will discover and share their innate abilities to elevate future generations.

OUR GOALS MENTOR by connecting mothers with others who can help them maneuver the complexities of motherhood EDUCATE mothers on topics that develop their innate abilities to build strong families SUPPORT efforts that benefit women and children by providing grants to nonprofit organizations HONOR outstanding mothers through the Mother of the Year® award and other recognitions

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PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES MOTHER OF THE YEAR® The Mother of the Year® award was established in 1935 by the American Mothers Committee of the Golden Rule Foundation.

The recognition of an admirable mother was made to provide an inspiration to the nation who would represent a mother’s unconditional love, inner strength, and courage. Every year since, American Mothers, Inc. has named an inspirational mother from nominees across the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for this important honor.

GOLDEN RULE GRANT PROGRAM American Mothers, Inc. was founded on the principles of the Golden Rule. To honor the organization’s founders, AMI established the Golden Rule Grant Fund to support charitable efforts that enhance the lives of mothers and children in the United States.

Contributions are made to organizations involved primarily in health and human services and civic and community programs that assist mothers

and children. The National Mother of the Year® receives a Golden Rule Grant to the charity of her choice.

NATIONAL CONVENTION For more than eight decades the members of American Mothers, Inc. have gathered annually to conduct the general business of the organization and recognize the National Mother of the Year®. Today, more than 250 community leaders and women of influence representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands meet to celebrate motherhood, hear from exceptional speakers, and build community.

5TH GRADE ESSAY CONTEST Each year, American Mothers, Inc.® sponsors an essay contest for all fifth grade students or the equivalent, in the public, private and home school environment. The contest theme is “What My Mother Means to Me.” Winners are selected by state, and one national winner is invited to read their essay at the

annual National Convention of American Mothers and will receive a $500 Golden Rule Grant to the nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization of their choice.

UNITED NATIONS American Mothers is a nongovernmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. American Mothers is currently working with the United Nations to raise awareness about issues impacting women and children and is committed to valuing, elevating and empowering mothers worldwide.

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joyce Stevens – Nebraska National Board President

Dr. Patricia Payne – Alabama Sabrina Wisher DeWitt – Montana Lizzy Conroy – Virginia Dr. Renae Reinardy – North Dakota Becky Rowan – Idaho Emily Brooks – North Dakota Jennifer Harrington – Kentucky Jen O’Brien – New York Barbara Owens – District of Columbia Silma Serra – Puerto Rico Deanne Taylor – Utah Gerre Schwert – Oklahoma Karen Williams – District of Columbia Connell Branan – Oklahoma Mautra Staley Jones – Oklahoma 2021 National Mother of the Year®

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AN ORGANIZATION RICH IN HISTORY 1930s

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY THE GOLDEN RULE WAY The idea behind American Mothers, Inc.® (AMI) began in 1931 when Eleanor Roosevelt announced the formation of a Golden Rule Mothers Day Committee to help mothers and children during the Great Depression. Formally organized in 1933 as a division of J.C. Penney’s Golden Rule Foundation, the Golden Rule Mothers Day Committee established a fund to help Americans “Celebrate Mother’s Day the Golden Rule Way” by providing financial assistance to mothers and children in need. By 1935, the organization was under the Honorary Chairmanship of Sara Delano Roosevelt and named the first American Mother of the Year® at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. It was the hope of the committee that she would be an inspiration to the nation.

LUCY KEEN JOHNSON Lucy Keen Johnson from Georgia was billed as ‘the typical mother of 1935’ when she was recognized as the first Mother of the Year® by the Golden Rule Mothers Day Committee. The celebration was simple but celebrity-studded.

There was a small luncheon and program at CBS, followed by an informal reception before the evening NBC broadcast. At that time, the Motherhood Medal was presented to her by Sarah Delano Roosevelt, the President’s mother.

Lucy Keen attended Wesleyan Conservatory, the world’s oldest college for women. Soon after graduation, she married Fletcher M. Johnson, a young lawyer with five children. In 1914, at age 38, Lucy was left a widow with her five stepchildren and a daughter of her own. Lucy soon became the Dean of Women at Wesleyan College, her alma mater, while raising her children and “mothering” a sizable college community. Along with her career and family, Lucy always found time for the concerns of others. A loyal Methodist, she served in various capacities within her church and found time for community projects.

Sweet and grandmotherly, this woman of refinement had successfully met the problems of raising a family alone and accepted for all mothers the plaudits of her country as the very first American Mother of the Year®.

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1940s

A DECADE OF GROWTH AND GLOBAL IMPACT

1943

State Selection Committees are established in almost every state to search for possible candidates for the American Mother of the Year.

1946

The first African American, Emma Clement, from Kentucky is named the National Mother of the Year.

Emma Clement was an alert and active 71-year-old, living in Kentucky when selected as the National Mother.

Her grandfather had been a runaway slave who found refuge in Rhode Island. She met her husband, George, at Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, where she was known as the “most churchgoing and charitable woman ever” by her friends.

Emma Clement had time for her community, serving as national president of the Women’s Society of her denomination, and active in the Kentucky Federation of Women’s Clubs.

She was a charter member of the Southern Commission on Interracial Cooperation and did much to ease friction between the races. Emma and George had six biological children and raised three others—all of whom finished college.

The American Mothers Committee sends a delegation to the United Nations and establishes the International Committee of American Mothers. At the UN, American Mothers shared the model for selecting a Mother of the Year which helped establish this tradition internationally.

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1950s

A DECADE OF NOTABLE FIRSTS

1960s

A DECADE OF GROWTH AND EXPANSION

1950 The first Native American, Elizabeth Roe Cloud from Oregon is named the National Mother.

Under the leadership of Mamie Eisenhower, the American Mothers Committee kept a strong presence at the United Nations and continued to recognize many international mothers for their humanitarian efforts. Jesse Ball duPont was a financial supporter of the American Mothers Committee in the 1960s.

Because of her love for the organization, American Mothers is eligible to receive grants from the Jesse Ball duPont Foundation.

1952 First immigrant and of Chinese descent, Toy Len Goon from Maine is named the National Mother of the Year.

1952 Sra. Gonzalez Videla, the wife of the President of Chile, is named a World Mother for her outstanding civic work in raising standards for their people.

1954 The American Mothers Committee files incorporation papers with the state of New York to become a completely independent charitable organization.

1959 The Honorable Jennie Loitman Barron, a Russian immigrant and judge in Boston, was the first Jewish mother named National Mother of the Year.

1962 Clara Sproat Glen, (Ohio) is named a World Mother in recognition of her son, John Glen’s success in the space program.

1965 The Mothers Manifest is signed by 13,000 moms and sent to President Johnson as their pledge to help with the President’s crime commission. It was the basis for the AMI Pledge.

The 1966 Mother of the Year, Bertha Holt, from Oregon, was instrumental in promoting this cause and was recognized at the White House by President Johnson, for her efforts.

1968 Dorothy Baker from Alabama is named the first National Young Mother of the Year a recognition which stemmed from the Young Mother Council Service, a subsidiary of the American Mothers Committee.

The Honorable Jennie Loitman Barron was known as a “Judge with a Mother’s heart” whose interest and energies were boundless. The daughter of Russian immigrants, Jennie was raised in Boston where she received her A.B., LL.B. and LL.M. degrees from Boston University. She married a young lawyer, Samuel Barron, Jr. and together they raised three daughters. Judge Jennie was the president and officer of numerous charitable, communal and civic organizations and worked tirelessly to eliminate bigotry and to create goodwill.

In 1959, she was appointed the first female judge of the Massachusetts Superior Court where she was known for her humaneness and her understanding.

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1970s

A DECADE WITH HISTORICAL IMPACT 1982 Phyllis Marriott serves as President and the organization starts doing business as American Mothers, Inc. 1983 The American Mothers Endowment Fund grows to $96,200.64.

1970 The National Mothers Hall of Fame Plaque contains the names of each National Mother of the Year® since 1935. It was originally dedicated on May 8, 1970, with Mr. Frank Wangeman, Senior Vice President, Hilton Hotels Corp., and American Mothers Honorary Chairman, First Lady Mamie Eisenhower. The National Mothers Hall of Fame Plaque is permanently located in the South Lounge of the WaldorfAstoria Hotel in New York City.

1974 Golda Meir, past Premier of Israel, is named a World Mother by American Mothers for her role in peacemaking.

1987 The First Lady of Arkansas, Hilary Rodham Clinton is recognized as the Arkansas Young Mother of the Year.

1990s

DEEMED THE DECADE OF THE FAMILY 1994 Congresswoman Lindy Boggs is named the National Mother of the Year® 1995 The Barbara Thompson Gift of $1,500 is given annually to support a needful and deserving mother, child, or worthy cause. This gift is given by U.S. District Judge Ralph G. Thompson, in honor of his wife, Barbara, the 1995 National Mother of the Year® for her generosity and loving concern for the mothers and children of this country.

1976 President Gerald Ford gives the keynote speech at the Convention Gala in Washington DC.

1980s

A DECADE OF PROGRAMS AND RECOGNITION FOR MOTHERS 1980 The American Mothers Committee participates in the White House Conference on Families.

