Our Story
A Community Started With One Question
How can women pursue meaningful careers without feeling like they’re failing at motherhood?
When I became a mom, I didn’t expect to feel so…. underresourced. I couldn’t believe that my own mom, who had 8 kids, worked full time and managed. I was desperate for support, resources, and community. I wanted to be around people who understood what I was feeling. I had dedicated so much to building my career and I wasn’t necessarily ready to give that up, but I didn’t expect to feel so much guilt around working. It felt like I was supposed to choose between the two. From that desperation, I reached out to many women around me, and even some I had never met, put together a business plan, and we got to work with the vision of hosting an in-person conference for us to learn, educate, and have comraderie. I simply wanted to create the resource I wish I had.
The community began to grow.
More and more women found us organically. Before long, thousands of mothers from across the nation (and even internationally), were sharing advice, encouragement, job opportunities, struggles, and victories. It became more than an online group. We all started to feel less alone, and more empowered.
EMBRACE 2019
As a group, we worked together to find speakers, sponsors, conference hotels, and choosing h’orsedeurves to put on an in-person conference in Utah Valley. The President of Utah Valley University herself was the keynote speaker! We were so pleased with how it turned out with over 200 attendees, multiple breakout sessions, vendors and goody bags, we couldn’t have asked for a better turnout.
2020: COVID AND MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS
We tried monetizing the FB group to help pay for things, but people didn’t want to fundraise, they wanted help! Most of the money needed to put on the event was from donors, sponsors, or volunteer work. Even though it was important, it wasn’t sustainable, and as an executive team, we knew we needed to practice what we preached. Most of us worked full time jobs on top of the start-up work of the nonprofit. Unfortunately, May also had a serious mental health concern where she needed to step back. At that time, she did not renew the nonprofit paperwork, did not renew the domain, and thought it would essentially die.
TODAY
Even though everyone took a back seat (May even deleted all her social media for a short time), the group continued to grow and the conversation continued to have impact on thousands of people. Today, the group is mostly on FB, and this website was built retroactively as we wanted to share the origin story and where we are at. To get involved today, join the FB group and be a part of our community.
When I became a working mom, I found myself constantly asking the same question:
Is anyone else struggling with this?
I wasn’t looking for perfection. I was looking for people who understood.
So I started a Facebook group.
I never imagined it would grow into a community of nearly 60,000 mothers supporting one another.
May Anderson, Founder
Read May’s Work Here
The People Who Helped
Build This Community
Working Moms Connection was never the work of one person. While the organization was founded by May Anderson, its growth was made possible by an incredible group of volunteers, board members, and leaders who generously gave their time, talents, and hearts to serve thousands of working mothers. The 2018 conference and the growth of our nonprofit would not have been possible without them. And the FB group would not exist without them. These leaders played an instrumental role in planning our 2018 conference, supporting our members, and helping transform Working Moms Connection into a thriving nonprofit community. Their willingness to volunteer their time and talents left a lasting impact on thousands of families.
Executive Leadership
Marketing Director
Led marketing efforts and helped expand the organization’s reach and community engagement. Built beautiful designs, organized countless blogs, and set the example for excellence.
Financial & Legal Director
Provided financial oversight, legal guidance, and organizational governance during the nonprofit’s formative years. Provided coaching and mentorship to the executive team
Strategic Director
Helped shape the organization’s long-term strategy and growth initiatives. Worked with Sabrina to bring in sponsors, speakers, and make our event amazing
Founding Leadership and Moderator Team
Although the organization has evolved over the years, Working Moms Connection continues to reflect the generosity, compassion, and leadership of everyone who helped build it. We are grateful for each person who contributed to its story