Growing up in the 1980s, long before discussions around diversity in tech were common, my brother and I were raised by a remarkable mother who shattered stereotypes. Our mom, a self-taught project manager in engineering, navigated her career at industry giants such as HP, Nike, and Microsoft, and her expertise is still in high demand among Fortune 500 companies today.
While her achievements in the tech field would be noteworthy now, back then it was almost unheard of. We only truly understood her exceptional status through various life experiences, much like children of celebrities discover their parents’ fame. When we share memories of our mom with friends, their astonishment highlights just how unique she was.
Though she may not be a household name, her approach to balancing motherhood and a demanding career has made her a superstar in our eyes, significantly shaping our own journeys as professionals and parents. Here are four key lessons we gleaned from her example:
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“I am your only mother.”
This was one of her guiding principles, often delivered with a firm tone when we grumbled about not getting our way. It served as a reminder that she couldn’t fulfill every expectation we had. For us, those words have become a mantra of authenticity; we may not be able to do it all, but who we are is sufficient—both in our careers and at home. -
Embrace your work passion.
Our mom’s enthusiasm for her job was palpable. Having triumphed over a challenging upbringing and later navigating single motherhood after our parents’ divorce, her drive to earn a living never waned. She celebrated promotions with pride, often returning home after performance reviews with excitement, and we witnessed her dedication through late nights spent analyzing stacks of reports. Stress was part of the equation, yet her passion for conquering challenges was contagious. Being a mother was integral to her identity, but so was her professional life. -
Cultivate resilience.
“Be tough” was another phrase our mom frequently imparted, providing us strength during tough times. Whether it was recovering from an ACL injury or dealing with the stress of academic demands, her encouragement echoed in our minds. This mantra has been a beacon of hope, reminding us that we are capable of overcoming obstacles, including the trials posed by parenting and career advancements. -
Motherhood is paramount.
While our mom is known for her fierce determination, her most cherished role is undoubtedly that of a mother. She takes immense pride in her children, often stating, “My job is raising future generations.” As she transitioned from a working mom to a dedicated grandmother, her love for her family has only deepened. Today, as working mothers ourselves, we share our professional triumphs with our children, creating a culture of mutual pride and joy within our families.
As we celebrate our roles as mothers to four wonderful kids, including two incredible daughters, we can only hope that Emerson and Lily will one day reflect on their own experiences and recognize the strength, tenacity, and magic they’ve inherited from us. Thank you, Mom.
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Summary:
This article highlights the invaluable lessons learned from a trailblazing working mother who balanced a successful career in tech with the challenges of motherhood. Through her example, her children have embraced the importance of authenticity, passion for work, resilience, and prioritizing family.