2000s

A DECADE OF PROGRAMS TO HELP MOTHERS AND CHILDREN 2003 American Mothers focuses on mother mentoring.

2004 American Mothers sponsors a National 5th Grade Essay Contest with the theme, What My Mother Means to Me. The contest was initiated by 1995 California Mother of the Year, Irene Blore, in honor of her own mother.

2006 The American Mothers Endowment Fund reaches $1,000,000.

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2010-2020

RETURNING TO OUR ROOTS

LEADERSHIP THROUGH THE YEARS 2021 - Present National President

Joyce Stevens, Nebraska

2019 - 2021

National President

Connell Branan, Oklahoma

2017 - 2019

National President

Connell Branan, Oklahoma

2015 - 2017

National President

Dianne Dain Callister, New York

2012 American Mothers embarks on a rebranding campaign to update the mission, vision and values of the organization to better meet the needs of mothers in America.

2013 - 2015

National President

Joan Braitsch, Washington DC

2011 - 2013

National President

Connell Branan, Oklahoma

2009 - 2011

National President

Deanne Taylor, Utah

2007 - 2009

National President

Raelene Hill, Texas

2012 American Mothers participates as a Non-Governmental Organization at the United Nations in parallel panel discussions during the Commission on the Status of Women.

The sponsored panels featured speakers from the United States and countries across the globe on poverty, HIV, domestic violence, technology and human trafficking.

2005 - 2007

National President

Sue Hickenlooper, Massachusetts

2004 - 2005

National President

Joy Weller Miller, Idaho

2003 - 2004

National President

Trish Rodriquez, Delaware

2001 - 2003

National President

Marcia Ford, Utah

1999 - 2001

National President

Ruth Manning, Georgia

1997 - 1999

National President

Nancy Hawk, South Carolina

1995 - 1997

National President

Lois O. Schwab, Nebraska

1993 - 1995

National President

Barbara Smith, Utah

1993 - 1993

National President

Mary Dorr Gordon, Arizona

1991 - 1993

National President

Afton Alder, Oregon

2016 American Mothers begin meeting with Congressional Representatives to discuss issues impacting mothers and children across the country.

1989 - 1991

National President

Walterena Clack, Utah

1987 - 1989

National President

Ellen Ralph, Ohio

1985 - 1987

National President

Jean Crouch, Kansas

1984 - 1985

National President

Vesta Smith, Maryland

1982 - 1984

National President

Mary L. Kuhn, Michigan

1978 - 1982

National President

Phyllis Marriott, Washington DC

1975 - 1978

National President

Mary Filser Lohr, New York

1974 - 1975

National President

Mrs. Sherman Drawdy, Georgia

1971 - 1973

National President

Mrs. R.G. Leteourneau, Texas

1963 - 1970

National President

Dorothy Lewis, New York

1956 - 1962

National President

Mrs. Daniel A. Poling, New York

2018 The American Mothers Golden Rule Grant Program was re-established and the first grants were distributed to 501(c)(3) organizations assisting mothers and children.

1954 - 1955

National Chairman

Mrs. Jed Johnson, New York

1952 - 1953

National Chairman

Mary Louise Draddy, New York

1950 - 1952

National Director

Mary E. Hughes, New York

1953 - 1979

Honorary Chairman Mamie Doud Eisenhower, Iowa

2020 American Mothers hosts its first-ever virtual National Convention.

1935 - 1941

Honorary Chairman Sara Delano Roosevelt, New York

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IT TAKES A MOM

in my own journey and fostered my ability to be introspective in my approach. Every day is an exciting journey!

MEET DR. MAUTRA STALEY JONES

What does it mean to you to be selected Mother of the Year®?

2021 NATIONAL MOTHER OF THE YEAR® Why do you think it is important to highlight motherhood and all the work that goes into being a mom?

Mothers need to know they are loved, appreciated, and supported!

Our work is never-ending and while we don’t seek recognition or honors, acknowledging the pivotal roles we play in society by building strong citizens and families is most rewarding and encouraging! American Mothers, Inc. demonstrates that mothers are doing their very best and meets them where they are in life.

By connecting multi-generations, mothers have a strong support system of moms at various stages that helps them understand they too can and will thrive and be successful!

Who or what inspires you to work hard & courageously in your role as a mother?

My own childhood experiences continuously inspire me to work incredibly hard in my role as a mother. My experiences paved the way and my pursuit of excellence.

My late mother did her very best but did not have adequate resources. My grandmother, nearly 90 years young, filled in the gap, and I am forever grateful that she did. Because of her example, I strive to give the same love and devotion to my family and children as she did and continues to do to this very day! I am inspired by her strength, love for God, values, and work ethic! I work daily to instill those same values and morals into my children! I want them to know the sky is the limit!

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If you sat in a room with moms from across the US, what are the three things that you’d like to share with them?

Motherhood is a marathon, not a race. Motherhood is a beautiful journey so embrace every single stage. Do your very best and seek out a support system that will speak into your life and encourage you regularly.

Since being awarded Mother of the Year®, what are some things you have realized about motherhood and maternal energy?

Maternal energy is an amazing force and notion that connects us all as mothers. The energy is something all mothers share in common and manifests itself in various ways as we fulfill our roles as caregivers, nurturers, community servants, and leaders.

Motherhood brings out the best in us and unites us on our journey in life. As I’ve shared in the past, motherhood strengthened my desire to be of service in my professional, personal and civic capacities. I have been able to use and harness maternal energy and reflect on how its power has enabled me to fulfill my calling in a multitude of ways. I am eternally grateful to American Mothers, Inc., as this honor has helped me grow

It is a dream come true. I am grateful to God for such an incredible opportunity. My role as a mother really started at the tender age of seven. Being born into extreme poverty, you often have to take on a lot of things that children shouldn’t have to. Having a single mother who suffered from mental illness and had several diagnoses, the fatherless child, being on welfare, being in the foster care system, I mean, the list goes on and on.

As someone who grew up with so many challenges, I have overcome so much. My story is mine to embrace, and I’m living proof that generational curses can be broken. My children’s lives don’t look anything like my childhood looked like. I knew that once I became a mother, I would want to give everything I could to my children and make sure that their lives are full and have more happy times than sad ones. I’ve been able to fulfill that dream and that goal of affording my children opportunities that I didn’t have, things that I desired and yearned to do but just couldn’t.

I hope that being named Mother of the Year®, if nothing else, serves as encouragement for other moms out there as well as people who are going through trials and tribulations. I am a walking example that demographics don’t define your destiny.

What do you do to encourage your children to never give up and persevere?

We are very open and honest in the Jones household. My babies know that my life was difficult and that I want them to be encouraged to know that, ‘hey, we may have some bad days and challenges,

but let’s pause for a second and reevaluate things, and let’s figure out how we can overcome these barriers or how we can overcome this challenge because, in the grand scheme of things, it’s not as difficult as you may think it is.’

Children have had to really be resilient through this pandemic.

While I will say that it brought about so many challenges, some of the beauty that came from that is we got to spend more time together. We were forced to stop and slow down and really think about what matters and what’s important. It’s not that you don’t already know what’s important, but it makes you pause to say, ‘Oh my goodness, we really are blessed’ or, ‘We really need to embrace what we’ve been given,’ and so some of the beauty that came from the pandemic, in my mind, was that forced time together.

At American Mothers, the Golden Rule Movement provides a platform for women who embody the selfless and caring spirit of motherhood, and who are using their maternal energy to make the world a better place. How would you say you exemplify the Golden Rule in your everyday life?

Everything I witnessed and experienced put this burning desire in me to not want to see others experience what I experienced. I do what I do because I know what it was like being that little girl who wanted to be involved but didn’t support people behind me. I know what those realities are, so for me, I feel like I embody the golden rule in the work that I do. I’m not going to stop making a difference and doing all that I can do until I leave this earth. It’s what my whole life’s purpose is, and I feel like, because I went through what I went through, it put a burning passion and fire in me to make a difference on behalf of the youth in the great state of Oklahoma.

Why do you think an organization like American Mothers is an important platform to have?

American Mothers, Inc. is most important because it allows mothers to have a connection with a network across our nation!

Mothers need to be supported and encouraged on their journey and American Mothers, Inc. has mastered developing a solid network of support. AMI gives us a voice and brings us together to share, inspire and uplift each other! Our children and families are stronger and better because of the amazing platform American Mothers, Inc. created! The leadership and volunteers are to be applauded for the remarkable work done on a daily basis to build up mothers across the nation!

ABOUT DR. MAUTRA STALEY JONES Dr. Mautra Staley Jones began her tenure as Oklahoma City Community College’s 11th President on March 1, 2022. Through her extensive academic, executive, and community experience, Dr. Jones has earned her reputation as a thought leader, someone who has advanced and elevated every institution with which she’s been associated. Dr. Jones received her BA in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma, an MBA from the University of Phoenix at San Diego, and her Doctorate of Education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education.

