Being a mom in school can be a challenge, but so many moms are taking the realm of higher education by storm. Women continue to lead the nation in obtaining college degrees, many of them do so as wives, moms, and full-time employees. Despite the everyday chaos of work and parenting, moms are taking classes online or trucking to a traditional classroom two to three times a week. Year after year they make the sacrifice and then…they graduate.
In this article, we are highlighting moms who are graduating this year. Meet Marisol Brewer. 
School: Western Nevada College
Major: Associate of Arts
Career Field: Education
Number of children: 2
I remember being five months pregnant, walking across the stage to get my diploma at my high school graduation. I was proud of my accomplishment but knew that in a few months, my life was going to change and it did. Life no longer revolved around me and what I needed or wanted, instead I focused on my son and made sure that I was the best mother I could be. I was 18 years old with a baby, working full time and trying to learn how to be a wife. Although my focus had changed, my education had always been on the back of my mind because it was something that was so valuable to me. So, regardless of the crazy schedule with a new baby, I enrolled in the local college (Western Nevada College). I knew it would take me a little longer than most, but with a few classes at time, it was possible. I look at how far I have come and I hope that I am able to inspire others to never give up. Life gets really hard sometimes and there are so many obstacles that can get in the way of our goals and the life that we want but if you keep pushing forward, with the right priorities in mind, anything is possible.
Next up is Dee Kimbrel.
School: University of Phoenix
Major: Doctorate in Management and Organizational Leadership
Career Field: Higher Education
Number of children: 2
I have worked as an entrepreneur, organizational developer, higher education faculty member and administrator for the last 11 years. My strengths include leadership, consulting, public speaking, coaching, marketing, brand management, and corporate training. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and International Business from the University at Buffalo, a Masters degree in Communication and Media Technology and Marketing from Rochester Institute of Technology and a Doctoral degree from the University of Phoenix in Management and Organizational Leadership. My current research focuses on the uses of online support services to increase retention and completion in higher education. I currently teach online and offline courses in communication and business. I also own a management consulting and retail businesses. I became a parent at age 15 and have two boys ages 18 and 8. My advice to moms working through higher education is to use perseverance as a tool and work through transitions. Consistency is the key to success and always remember the purpose behind the plan.
Enter Elizabeth Suffern….
Meet Keitiaunna Howard…
My primary goal in life is to help people discover their dreams and make those dreams a reality. I am the CEO of Loving Me Empowerment where I am a Leadership Consultant and an Empowerment Coach. She is also the Founder of Pretty Brown Princess which is a community organization for young girls of color ages 5-12 where they are encouraged to love and embrace the skin they are in. While her greatest achievement is being called ‘Mom’ by her three children (age 17, 8 and 22 months) who she affectionately refers to as her heart, her soul, and her strength, she is also a motivational speaker, a published author and a recent doctoral graduate! People often ask me how I was able to juggle working full-time, operating my own businesses, being a single mom of three and being a doctoral student. My answer is “the grace of God and because I’m a bit stubborn”. I do all that I do because I want to lead by example for my children. I haven’t always made the best decisions in life, but one thing I have done is discovered my purpose and pushed through hell and high water to reach my goals! I had my oldest son when I was 21 and a sophomore in undergrad. I had my youngest son at age 37 and in my third year of my doctoral journey. I don’t know why things happen the way that they do but I truly believe that God puts everything inside of us to overcome the obstacles that come our way. If you’re finding yourself frustrated and overwhelmed and it feels as if you are being hit on all sides, I encourage you to keep pushing! Your children are watching you and they are cheering you on. You’ve got this!!
Last but not least….Tamera Gaines
School: Walden University
Major: Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) in Leadership
Career field: Education Number of children: 1
I am a native of Detroit, MI where I attended Detroit Public Schools (DPS). My desire to pursue my doctorate came from my love of education. My professional experience is in consulting, sales and marketing. I also am the founder of Mommies with M.A.S.T.E.R.S (Mothers Aspiring to Strengthen Techniques through Education and Relationships Successfully), a non-profit organization catered to working mothers with a desire to further their education. I have had the pleasure of presenting to students, preparing and facilitating workshops as well as providing educational mentorship. During my journey as a doctoral student, there were many sleepless nights and doubt but prayer and perseverance overcame it all. It was not until I understood how to give myself permission not to feel guilty from taking time away from home to study and set realistic expectations for my timeline that I was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I no longer rushed the process, but instead perfected areas I constantly found myself falling short. Being a mom is a full time job. To all moms currently on this journey, give yourself permission to spend time with yourself outside of school and away from the children. Rather sitting at a coffee shop for 30 minutes or a spa day, once you actually give yourself permission everything else will fall in line.
Congratulations to all the 2018 grads but a huge congrats to you moms that worked, cared for children and loved ones and still finished! You are amazing!
