The pandemic has affected many households financially and emotionally. Preliminary studies are showing that the brunt of the financial impact is being felt by mothers. The percentage of employed mothers has decreased by more than five percent in the last year, with many of them stating lack of childcare as their primary reason for being unemployed.

The Problem

Collectively, we are navigating a pandemic for the first time in generations. Abiding by lockdown and quarantine guidelines, and having zero contact with others outside our home has had detrimental effects on maternal mental health. In addition, the US is the only OECD country without a national statutory paid maternity, paternity, or parental leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) enables some employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, but only 60% of workers are eligible. Their focus has been to highlight the remaining 40% of marginalized women who are ineligible to receive any benefits – specifically targeting small businesses and female-owned enterprises.

The Solution

In an effort to support Moms and reduce Maternal isolation through the COVID-19 crisis, the founding mothers of the Virtual Mom Collective (VMC) created a community accessible to women all over the globe. Through virtual connectivity, they forged a way to safely bring moms together during quarantine and social distancing. The duo started with a Facebook group, which evolved into an online membership platform in less than a year. The community welcomes mothers, aspiring mothers, and supporters-of-mothers who seek connection, networking, and community.

The Why

When asked what the driving force behind the VMC is, Founder, Denise Castro says, “Honest story-telling, advocating for our Moms, and highlighting their Motherhood with the recognition and purpose it deserves – that’s what’s at the heart of our success.”
I asked Founding Mother, Odalys Quevedo, what need the VMC will fulfill beyond the pandemic. She stated, “Pandemic or not, it’s hard for moms to take the time to connect with each other. When you’re used to being available to little humans 24/7, it’s a form of self-care to sit at your computer and connect with other women who know exactly what your day-to-day is like. We need that kind of connection.”

The Movement

Their movement, #rawmotherhood, focuses on highlighting the most real and raw moments of motherhood. Its purpose is to break the social media stereotypes of perfectly clean homes or moms effortlessly balancing every aspect of their lives. And encouraging them to document and share the good, bad, and not-so-cute moments that they experience on their journeys. It’s all about authentically portraying Motherhood.

Empowerment

Recent statistics have shown that 42% of women have not returned to the workforce since the pandemic due to the unequal wage gap of earning 82 cents for every $1 earned by men of all races. VMC coaches women to learn about, and understand, their worth in the workplace. As part of the VMC culture, they continue to bring awareness to the gender wage gap statistics for equal pay. And mentor members in owning and operating a business so they advocate for themselves, other Mothers, and women. At the VMC, being in business and being a mother are not mutually exclusive. Motherhood and a career are roles that live side-by-side. Providing emotional support to mothers so they feel uplifted in parenthood and in business is one of the pillars of their community.  

Support

The Founders refer to the VMC as their third child born during the pandemic. Denise’s specialties are in entrepreneurial leadership strategies, with a focus on marketing analysis and graphic design. Which, combined with Odalys’ branded copyrighting and social media expertise, have culminated in a flourishing virtual space for mothers to feel supported in life and in business.

The Mission and Impact

VMC’s mission is to empower and uplift the working and SAHM during #thisnewnormal. One of their core principles is to advocate gender equality in the workplace and highlight minority, female, and marginalized voices across the US and the world. A community born alongside a pandemic, but that will continue to espouse confidence, mentorship, and support that will outlast it.
The Virtual Mom Collective is empowering a global community of nearly 8,000 mothers and women to connect and thrive at home, in business, and beyond. They will also be presenting at our month-long Women for Success Virtual Conference taking place all May long! With over 40+ Speakers, Masterclasses, and Networking events, each ticket comes with over $250,000.00 worth of value for attendees. PLUS attendees can apply to win a small-business grant. Level up your life and your business with us, Queen! Join us and get your ticket here.

WRITTEN BY

Lauren Marsicano