Dr. Jones’ leadership is felt throughout Oklahoma and indeed across the United States. She actively serves as a Board Director for BancFirst, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Stitch Crew, Oklahoma Watch, Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs, American Mothers, Inc., Oklahoma Philharmonic Society, Civic Center Foundation, and the Leadership Oklahoma City Alumni Association. She is also board advisor for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Jones is a member of Salt and Light Leadership (SALLT) Class IV, Leadership Oklahoma City Class XXIX, MSI Aspiring Leaders program at Rutgers University, VEST Her, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Prior to her tenure at Oklahoma City Community College, Dr. Jones served as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs at historic Langston University, Site Administrator for Langston University Oklahoma City and Executive Director of the Langston University Foundation.

On numerous occasions, Dr. Jones has been recognized for her outstanding leadership, character, and both professional and personal achievements.

In 2022, Dr. Jones was named one of The Journal Record’s Book-of-Lists Power Players, an honoree for Hundred Magazine and recognized with the J.A. Reed Spirit of the Community Award. In 2021, American Mothers Inc. named her National Mother of the Year and Oklahoma Mother of the Year.

She was honored as The Journal Record’s Woman of the Year in 2020 and inducted into the publication’s distinguished Circle of Excellence. Dr. Jones received the HBCU Philanthropy Advancement Leader Award.

In 2018, Perry Publishing and Broadcasting named Dr. Jones its Woman of the Year.

Dr. Jones is married to United States District Judge Bernard M. Jones II and is the mother of three children, Bernard III, Kennedy, and Brendan.

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CONGRATULATIONS! ANTOINETTE SANDS ALABAMA While some know her as a singer, model, author, or speaker, Antoinette Sands is foremost a mother of four children (ranging from college to elementary school) and a wife of 24 years.

In the middle of her parenting journey, she became a homeschooling mom and developed a passion for equipping kids to live a life of resilience and faith. When experiencing poverty due to a downturn in the market, her eyes were opened to the needs in her community. This began a new season of empathy and awareness. She wrote a book for teens, helping thousands discover their uniqueness, founded children’s choirs and began a kid’s musical theater camp. Recently, she joined a non-profit, directing a summer internship program for inner-city teenagers. She presently coaches and teaches despairing adults in her community. She regularly hosts kids of all ages, she is best known for a home-cooked meal and a listening ear.

CLAUDIA JONES ALASKA Claudia Jones is a professor teaching at the University of Alaska Anchorage/Mat-Su College.

She received a bachelor’s degree in International Trade and Business and a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance. Jones is a trained marketing professional, has an E-Leadership Plus certificate, is bi-lingual (English and Spanish) and teaches Spanish as a second language. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in education, a member of the GSL Network, which forms leaders worldwide, and an honorary member of JUPV AC. This non-profit organization empowers Mexican youth. At Mat-Su College, she is a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Action Committee and the founder of the Spanish Club. She is married, and her and her husband have a handsome five-year-old boy. She is Director and Founder of MORE Latinoámerica, a non-profit organization whose objective is to achieve gender equality through training.

ELISHA PILLOW-DAUGHERTY ARKANSAS Of all the accomplishments in Elisha Pillow-Daugherty’s life, the one thing she is most proud of is being a mother to her four children. After a heartbreaking miscarriage and diagnosis, she was told she would not be able to conceive children, but that was not a diagnosis she could accept. Through much prayer and faith, she was blessed with her oldest son Joshua in 2003 and her second son, Jacob in 2005. She married the love of her life, Brad, in 2014 and was given the gift of Anna and McLane. Pillow-Daugherty is a trailblazing entrepreneur, having owned several businesses. She currently owns a multi-million-dollar company, always striving to be on the cutting edge of her industry. She is a humanitarian using her voice to speak out on behalf of the voiceless victims of human trafficking, bringing education and awareness to communities about the dangers of human trafficking.

VANESSA LOPEZ CALIFORNIA Vanessa was born in Houston, Texas, to wonderful, loving parents. She attended Stanford University, where she met her husband, Robert. She graduated with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in English literature. She went on to earn a Master’s in Biblical Studies and Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, where she began Protestant and finished Catholic. Robert is Catholic, too, and their happy marriage is centered on their shared faith. They settled in Robert’s Southern California hometown of Cerritos, where Robert works for their city, and Vanessa homeschools their five awesome sons, ages three to 15. Vanessa followed in her mother’s footsteps to become a Catechist of the Good Shepherd. Together with her husband and dear friends, she founded the Vox Pastoris Atrium, where she serves as Catechist, board member, atrium manager, and communications officer. She also organizes a Catholic women’s book club and has published a few theological essays.

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2022 MOTHER OF THE YEAR® HONOREES DORIS DONLEY COLORADO Doris Donley has been married to the love of her life, Jack, for 30 years. They have two remarkable children, Tiffany and Kline, and two darling grandsons, Ari and Lincoln. She adores being with family, talking with them daily, and spending time with them. Her favorite part of being a mom is being a grandmother. She also has a passion for mothering others. She volunteered many years with youth and women survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Her current passion is bringing hockey to individuals with disabilities; bringing sled hockey to her local youth hockey association, acting as her state hockey association’s first director of adaptive hockey, being named the Colorado Avalanche’s Volunteer of the Year and now serving as USA Hockey’s Blind Hockey Representative and the General Manager of its US Blind Hockey Team. Most telling about her is that the novice to elite athletes affectionately refer to her as “mom.”

ROXANE FERGUSON DELAWARE Roxane Ferguson, Executive Director, Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce, has held numerous roles over her 35-year management career. She’s launched a non-profit organization dedicated to scholarship and entrepreneurship, leadership and networking groups. In 2015, she found the first Business Incubator and Collaborative Workspace in Delaware (that has generated 57 businesses, 197 new jobs, and $37 million in revenue). Her longtime service to the Rotary includes co-hosting a weekly radio show on community concerns, co-chairing a barrier-free CanDo Playground initiative for children of all abilities; volunteering with senior communities; women’s initiatives, and serving as an Honorary Commander, Dover Air Force Base airlift wing. As an effective change agent and dedicated mom, she is an active member of the Delaware Press Association and a sports enthusiast. She enjoys visits to the Poconos and Cape Henlopen. Ferguson resides in Wilmington, Delaware, with her husband Kevin, children Alexis and Zachery and fur babies Oreo and Ella.

VANESSA PARTIN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA A native Washingtonian, Vanessa Partin is the eldest daughter of the late Dr. Patricia A. Allen and George Allen, raised in the Washington, DC area, where she attended McKinley Senior High School and Trinity University. Partin credits her upbringing and growth to three tremendously strong women, whom she calls “the three pillars of strength,” her greatgrandmother, the late Mother Ora Bell Woods, her grandmother, the Late Evangelist Jessie B. Davis, and her mother, the late Dr. Patricia Allen. She was married to her high school sweetheart, the late Deacon Willie “Petey” Partin. Together the Lord blessed them with three children and 15 gifted grandchildren, and a great-grandson. Partin enjoys spending time with her family, teaching them the importance of sharing God-given resources. She is intentional in Ministry loves God and God’s People! Her mantra is: “Blessed to be a blessing to others.”

KRISTEN BROWN FLORIDA Kristen Brown is the Founder and Director of TRIBE, a community-focused non-profit that integrates unique learning experiences, family support, and strategic outreach with a focus on the wellness of children and families. TRIBE offers more than 50 fun and educational activities per week, each for only $5, and also provides free donated clothing and shoes to local families. TRIBE has served more than 1700 families, and Brown oversees a team of nearly 130 volunteers who lead programs and activities at TRIBE. Before founding TRIBE, Brown spent 12 years as Regional Director for All American Youth Activities in Tampa and served as Director of Client Services for Adelante Live, Inc. for 10 years. Brown is a graduate of the University of South Florida and a member of the School Advisory Committee for Broward and Seminole Heights Elementary schools. In 2021, Kristen was honored by the Tampa Bay Lightning and Vinik Family Foundation as a “Community Hero.” The DeBartolo Family Foundation also awarded her the “Spirit of Humanity” award.

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NATALIE FIKES GEORGIA Natalie Fikes is a devoted mother and lifelong mentor committed to developing personal and professional resources to enhance how we live, love, and do life together. Despite growing up in an unstable, verbally and physically abusive environment, Fikes beat the odds by moving out on her own at 16 years old, graduating high school, and quickly establishing a successful corporate career. She then began a personal development journey that completely transformed her life. She has been named one of John Maxwell’s Top 100 Leaders for Youth and Family, Orator of the Year by ACHI Magazine, and “Best Speaker of Today” by Northstar Meetings Group.

Her most valued accomplishments have been the relentless pursuit of breaking the generational cycle of abuse in her family, raising her sister Sarah and two sons Elijah and Jayden. For the countless lives, she has touched in meaningful ways both knowingly and unknowingly.

