Our forever source of inspiration is women who are ambitious, bold, and do good work. Of course, this also means mothers—ours, yours, and those who set an example for how to navigate motherhood and career in their own unique ways.
In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re spotlighting a few of the moms (and their children!) within the Argent community ahead. We spoke to them about what it means to truly celebrate the hardest job in the world and how motherhood inspires them to show up in their professional lives, as well.
Reshma Saujani
Founder and CEO of Moms First and Founder of Girls Who Code, with her sons, Shaan and Sai
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HOW DOES YOUR ROLE AS A MOTHER INFLUENCE HOW YOU SHOW UP AT WORK?
“Motherhood is central to my career and the movement I'm building. During the pandemic, I founded Moms First to finish the fight for women’s equality. Moms First is a national nonprofit transforming our workplaces, our government, and our culture so that moms can thrive. We are fighting for affordable child care, expansive paid leave policies, and equal pay—all things moms need to secure economic security for themselves and their families.”
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT EXAMPLE YOU WANT TO SET FOR YOUR CHILDREN AROUND WORK AND CAREER?
“I've always modeled that you can be anything and do anything. I took Shaan to so many of my speeches when he was younger that he just assumed all CEOs and leaders were women. Lately, I'm trying to show the ‘messy’ parts, too. Not only do CEOs give speeches in front of big auditoriums, we need to do laundry and coordinate summer camp plans, too. Women do 2/3 of the care work at home in this country. That doesn't change unless we have conversations at home. I involve the boys in the care work I do at home so that they recognize it as part of their work, too.”
HOW CAN WE BEST CELEBRATE AND HONOR MOTHERHOOD 365 DAYS A YEAR?
“As moms, we always put our families first. We minimize our own needs to take care of everyone else and we're left feeling burned out. We need to celebrate and honor all that we do more than just once a year and find ways to prioritize ourselves every day of the year. Whether that means doing an activity that fulfills you, scheduling an overdue appointment, or setting tangible boundaries at work or home, I encourage you to find ways to put yourself first."
Find Reshma on Instagram.
“I've always modeled that you can be anything and do anything. I took Shaan to so many of my speeches when he was younger that he just assumed all CEOs and leaders were women.”
Teresa Hopkins
Co-Founder of Ordinary Habit, with daughter (and co-founder) Echo
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HOW DOES YOUR ROLE AS A MOTHER INFLUENCE HOW YOU SHOW UP AT WORK?
“I have always had the determination to work hard. Growing up with entrepreneurial parents, I was able to see how hard you have to work to make a business successful. I also saw the benefits of being able to make your own schedules and take time off when you wanted to do something with the family. I’ve always tried to remember that when I started having my kids, hoping that it will make a good impression on them. I think it really has! I’m proud of both of them and how diligent they are with their own jobs.”
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT EXAMPLE YOU WANT TO SET FOR YOUR CHILDREN AROUND WORK AND CAREER?
“For me, the most important example to set would be to try to balance my work with family/friend responsibilities. I was fortunate to work as a freelancer and later have my own business, so when the kids were growing up I was able to carve out time when I needed to be available for things like class trips or sports they participated in. I think making sure people can know you are there for them is the most important thing and for me, it will always win out over any job.”
HOW CAN WE BEST CELEBRATE AND HONOR MOTHERHOOD 365 DAYS A YEAR?
“To tell other moms they are doing a great job. A little encouragement goes a long, long way.”
Find Ordinary Habit on Instagram.
“Tell other moms they are doing a great job. A little encouragement goes a long, long way.”
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Aya Kanai
Editor, with daughter Rei
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HOW DOES YOUR ROLE AS A MOTHER INFLUENCE HOW YOU SHOW UP AT WORK?
“Being a mom of a young kid forces you to be silly...and I am not a silly person. Let me explain. As a mom, I have found myself singing songs together on the bus, laughing at knock-knock jokes, dancing in the street, and generally not taking myself so seriously. Now, I try to bring that same energy of desire to have fun to work. Not knock-knock jokes but a little levity in a meeting actually adds to productivity.”
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT EXAMPLE YOU WANT TO SET FOR YOUR CHILDREN AROUND WORK AND CAREER?
“I want her to eventually find something she can feel passionate about. I wasn't the best student in school but when I found things I really cared about I would dive deep into learning more.”
HOW CAN WE BEST CELEBRATE AND HONOR MOTHERHOOD 365 DAYS A YEAR?
“Take time for yourself! I love being a mom, but I am a person too. I pour energy into the people around me but I also carve out time for myself.”
Find Aya on Instagram.
“I want her to eventually find something she can feel passionate about.”
Jeneil Williams
Model, with daughter Dylan
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HOW DOES YOUR ROLE AS A MOTHER INFLUENCE HOW YOU SHOW UP AT WORK?
"It makes me feel I can do anything. It’s empowering but I’m also more in tune with others."
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT EXAMPLE YOU WANT TO SET FOR YOUR CHILDREN AROUND WORK AND CAREER?
"To be resilient, never give up, and give it your best always."
HOW CAN WE BEST CELEBRATE AND HONOR MOTHERHOOD 365 DAYS A YEAR?
"Spending quality time together, doing things she enjoys doing with her, giving her a call just because, sending a thoughtful gift, helping out with chores—we can show all the moms in our lives that we love and appreciate them all year round."
Find Jeneil on Instagram.
"[Motherhood] makes me feel I can do anything."
