8 Moms Who Made It Big: Stories of Triumph and Motherhood
Dear Readers,
In a world where balancing personal aspirations with the responsibilities of motherhood can often be challenging, many women have shown that it is possible to excel in both. This month, as we celebrate "Inspiring Mothers" at Women Rising Strong, we spotlight eight incredible mothers who have not only achieved remarkable success in their respective fields but also embraced the joys and challenges of motherhood. As we share these stories, we invite you to reflect on the inspiring mothers in your own life.
1. J.K. Rowling: Crafting Magic from Adversity
“I would say to any single parent currently feeling the weight of stereotype or stigmatization that I am prouder of my years as a single mother than of any other part of my life.”
J.K. Rowling, known for the Harry Potter series, is most proud of being a single mom to her daughter, Jessica. She wrote her famous books while struggling financially as a single parent in Edinburgh. Rowling has worked with Gingerbread, a group that supports single parents, to improve their lives and fight against the stigma they face. She advocates for affordable childcare and better work conditions for single parents. Rowling's own experience as a single mom, overcoming challenges to achieve success, has been a significant part of her life and inspiration.
2. Serena Williams: Serving Excellence On and Off the Court
“Working and being a mom is not easy. I’m often exhausted, stressed...we keep going. I’m so proud and inspired by the women who do it day in and day out.”
Serena Williams, a top tennis player, balances her career with motherhood and openly talks about its challenges. She recently shared a TikTok video showing the less glamorous side of being a mom, like pumping breast milk. Serena, mom to six-year-old Olympia and baby Adira, shared her joy in seeing Olympia become a big sister. Despite initial worries, Williams found her love expanded with Adira's arrival. Married to Alexis Ohanian, she continues to inspire both in tennis and fashion, recently being honored as a fashion icon at the CFDA Awards.
3. Michelle Obama: Nurturing Change Beyond the White House
“Motherhood has taught me that, most of the time, my job is to give them the space to explore and develop into the people they want to be. Not who I want them to be or who I wish I was at that age, but who they are, deep inside.”
Michelle Obama, a mother, author, and former First Lady, is deeply committed to nurturing her family and society. Her focus on education and health aims to create a better future for all children. Michelle's parenting philosophy blends public service with family values, reflecting her influential and empathetic leadership.
In her book “The Light We Carry”, she discusses the challenges and pride of being a single mom, highlighting her mother's support during her time in the White House. Michelle shares her mother's wisdom and her own experiences in raising her daughters, emphasizing the importance of being seen and heard at home. She values open communication, independence, and emotional support in parenting.
4. Sheryl Sandberg: Leading the Way for Working Mothers
“We are lucky. We don’t live in the world our mothers lived in, our grandmothers lived in, where career choices for women were so limited.”
Sheryl Sandberg, as the COO of Facebook, has been a trailblazer for working mothers around the world. Her advocacy for women's rights in the workplace, coupled with her own experience balancing a demanding executive role and motherhood, offers a powerful example of resilience. Sandberg's journey highlights the importance of support systems and workplace policies that enable mothers to thrive in their careers while also fulfilling their family responsibilities. Her voice has been instrumental in initiating conversations about the unique challenges faced by working mothers and the need for a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
5. Marie Curie: A Radiant Legacy in Science and Parenthood
“I have frequently been questioned, especially by women, of how I could reconcile family life with a scientific career. Well, it has not been easy… But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing must be attained.”
Marie Curie, a Nobel laureate and a trailblazing figure in the world of science, remarkably balanced her pioneering research with the responsibilities of raising her children. Her dedication to scientific discovery, even in an era when women faced numerous barriers in the field, did not deter her from being a devoted mother. Curie's legacy goes beyond her scientific achievements; it includes setting a powerful example for future generations of women scientists who aspire to balance professional success with family life. Her life is a testament to the fact that with determination and passion, one can excel both in the pursuit of knowledge and in parenthood.
6. Indra Nooyi: Mastering the Art of Leadership and Motherhood
“‘Listen to me,’ my mother replied. ‘You may be the president or whatever of PepsiCo, but when you come home, you are a wife and a mother and a daughter. Nobody can take your place. So you leave that crown in the garage.’”
Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, is known for balancing her high-profile job with motherhood. She openly discussed the challenges she faced, such as balancing work with family life. Nooyi's story highlights the need for equal responsibilities in family management between men and women.
Nooyi's experiences are shared in her memoir, "My Life In Full." She started at PepsiCo when there were no female CEOs in the Fortune 500 and worked her way up, focusing on doing her best in each role. She advocates for women's rights, like equal pay and supporting other women in the workplace.
7. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter: Harmonizing Fame with Family
“Becoming a mother has helped me to really understand the power of my body. I just feel my body means something completely different. I feel a lot more confident about it. Even being heavier, thinner, whatever. I feel a lot more like a woman. More feminine, more sensual. And no shame.”
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, a global music icon, has perfectly mixed being a superstar with being a mom. Even with her busy music career, she has found a way to balance her life in the spotlight with taking care of her family. Beyoncé handles the challenges of being famous and makes sure she's there for her children, giving them love and care. Her life shows us that you can follow your dreams and still be a great mom. Beyoncé's story inspires many people, proving that with hard work and love, you can succeed in your career and be a good parent too.
8. Angelina Jolie: A Mother's Heart in Hollywood and Humanitarianism
“With my family, I’m trying to raise them to have respect for all people and make friends around the world and feel at home with the world and really live a truly global [life] because I think it’s what forms them and it’s really important to me.”
Angelina Jolie is much more than a famous actress. She's also a mom to a big, diverse family and deeply involved in helping people around the world. As a mother, she's shown a big heart by adopting children from different countries, showing how much she cares about people from all over. Jolie proves that being a mom and helping others can go hand in hand. She manages to work on big movies and still finds time for her family and to help others. This shows her incredible ability to handle both her job and her passion for making the world a better place.
Every story we shared today speaks of courage, love, and resilience. Now, we'd love to hear from you. Share your stories of inspiring mothers with us on social media using the hashtag #InspiringMothers2024, or visit our 'Share Your Story' page at https://www.sasterling.com/share. Let's fill our community with tales of incredible mothers who shape our lives and our world. Together, let's celebrate these amazing women.
Best,
S.A. Sterling