CHERYL HO

HAWAII Cheryl Ho was born and raised in Hawaii. Despite living in paradise, her childhood was riddled with abuse. She courageously fled that situation only to find financial hardships and many nights sleeping on the floor with little to eat. Turning past pain into passion, she has spent many years giving back to her community. She brings her family along with any chance she gets, sowing the seeds of compassion into her children. She has been married to the love of her life, Dayton, for over 15 years, and together, they share five beautiful children, elementary to college-aged. Stay-at-home mom turned Mrs. Hawaii International. Ho seeks to encourage other mothers to pursue their dreams no matter where they start.

CHARITY HADERLIE IDAHO Charity Haderlie has the best job in the world; she’s mother to four amazing children and wife to her sweetheart, Michael. She also happens to be an accomplished speaker, business & mindset coach and she and her husband also own and operate multiple successful businesses.

Known for brainwashing people into believing in themselves, Charity also understands how to lay out proven strategies and pathways in order to get results. When Charity takes her business hats off, she can be found enjoying time with her favorite people in the whole world-her family. She loves playing volleyball, singing at the top of her lungs, running barefoot across the lawn, and experiencing delicious ethnic foods and cultures. If she could have one wish, it would be that books come bundled with extra plush blankies.

RACHEL TERNSTROM ILLINOIS Rachel Ternstrom is a mother of two and currently lives with her husband in the suburbs of Chicago. She graduated from DePaul University and worked in the Recruiting and Sales industry for many years before becoming a stay-at-home mother to her two daughters, Presley and Goldie. She has a passion for interior styling and home decor, which is where she spends most of her time outside of her family life.

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2022 MOTHER OF THE YEAR® HONOREES NANCY BOETTGER IOWA Nancy (Abrahamson) Boettger grew up in Evanston, Illinois, in a loving Christian-Swedish family. After graduating from high school Nancy attended Iowa State University, where she earned a BS in sociology and met the love of her life, Dave. She taught special education for a year and then stayed home for the next 15 years to work beside Dave on their farm and raise their three sons and one daughter. In the early 1980s, she earned a BA in education and taught middle school. She then became the Director of Education at the hospital in Harlan. Boettger was elected to the Iowa Senate in 1994 and represented portions of Western Iowa there for 20 years before retiring. She served as assistant majority leader assistant minority leader, and chaired several committees. In 2017, the Governor appointed her to the Iowa Board of Regents, the governing board for Iowa’s public universities and special schools, where she continues to serve today. She and Dave are very active grandparents to their 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

SIERRA ROBERTS KANSAS Sierra Roberts believes in loving life and living every day to the fullest. She is creative, intelligent, and empathetic, with a hard work ethic. She values pouring into herself to be the best for those around her and finish each day on empty. Roberts loves spending time with her son, Owen, her entire world. She works as a lash and hair extension artist and real estate agent and has started a couple of new companies over the past year. Her goal is to make every day the best day and create a life for her and her son that they never need a vacation from.

PATRICIA CLARK MAINE Patricia Clark lives with her husband Bill, geriatric cat Tobi, and puppy Pedro. She has two daughters, Jocelyn (in France) and Erin (her husband, Steve and their two children in New Hampshire). She earned a BA in Journalism and French from Midland College, Fremont (NE) and BS in Education from the University of Nebraska. Clark taught elementary and kindergarten for 20 years and returned for her MS in Special Education after watching children struggle. She came to the University of Maine as professor and Early Childhood Studies director and earned a CAS in Early Intervention/Special Education and Public Policy. In collaboration with Head Start, she designed one of the first all-day kindergartens in Maine. Clark served as Head Start Fellow in Washington DC from 2007-2008, providing training and technical assistance to families throughout the US, and then served as a National Women’s Law Fellow in 2008, advocating for Maine children and families.

DR. TASHEKA L. GREEN MARYLAND Dr. Tasheka L. Green is a wife, mother, influential educator, transformational coach, thoughtprovoking speaker, visionary, 15-time best-selling author, and more. With over 20 years of experience as an educator, and viewing leadership, not as a title or position, but a calling with a greater purpose, allowed Dr. Green to birth To Everything There is a Season, Inc. The work of Dr. Green has been featured in the Harvard University School of Education, Harvard edX Course, Introduction to Data Wise: A Collaborative Process to Improve Learning & Teaching, among others. She is also the founder and host of two talk shows, “Reflect, Assess, and Adjust” and “Moms We See You.” Dr. Green is married to William Green Sr., and they have three beautiful children: Marquis (24), Mikayla (11), and William Jr. (9).

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DALENE BASDEN MASSACHUSETTS Dalene Basden is a Family Support Specialist from Lynn, Massachusetts. In 2012, she became the first Nationally Certified Parent Support Provider in Massachusetts. An African-American parent of three, with two boys who have mental health challenges, Basden has experienced first-hand racial disparities in health care. Her response to this inequality earned her the Rebeka Lee Award from the Harvard School of Public Health. In 2007, she earned her certification as a SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) leader with the Wellesley Centers for Women. She uses her personal experience and expertise as a platform to inform and enlighten others about social injustices by engaging her community, particularly those affected by bias and racism, in conversations of race, culture and intolerance. Basden and her family are avid Boston sports fans and, in their spare time, coordinate, coach and support Special Olympics MA, encouraging full inclusion of youth participation in sports.

OCTOBER ALLEN MINNESOTA October Allen is 41 years old and lives works and loves the great city of Duluth, Minnesota.

She is married to Pastor Ron Allen and has four children. Allen has a German Shepard dog named Shane and loves to go on dog walks with him. She has a degree in Human Services and was a non-traditional student who graduated college at 38. Allen was the student of the year and gave the commencement speech at her college graduation. She spoke on service and using your testimony to show others that your story can inspire and empower people to do more than they ever thought possible. She has a heart for people and loves to serve and serve well. Her hobbies include decorating and planning activities and events, mostly surrounding food. She is a Sunday School teacher and enjoys caring for school-age children. Allen engages her teenage kids in helping serve the community and loves to see its joy to their lives.

AMANDA ST. PIERRE MISSOURI Amanda St. Pierre is a devout Christian wife, mother, and businesswoman. She is happily married and has loved raising her four beautiful children with her loving and hard-working husband of 14 years. When she became a mother 12 years ago, St. Pierre prioritized staying at home with her children to raise and homeschool them. For the last three years, she has also found time to become the owner and CEO of an upscale children’s boutique called Little Blue Eyes Boutique. Another priority in her motherhood journey has been to maintain a safe, comfortable, stable environment for her family as they’ve navigated multiple cross-country moves and home renovations with her husband Ben’s relocation for work. This challenge grew even greater in 2018 when her oldest daughter was diagnosed with cancer. A year into her daughter’s cancer treatment process, St. Pierre was inspired to bring Little Blue Eyes Boutique to life. Created originally to bring a bit of fun and distraction to her daughter, the boutique has grown to serve over three thousand other mothers.

KIMMERA VOGT NEBRASKA At the age of 30, Kimmera Vogt became a mother to son Taylor, then daughter Tessa followed by son Trey. She chased these three around while working full-time as a nurse. When the kids got older, she was known as “Mama Kim” to the “strays”—her children’s friends who came by needing a hug, hot meal, a place to stay, shoulder to cry on or a kick in the rear to get them back on the right path. Living in a small town where sports rule, Vogt is an advocate for the performing arts program at school. In 2011, she went back to school and became a Licensed Massage Therapist believing in the power of touch. She now owns a successful business and recently retired from her nursing license after 29 years. Vogt lost the love of her life, David, in January of 2021 and has taken on the new role of a single mom. She lives with her two dogs and loves being “Nana” to her three-year-old granddaughter.

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2022 MOTHER OF THE YEAR® HONOREES DIANNA KLEIN NEVADA Dianna Klein is a wife, mother, veteran and pilot for United Airlines. An entrepreneur, Klein founded Shenandoah Aviation, LLC, specializing in aviation business operations. During the pandemic, she seized the opportunity to take leave from United to join Zero-Gravity Corporation as pilot and Director of Business Operations. She is the first woman qualified by the FAA to fly aerobatics in an airliner. Having achieved her dream career, she dedicates her time to giving back. Klein chaired the gala committee for BE. A SHERO Foundation and serves on the board of the local chapter of Women in Aviation. She also founded Take Flight to Fight the Opioid Epidemic, introducing youth to aviation by piloting their first flight to set sights on dreams rather than drugs.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, she organized a grassroots effort providing 300+ meals to those recovering from addiction who once experienced homelessness.

JANE DAVIDSON NEW HAMPSHIRE Jane Davidson grew up in Waltham, Massachusetts. While in college, she met the man whom she would be married to for 52 years and counting. They moved to Germany in 1971 and spent eight and a half years teaching ESL and traveled throughout Europe. She had a beautiful girl while in Germany, and they moved back to New Hampshire, and two and a half years later had twin girls. She worked at a kindergarten three days a week to pay for the girls’ tuition, two days at a local company, and then working weekends as a cook in a resort. No days off during those years! There have been hardships for her girls, including anorexia, date rape, sexual identity issues and opiate addiction, but she and her family worked together to help the child in need, and continue to do so. To her, family and raising socially conscientious daughters is one of the most important things in life.

