Being a Mother

motherhood and doing good works in their communities and nationally. As soon as I got home, I signed up for membership.”

Brooks and husband William IV (Bill) have two children, Bill V, 13, and Alice, 7. While she always knew she wanted to be a mom, she didn’t set out to win any awards. She finds reward enough through spreading joy among her family and community. However, she is the 2018 North Dakota Mother of the Year.

About a year ago Brooks became familiar with an organization that grants Mother of the Year titles when her mom, Mary Hoffmann, became the 2017 North Dakota Mother of the Year. Brooks attended the national conference in Washington, D.C., with Hoffmann.

American Mothers Inc. (AMI), a nonprofit, non-governmental organization founded in 1935 by Eleanor Roosevelt, Sara Delano Roosevelt, Mamie Eisenhower, JC Penney, and Norman Vincent Peale, recognizes the important role of motherhood through education programs and community outreach. Annually they award the titles to one mother from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. AMI is the official sponsor of Mother’s Day.

AMI’s commitment to issues impacting mothers and children captivated Brooks attention. “I didn’t know a lot about AMI before I went to that convention. It was amazing to meet women passionate about

AMI supports efforts to combat human trafficking. AMI President Connell Branan says, “Each spring we send a delegation of moms to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women to participate in a panel discussion related to human trafficking.”

Last January, Brooks attended a Next Step North Dakota (NSND) event to learn more about statewide human trafficking.

“I assumed we were insulated from this issue. But, it was an eye opening experience. A survivor of human trafficking spoke about this horrible problem in our state and how to help stop it. To help fund women transitioning back into society, I nominated NSND for an AMI grant.”

Additionally, AMI supports Soldier Strong’s efforts to provide resources to our nation’s heroes, and other needs supporting mothers at local and state levels.

Branan says, “Emily is such an incredible mom and valued member of your community. And it is rather unique that she and her mother have been honored with Mother of the Year status.”