CONSUELO CORDOVA NEW MEXICO Consuelo Cordova was born on February 13, 1931 in Gallup, New Mexico—the tenth of eleven children (eight girls and three boys). While most people consider 13 an unlucky number, she considers it lucky. At birth, half of her siblings were already married with children—making her an aunt as an infant. When Cordova was seven years old, her mother died suddenly of natural causes. Her father never remarried, which required the three children remaining at home to nurture and support each other. She graduated from Cathedral High School in Gallup with a scholarship to the College of Saint Joseph’s in Albuquerque where she met her future husband. Cordova’s pursuit of her college and post-graduate degrees was accomplished over more than 20 years, achieved while raising nine children. She dedicated the next 20 years to teaching children in the following towns: Gallina, Cuba, Santa Fe, Zuni and Los Lunas, New Mexico.

DEMETRIA DAVIS NORTH CAROLINA Demetria Davis is a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina. She attended the University of South Carolina on a full Track and Field scholarship. She has a BS in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Teaching and Curriculum. While traveling the world as a professional athlete endorsed by Nike, Davis earned a gold medal in the 2003 World Championships in Paris, France. She has been married for 12 years to retired CPT Christopher Davis, and they have five children and one granddaughter. As a pastor alongside her husband, serving God and her family are important to her. Her heart is in serving and leaving a legacy that builds the hearts of those around her. She is the current 2021 Mrs. South Carolina International and the 2021 Mrs. International 1st runner-up. She also serves people through food with her private chef and catering business, Dee’s Champion Cuisine, where her motto is “Cuisine with a Champion Flare… It’s a Lifestyle.”

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CHELSEY STRAND NORTH DAKOTA Chelsey Strand is a 29-year-old North Dakota native. She resides in Fargo with her family, where she was born and raised. She is the mother of Raelyn (21 months) and Lincoln (three months).

For four years, Strand has been married to her college sweetheart, Tyler. She is a licensed social worker providing mental health services to children and has worked at Sanford Health for five years. She is passionate about working with children and their families and prides herself in being involved in various organizations. Most recently, she started a Fargo chapter of Box of Balloons and is the co-leader of this non-profit. Strand fits perfectly with this organization as she enjoys parties and making others feel celebrated. She is a lover of coffee, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Her family enjoys walks, storytime, and movie nights. Friends would describe her as compassionate, giving, and kind.

ROBYN SUNDAY-ALLEN OKLAHOMA Robyn Sunday-Allen (Cherokee) currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic. She attended the University of Oklahoma, where she received her BA in Psychology, BSN in Nursing, and MPH. She is currently on the Board of Advisors for Greater OKC Chamber of Commerce; State of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce; New View Oklahoma; Oklahoma Quality Foundation. She is also a Graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City Class XXIX and Leadership Oklahoma Class XXVI. She has been recognized for her work and leadership with the Indian Health Service’s Lifetime Achievement Award; Luana Reyes Leadership Award; The Journal Record’s 50 Making a Difference Woman of the Year Honoree 2009, 2010, and 2012; The Journal Record’s Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEO Honoree 2009-2011; and was inducted as the first-ever CEO in Oklahoma’s Circle of Excellence. An Oklahoma Proclamation from Gov. Brad Henry declares November 14 Robyn Sunday-Allen Day. She is married to Russell and they have one son, Eli.

TRACY PURDY PENNSYLVANIA Tracy Purdy and her husband of 33 years, Jay, are the parents of three daughters. She has an MS in City Planning and a BS in Community Development from Temple University. She is active in her church, having served as the women’s auxiliary president, regional youth leader, director of the Family History Center, and currently serves as the editor of the newsletter. She works in Community Development in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, serving on various civic committees and non-profit boards. She was an adjunct professor of Community Development and City Planning at Temple University. In 2018, Tracy bought and renovated a 115-year-old house into a successful bed-and-breakfast called the Three Daughters Inn. This venture blends her passion for community-building with her lifelong love of hospitality, gardening, and breakfast! She uses the inn to promote other small businesses and her town.

ZORIMAR BETANCOURT PUERTO RICO Zorimar Betancourt was born on April 30, 1967, and attended high school in Puerto Rico. In 1989, she graduated from Emory University School of Business with a degree in accounting.

She married in 1993 in Holland and had two children, Stefano and Anna. In 2003, she divorced and moved back to Puerto Rico with her children to establish her own jewelry design business in order to have the flexibility to be a hands-on mom and businesswoman. Stefano was born in 1995 and three years later, Anna Isabelle came to complete her family. Unexpectedly, at the age of 17, Stefano was shot in the head during a carjacking in June 2012 in Dorado, Puerto Rico. After her son’s death in 2012, she created the Stefano Steenbakkers Betancourt Foundation, an organization that helps grieving parents heal, create awareness about organ donation, and does missionary work in and out of Puerto Rico.

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2022 MOTHER OF THE YEAR® HONOREES MICHELLE RISTUCCIA RHODE ISLAND Michelle Ristuccia is married to medicine and to her family. She is a full-time Surgical Physician Assistant, providing night coverage so that she can be a full-time mother to her two children, ages ten and six, by day. She is selfless in all that she does, parenting, volunteering in the community and at work.

HOLLY VEGA SOUTH CAROLINA Holly Vega is a connector and a supporter, striving daily to connect military families to resources while supporting military spouses to collaborate to pursue their dreams.

She is a heart health advocate and believes that education is the key to personal and professional growth. She is a Marine Corps spouse and has been married to her Marine for 21 years. Vega is a proud mother of three kids, two parrots, four chickens, one rooster, one dog, a slew of fish and a pear tree. When she is not tending to her small farm, “Sweet Tea Island,” you will find her volunteering or planning an event. In 2020, Vega officially co-founded a non-profit organization, Military Hearts Matter (“MHM”). Together with a board, volunteers, and ambassadors of military spouses and veterans, the organization is paving the way to fully support the military heart community.

SHANA SMITH TENNESSEE Shana Smith is the wife to Grant and mother to her three beautiful children. In 2006, she decided to get her foster care license and become a single foster parent. In 2007, she married her best friend, Grant, a soldier in the US Army. As a newly-married couple, they adopted their first child in 2008. Several years and a cross-country move later, in 2015, the Smiths became foster parents again, adopting their second child in 2016. In an amazing turn of events, their family was joined by a sweet baby boy in 2019 via private adoption. During their tenure as foster parents, Smith and her family had approximately 20 children enter their home. She is grateful for each child and the impact they each had on her life, as well as the love she hopes they felt in their home. She owns and operates a virtual executive assistant company in Tennessee. She is a proud entrepreneur, military spouse, mother and advocate for change in the foster care and adoption community.

JESSICA DUNN TEXAS Jessica Dunn has benefited from so many unique life experiences, good and bad, but they have led her to want to help make her family, community, friends, and life better. She has worked in the non-profit sector for 16 years, working disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, changing Texas State Laws, and rebuilding non-profit organizations through her leadership. She sits on non-profit boards, volunteers in her community, and is the founder of Make 380 Safe, a grassroots initiative with over 11,400 supporters to better the Highway 380 corridor and make the highway safer. She is a mother to her two sons, Jackson (12) and Cooper (8), wife to Josh for 13 years.

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2022 MOTHER OF THE YEAR® HONOREES NANCY KENNEDY UTAH Nancy Stratford Kennedy was born in Utah into a service- and community-minded family. She graduated from Utah State University with a degree in secondary education, fought forest fires for four summers, served a religious mission to Spain, and worked as an intern for Senator Orrin Hatch. She has interspersed raising her five children by teaching in various capacities.

She has taught college-level courses at USU and Bridgerland Technical College and was a monthly presenter on KSL’s Studio Five cooking segment. Kennedy loves to travel and has been blessed with many opportunities to see the world. She’s also been a leader in the community, serving in the Civic Improvement Club, hospital board, and as president of Piecemakers Quilt Guild. Her children have all graduated college and served missions for their church. She has five grandchildren, two more due in the spring, and loves being a grandma.

TRACEY HEMOND VERMONT Tracey Hemond is a 48-year-old woman who has been married to her husband, Michael, for 27 years. She is a mother to four amazing children and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren. She adopted her youngest child 13 years ago after being in foster care for nearly four years. Hemond has also opened up her heart and home to 19 exchange students over the past 15 years, and she loves them like her own—family means everything to her. Her husband had a terrible work-related accident 15 years ago that resulted in him having both of his legs amputated below the knees and severe burns over most of his body. She was trained to do all of his care before he was able to leave the hospital. Hemond has made it her mission over the past several years to give back to her community in any way she can. Her community was there for her family 15 years ago, and she will never forget that.

KRISTI GOODE WEST VIRGINIA Kristi Lynn Goode was born in Charleston, West Virginia. She is a graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Goode was a featured twirler for the WVU Marching Band and a competition baton twirler. She was a twirling ambassador to Peru with the Lion’s Club. Her career in nursing started as a Registered Nurse in the hospital’s medical-surgical units. Goode began her coaching journey as a certified 21-Day Sugar Detox Coach, then expanded her nutrition education by becoming a certified Transformational Nutrition, Macro & Fitness Coach. She opened her own business called Love Livin’ Low Sugar, LLC. She also serves on the Healthy Harrison Committee as their Eat Coordinator. She resides in Bridgeport with her husband, Chris, their two sons, Colby (18), Kaden (14) and dog, Duke.

LISA WITT WISCONSIN Lisa Witt grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in education. While teaching middle school English, she pursued her Master’s Degree in Professional Development in Education. She married Chad Witt in 1989, gave birth to Grace in July of 2002, and Ian, in 2006, has Down Syndrome. After several moves from South Dakota, Colorado, and Iowa, they finally landed in Wisconsin. After 15 years in education, she founded WittFitt, a company based on her passion for incorporating movement into the classroom using active furniture.

In their community of Hudson, she and Chad became advocates for people with special needs. They coach Special Olympics Track, assist in coordinating an inclusive hockey program, and speak [with Ian at their side] to Augsburg College students about raising Ian and life in a special needs family. Additionally, Witt is the Hudson School District’s Special Education Parent Liaison.

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PAST NATIONAL MOTHERS OF THE YEAR 2021 Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, Oklahoma 2020 Dr. LaTarsha Holden, Georgia 2019 Renae Reinardy, North Dakota 2018 Karen Smoots, Michigan 2017 Rebecca Latham, New Mexico 2016 Michelle Wall, Delaware 2015 Deb Stanaland, Oklahoma 2014 Gerre Schwert, Tennessee 2013 Judy Cook, Utah 2012 Dr. Ruby Cheves, Georgia 2011 Ernestine Allen, District of Columbia 2010 Dianne Dain Callister, California 2009 Betty Jean Ulmer McGregor, South Carolina 2008 Jo Ellen Blackwood, West Virginia 2007 Ileen Loosle Barlow, Oregon 2006 Laurie Richardson, Nevada 2005 Helen Bean, Oregon 2004 Mary Connelly Kegelman, Delaware 2003 Mervlyn Keapo Swain Kitashima, Hawaii 2002 Rosalie Fuscaldo Gaziano, West Virginia 2001 Jean “Dawn” Morris, South Dakota 2000 Dorothy E. Barta, Texas 1999 Gail Ford Williamson, California 1998 Diane Stirland Matthews, Arizona 1997 Deen Day Smith, Georgia 1996 Carolyn Shumway, Hawaii 1995 Barbara Thompson, Oklahoma 1994 Corrine “Lindy” Boggs, District of Columbia* 1993 Ruby Washington, Nebraska 1992 Johanna Cubbage, Wyoming

1991 Joan R. Burney, Nebraska* 1990 Nadine M. Matus, Utah 1989 Nancy Dinwiddie Hawk, South Carolina* 1988 Thelma Loss Kouzes, Virginia 1987 Rita Whalen McCaffrey, Vermont 1986 Martha Burke, Montana* 1985 Louise Monaco Cimino, Nebraska 1984 Patricia Kane Hamilton, Georgia 1983 Clemmie Webber, South Carolina* 1982 Helen Marie Burnstad Thompson, Idaho* 1981 Henrietta Jean Wombles Crouch, Kansas 1980 Betty Carol Leggett Lieder, Iowa 1979 Frances Davis Burtenshaw, Utah 1978 Ellen Edens McCall, Tennessee 1977 Gloria Betty Langdon, Oklahoma* 1976 M. Garnett Grindstaff, New Mexico 1975 Josephine Wainman Burson, Tennessee 1974 Phyllis Brown Marriott, District of Columbia* 1974 Golda Meir, World Mother, Israel* 1973 Ruth Youngdahl Nelson, Minnesota* 1972 Esther Hunt Moore, North Carolina 1971 Betty Anthony Zahn, Oklahoma* 1970 Dorothy Lee Wilson, Tennessee* 1969 E. Peterson LeTourneau, Texas* 1968 Elisabeth Grossman Bodine, North Dakota* 1967 Minnie Knoop Guenther, Arizona* 1966 Bertha Holt, Oregon* 1965 Lorena Chipman Fletcher, Utah* 1964 Cora Hjertaa Stavig, South Dakota* 1963 Olga Pearson Engdahl, Nebraska

1962 Clara Spoat Glen, World Mother, Ohio* 1962 Mary Celesta Weatherly, Alabama* 1961 Louise Giddings Currey, Tennessee* 1960 Emerald Barman Arbogast, California 1959 Jeannie Loitman Barron, Massachusetts* 1958 Mary Roper Coker, South Carolina* 1957 Hazel Hempel Able, Nebraska* 1956 Jane Maxwell Pritchard, Michigan* 1955 Lavina Christensen Fugal, Utah* 1954 Love McDuffie Tolbert, Georgia* 1953 Ethlyn Weisgarver Bolt, Illinois* 1952 Toy Len Goon, Maine* 1951 Mary Martin Sloop, North Carolina* 1950 Elizabeth Roe Cloud, Oregon* 1949 Pearl Owens Grills, Texas* 1948 Helen Gartside Hines, Illinois* 1947 Janette Stevenson Murray, Iowa* 1946 Emma Clarissa Clement, Kentucky* 1945 Georgiana Farr Sibley, New York* 1944 Harriet Duff Phillips, Pennsylvania* 1943 Mary Dabney Thompson, Ohio* 1942 Elizabeth Vize Berry, North Carolina* 1941 Dena Shelby Diehl, Kentucky* 1940 Edith Graham Mayo, Minnesota* 1939 Otelia K. Compton, Ohio* 1938 Grace Noll Crowell, Texas* 1937 Harriette Flora Gray, Nebraska* 1936 Frances Elenore Smith, California* 1935 Lucy Keen Johnson, Georgia*

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YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE MOM GUILT WHILE TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF MOTHERHOOD DURING THE PANDEMIC

Last year, we hosted the 86th National Convention of American Mothers—our first virtual convention in the eight-decade history of American Mothers, Inc. Since 2020, there have been a lot of changes and challenges, but also some great shifts in our communities, relationships that have led to the discovery of better ways of thinking and doing. With that in mind, we hosted a panel discussion around motherhood during a pandemic. The discussion was moderated by Sharon Parker, President of the Maryland Association of American Mothers with panelists Charlotte Avery (2020 Virginia Mother of the Year®), Carol Muleta (2019 D.C. Mother of the Year®) and Dr. Renae Reinardy (2019 National Mother of the Year®). They talked about the impact of the pandemic on our lives, working through stressors and recognizing mental health issues, managing additional roles as mothers, grief, self-care, and finding a balance.

Here are some standout moments and excerpts regarding caring for ourselves from the panel discussion. This is the first in a two-part series of articles about care.

Sharon Parker

Dr. Renae Reinardy

Carol Muleta

Charlotte Avery

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Sharon Parker (SP): They say one out of five women has lost childcare support due to the pandemic, and over 2.6 million women have been forced out of the workplace because they had to stay home with their children.

How have you in your practice helped mothers work through the psychological issues, depression or anxiety that they may be dealing with staying at home now that they’ve lost their job?

it all on our own. But for a lot of people, it crossed a threshold where it just wasn’t possible to do it. And so it is familiarizing yourself with resources and getting help until we can get to that point again—of being back in our supermom position that we think is necessary. So it’s good to kind of take that as an opportunity to rebalance and kind of get passed our ego and know that we can’t do it all, all the time.

Dr. Renae Reinardy (RR): There’s so much for people to talk about and so many transitions. And having to multitask is stressful, right? We all have experienced that. When people have had these huge transitions in their lives and now are facing things they never thought they were going to have to face again or face even in their lifetime, and bam, there it was.

[The pandemic] did really impact a lot of women and children especially. So it’s trying to make treatment and resources more accessible. Letting moms know that it’s OK to reach out and that it’s not only OK, but please reach out for help. You don’t have to do this alone. That’s a really important thing. Because so often, we don’t want the help, we want to do it. We’re used to doing

SP: They say most individuals in their lifetime, especially mothers, may lose someone to death, lose a job, lose a friend, but not all at the same time. So to me, this pandemic is just not normal.

So, Carol, I want to ask you, you have interviewed several mothers around the country for your parenting platform. Please share with us how they have dealt with loss during the pandemic and also if you can provide some tips to help them discover the joy that is in their lives.

Carol Muleta (CM): So with the families that have experienced loss, we really talk a lot about how to remember and honor those loved ones. And perhaps even for those that didn’t necessarily lose their loved one but lost connection

with them or they weren’t able to visit them. We talked about how to be creative in making those connections, through video, or coming over to visit from the outside. Doing all of that, but just to really think about what you have and creatively honoring what you do have while still honoring those that you’ve lost or the things and privileges you’ve lost.

That’s what I’ve done a lot of, and they’ve come to realize some of the advantages, like even having to take over the school duties.

And all of that, while it is an extra workload, some parents said that they really appreciated being able to see what kind of learners their children are, they aren’t able to see that because they’re at school. And so they either can provide additional support if they noticed their children need support, or there’s just a sense of satisfaction and pride that maybe their child is doing well. They can find additional ways to enrich what they’re doing because now they know more about what their children are doing in school. So that’s really I really tried to strike that balance.

SP: So we have heard this phrase, “a mother’s role on steroids.” A lot of mothers out there have large families. And I can’t imagine how underserved communities are dealing with this pandemic, so we need to keep that in consideration.

As a mother to seven children, [that phrase] is probably really real for you, Charlotte. How can mothers embrace that balance of responsibilities while finding time for self-care?

Charlotte Avery (CA): Self-care is very personal... that’s why it’s not [called] everyone care. It’s really you caring for yourself. As moms during this time, we’ve had to find ways to take care of ourselves while we’re taking care of everyone else. For me, I’ve had to be able to ask myself, “what

are the things that give me joy?”

A lot of moms are just like, “I’m so stressed out, I don’t know what to do.” So I ask them, “where do you find your joy? Do you find your joy taking a walk, or reading a book, or closing the door to your room and soaking in your bathtub?”

What are the things that brought you joy, even before the pandemic? Because some of those things, we just decided that because I’m taking care of these people, I’ve got to sacrifice myself.

You can’t take care of everybody and be in a good mind space if you’re sacrificing yourself. You have to show up for yourself. So what are those things that you can do so you can show up for yourself, that are going to bring you joy, so that you can also show up for your family? Are you going to take an hour a week to say, “This is my hour and everybody needs to respect my hour?” Find that thing to go back to that gives you joy—your personal joy—and it doesn’t include everybody else. It’s just for you, and it’s OK to do that.

You don’t have to have mommy guilt taking care of yourself.

SP: Renae, to kind of piggyback on what Charlotte just said, give us some advice on some of the clinical things that mothers can do.

People talk about meditating and taking a walk. So can you share some more tips?

RR: Charlotte gave some fantastic examples. And when it comes to therapeutic strategies, they also need to be personalized. It starts with a good assessment of where we are going off track, if I’m going off track with a lot of negative thoughts toward myself that’s not going to help.

So sometimes, we have to use a cognitive restructuring strategy.

Relax. When people have all those physiological symptoms, their shoulders are riding up here, and that’s where we’re doing things like progressive muscle

relaxation. When we’re breathing just like through the top of our throat—learning diaphragmatic breathing might be helpful. So there’s lots of things: meditation, learning assertiveness, learning how to delegate, adjusting our expectations. There are so many therapeutic strategies that we can use. You know, we might have lost our job that we had for a really long time and we haven’t interviewed for a long time, there can be a lot of fear with that for people. That’s where exposure therapy can be helpful. Stepping outside of our comfort zone. Being able to do something different.

Having our world get a little bit bigger in a way, when it got smaller if that makes sense. So we do have to challenge ourselves in healthy ways to be able to grow and adapt. Humans are the most adaptive creatures, but we can’t do it all at once. So it’s taking that inventory, looking at where do I start? That’s an important thing to consider.

CA: So I’m piggybacking off of one thing that Dr. Rene said. One thing that I have also found is how important support systems really are during this time. Sometimes we’re out here thinking that we’re just in this thing by ourselves. The pandemic has made us feel like we’re just in our own silo in our own house, so sometimes we’re like, “OK, I’m about to go crazy.

I’m about to go on flip mode, and I don’t want to go on flip mode on my kids.” But things just keep building and building. And it’s really knowing who are your people? Where is your support system? Because I’ve dealt with women who live in different states and they have no support system.

So even just trying to figure out, with my family not close, where’s my support system. What does that look like for me? Is that somebody in my church? Is a neighbor up the street that I can trust, and be able to say, “Hey, I need to decompress.”

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5TH GRADE ESSAY CONTEST

CONGRATULATIONS Aava Dadmarz-Parang

Aava Dadmarz-Parang of Philadelphia, PA, is the National 5th Grade Essay Contest winner. The 11-year-old wrote a short essay titled ‘Life-Changing Mother.’ Each year, American Mothers, Inc.® sponsors an essay contest for all fifth grade students or the equivalent, in the public, private and home school environment. The contest theme is “What My Mother Means to Me.” Winners are selected by state, and one national winner is invited to read their essay at the annual National Convention of American Mothers and will receive a $500 Golden Rule Grant to the nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization of their choice.

Her mother, Mitra Dadmarz, said that the essay brought tears to her eyes and she realized her daughter’s keen awareness of her surroundings.

When asked what’s important to her as she raises her child and what she’d like to pass down to her, Dadmarz said: “It is important to me to raise a compassionate, caring, self-confident human who respects and believes in herself and knows her selfworth, someone who works hard and seizes every opportunity.”

As for takeaways she wants to instill in her child: • Set goals for yourself and have a plan but know that not everything goes as planned. Always have a plan B and C. • Don’t give up on your dreams. Take it one step and one day at a time and remember to exercise compassion no matter what.

• Have a global awareness and thirst to learn and respect individuals who live in very different cultures and communities than your own.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR Joan Braitsch 5th Grade Essay Contest Continuing Sponsor 2013-2015 AMI National President 2000 DC Metro Area Mother of the Year

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HOW TO GET INVOLVED STATE ASSOCIATIONS & AREA COORDINATORS American Mothers is shaped by its membership and local networks are valuable to the mission of the organization. There are state associations of American Mothers in: California, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Utah, and Vermont.

If you have a group of 15 or more people interested in starting a local chapter, learn more about the process at bit.ly/AMI-state or contact the area coordinators in your region.

Becky Rowan (Idaho) States: CA, UT, NV, ID, AZ, WA, OR, MT, WY, AK, HI paulbeckyrowan@aol.com Emily Brooks (North Dakota) States: NE, IA, ND, NM, SD, MN, WI, KS, OK, TX, CO emilybrooks27@hotmail.com Jennifer Harrington (Tennessee) States: IL, LA, MS, AR, TN, MO, KY, IN, OH, MI thehappyharringtons@gmail.com Jen O’Brien (New York) States: VT, ME, NH, MA, CT, NJ, DE, RI, NY, PA jen@specialhockey.org Barbara Owens (District of Columbia) States: DC, MD, WV, VA, NC, SC, GA, AL, FL barbaraowens88@gmail.com Silma Serra (Puerto Rico) States: PR, US Virgin Island silmaserra@yahoo.com

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NOMINATE A MOM For over 85 years, American Mothers has recognized mothers across the United States and its five territories with the historic honor of Mother of the Year®. We select a state honoree from every part of the country and then name a National Mother of the Year® at the annual National Convention of American Mothers.

Nominate an inspirational mom in your life who’s positively impacting the lives of people around her! Nominations are open from May 8 to September 15, 2022. For eligibility and requirements, visit americanmothers.org/ nominate.

DONATE TO AMI Since 1935, American Mothers, Inc. has invested in uplifting mothers and motherhood through connection, recognition, support, storytelling and gatherings. As a long-lasting non-profit organization, our work continues to be supported by generous donors and members of American Mothers. Donations to American Mothers supports us in awarding Golden Rule Grants to moms, annually recognizing inspirational mothers across the country, and bringing together mothers from all walks of life. Become a donor today and support the impactful vocation of motherhood! Visit bit.ly/ AMI-donate.

JOIN US AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION We’re celebrating moms across the country at our virtual convention on Saturday, April 30, from 12-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. EST. Join us for an exciting program to discuss diverse motherhood journeys and how moms across the country are shaping their passions in service of their communities and families. Register online for the 87th National Convention of American Mothers to honor the state honorees and the 2022 National Mother of the Year®. Get a glimpse of the program on our website: americanmothers. org/2022-convention.

LIFE MEMBERS Life Members of American Mothers have donated at the $1,000 level and are passionate about helping mothers at home, at work and in the world.

Their generous contribution to the American Mothers Endowment Fund supports the organization’s efforts to improve the lives of mothers and children everywhere.

BECOME A MEMBER AMI believes moms use their innate abilities to make a positive impact in their families and communities. We are invested in mentorship by connecting mothers with others who can help them maneuver the complexities of motherhood. Join the American Mothers community today! Visit bit.ly/AMI-join to learn more about our membership.

Dilek Acar Shirley Baccus Louise Battle Helen Bean Jatali Bellanton Susan Bennett Arita Bohannan Maria Cecilia Borja-Van Zitter Della Mae Bork Joan Braitsch Leslie Braitsch Thompson Carolyn Branagan Connell Branan Susan Brown Dianne Callister GeNeil Cheney Mary Compton Myrna Condie Lizzy Conroy Enid Davis Dorothy DeVore Anna Di Marco Silma Di Marco Serra Dr. Nurum Erdem Linda Fiterman Marcia Ford Vicki Gerlach Dorothy Hammert Jennifer Harrington Sue Hickenlooper Mary Hoffmann Cathy Keating Esther Kimberling Rebecca Latham Mae LeCount Purves Helen Leon Carrie Keating Leonard

Barbara Jean Loar Ruth Manning Heidi Marsh Lucinda McArton Brenda McDaniel Nadine Milham Sheila Monke Jennifer O’Brien Jennifer Oliver Suzie Owens Patricia Payne JaLynn Prince Renae Reinardy Elba E Rivera-Ruiz Jean Rodríguez-Pazo Michelle Schwab Gerre Schwert Lila Shoemaker Betty Lancaster Short Renee Smith Deen Smith Sanders Virginia Spurgin Deb Stanaland Lynn Starzl Jami Stevens Joyce Stevens Lela Sullivan Deanne Taylor Barbara Thompson Ruth Warner Anita Webb Gwen Webb Joy Weller Miller Sabrina Wisher-DeWitt Mollie Wolthius Holly Wortmann Linda Zenger 25

DONORS & SPONSORS THE THOMPSON GIFT The Barbara Thompson Gift of $2,500 is given annually to support a needful and deserving mother, child, or worthy cause. This gift is given by U.S. District Judge Ralph G. Thompson, in honor of his wife, Barbara, the 1995 National Mother of the Year® for her generosity and loving concern for the mothers and children of this country.

Kricket Anderson Tamara Anderson Sue Arens Gloria Becker Joan Braitsch Connell Branan Emily Brooks Sarah Campa Lizzy Conroy Jenny Cullumber Dorothy DeVore Joanna Fair Jennifer & Bernie Harrington Donna Lynne Hubbard Rebecca Latham Heidi Marsh Joanne Marsh Kay Maxwell Joan McElroy Sheila Monke Pamela Moses

Dawn Noecker Jen O’Brien Susan Olson Patricia Payne Renae Reinardy Krista Ritacco Becky Rowan Doug Schwert Gerre Schwert Arlo Sorenson Deb Stanaland Lynn Starzl Jolene Steffen Jeremy & Jami Stevens Joyce Stevens Lela Sullivan Deanne Taylor Maria Thorpe Bob Thunker Lanae Tryon Darcy Spencer Ure

Kathy Walker Karen Williams Sabrina Wisher-DeWitt Jerry Wood Chris & Holly Wortmann Mary Wortmann GOLDEN RULE GRANT FUND Sabrina Wisher Patricia and Richard Payne Lizzy Conroy Joyce Stevens Becky Rowan Holly & Chris Wortmann Dorothy DeVore Jami & Jeremy Stevens NATIONAL 5TH GRADE ESSAY CONTEST SPONSOR Joan Braitsch

BECOME A DONOR Our work—of annually recognizing mothers from across the country as well as uplifting stories of how mothers significantly impact their communities—continues through the support of generous donors and members. Join a community of supporters who uplift and celebrate the work of mothers across our nation at bit.ly/AMI-donate.

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C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

Zorimar Betancourt Puerto Rico State Mother of the Year 2022

“My kids understood that giving is more rewarding than receiving; therefore they give without expecting anything in return. I have prepared them for life, and that is my blessing.” — Zorimar Betancourt

Congratulations from the American Mothers of Puerto Rico 28

C O N G R A T U LA T I ON S to all the Mothers of the Year®!

JOYCE (AMI PRESIDENT) & DOYLE STEVENS FAMILY Crofton, Nebraska

WA R M W I S H E S T O E V E R Y O N E AT A M E R I C A N M O T H E R S I N C .®

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2022 Mother of the Year San Juan, Puerto Rico

ZORIMAR BETANCOURT Congratulations to Zorimar Betancourt, a member of the San Juan AMI group, in her selection as the 2022 Puerto Rico State Mother of the Year.

Motherhood has been the most rewarding experience you have had in your entire life.

It has given you the opportunity to experience what unconditional love is. Stefano and Anna Isabelle are a true reflection of your acts of kindness for others. To be sensitive and thoughtful, emphatic with the grief of other mothers, show your passion and purpose in life. You continue to walk while you talk and provide others new life.

May the Lord continue to bless you, Zorimar.

Moms of San Juan

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American Mothers: Mom to Mom Podcast Launch date: Tuesday, May 3, 2022, 12:00 Noon EDT

The Mom to Mom Podcast will engage mothers of all ages in conversations that will lift, educate, encourage, and support them in their various responsibilities as they shape the rising generation.

We need your input! Send to podcast@americanmothers.org Send a question or concern you are having and we’ll find someone who can help share their knowledge about that topic on a podcast program.

• MOTHERING MOMENT: Share a 90-second or less video (portrait orientation) sharing something that helps you remember “Why I Love Being a Mother.”

• MOTHERING MISHAP: Share a 90-second or less video (portrait orientation) sharing an experience with your child(ren) that is funny now, but it wasn’t then.

Follow @AmericanMothers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

You can also find us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

MARYLAND ASSOCIATION VIRTUAL CEREMONY TO WELCOME

DR. TASHEKA GREEN 2022 MARYLAND AMI MOTHER OF THE YEAR

MARYLAND MOTHERS ASSOCIATION Celebrates & Congratulates

2022 MARYLAND MOTHER OF THE YEAR® Dr. TASHEKA GREEN

WIFE, MOTHER, EDUCATOR, ENTREPENEUR, SPEAKER, SERVANT LEADER, & PHILANTHROPIST

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DC Metro Area Association Celebrates Our 2022 Honorees

Denise Kave-Govan Mother of Achievement

Vanessa Partin Mother of the Year®

DC Metro Police Dept officer 33 years, U of District of Columbia grad; DC Housing Authority serving the most vulnerable; many church leadership roles

Pres, Business/Professional Women Federation 10 years; Pres ESAU Project Community Dev Corp clothing and food drives; Oversees High School Corporate Work Study

LaToria Brent Mother of Merit DC Board of Commissioners 2018-2020 Vice Chair, State Advisory for Special Ed; 1st Pres, DC Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; Author of children’s books

Executive Board

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Betty Lancaster Short

Joan Braitsch

Krista Ritacco

2001 DC Metro MOY 2008 & 2018-Current DC Metro President

2000 DC Metro MOY, 2013-2015 AMI National President, 2018-Current DC Metro Sec/Treasurer

2013 DC Metro Young Mother 2018-Current DC Metro Asst.

Treasurer

Karen Williams

Carol Muleta

2018 DC Metro MOY, 2019-Current DC Metro Program Chair

2019 DC Metro MOY Current DC Metro Webmaster

Barbara Owens 2017 DC Metro MOY, 2019-Current Area 5 Coordinator

“Motherhood brings the greatest joy to our lives. We become who we are based on our family and the experiences we share with one another. Thanks to my children and my grandchildren for many years of love, service and a life filled with awe experiences.”

— Lauraine Clark

WE HONOR AND CONGRATULATE

Lauraine Clark as California Mother of Achievement and thank her for many years of exceptional service to many different causes. Her contributions to our California Association are extensive. She especially loved honoring each new Mother of the Year and the 5th Grade Essay winner.

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Maryland Association of American Mothers Inc. (MD-AMI) Mothers of the Year (2012-2022) #MomsStrong10Years

Barbara S. Talley 2012 MOY!

Denise McDowell (RIP) 2013 MOY!

Dara Feldman 2015 MOY!

Dr. Tasheka Green Maryland 2022 MOY

Shalita O’Neale 2017 MOY! Sharon Parker

2013 Maryland Mother of Achievement/MD-AMI President ccparker123@aol.com 202-365-8277

Taya Dunn Johnson Maria Thorpe Cheryl Whitaker Pauline Rose Moore 2020 MOY! 2021 MOY! 2019 MOY! 2017 MOY! Thank You MD-AMI Executive Team and Members for All Your Hard Work!

Dr. Renee Allen, Vice President Ebony Banks, Secretary, Dr. Arlene Spann, Treasurer, Charlene Day, Executive Director, Cynthia Greene, Community Outreach Lead, Louvenia Banks, 2019 MD-AMI Mother of Achievement, Tonya Mackall, Teen Suicide Committee Chair, Lisa Dove Washington, Mothers Call to Action Committee Chair and All Members!

I AM AN AMERICAN MOTHER

My congratulations to all 2022 honorees and their families.

In my 25 years as a member of American Mothers, Inc. I have learned the importance of taking one’s mother and father’s learnings into consideration when doing things for a child. AMI has allowed me to grow as a Hispanic Mom by networking with wonderful moms all over the United States and other countries.

Being a member is a unique gift that has given me the ability to touch the lives of many. Leadership in Associations at the State level provides continuity to AMI - care for the organization and the excellent caliber of Moms caring for other moms. Through our projects, I have been given the opportunity for people to see the motherhood perspective and its importance toward the continuity of families. May the Lord bless us all for all is possible.

Yolanda Perez

Former State President Puerto Rico AMI Association

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FOLLOW AMERICAN MOTHERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA! INSTAGRAM: @AMERICANMOTHERS FACEBOOK: AMERICAN MOTHERS, INC.

“I thank God for the precious gift of my husband and sons.”

Vanessa P. Lopez

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O

VANESSA LOPEZ and her wonderful family.

We are so happy to honor another outstanding mother as California Mother of the Year.

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N O M I NATE A M OM

Nominations open May 8, 2022

Tell us about a hardworking mom in your life by nominating her for the historic Mother of the Year® award.

Learn more at americanmothers.org/nominate

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®

BRAVE STRONG RESILIENT PROUD 87TH NATIONAL CONVENTION 2022 38