Growing up in the 1980s, long before discussions about diversity in the tech industry surfaced, my brother and I were fortunate to have a mother who defied the norms. A self-taught engineering project manager, she navigated her career at major corporations like HP, Nike, and Microsoft, consistently sought after for her project management expertise by Fortune 500 companies.
While her achievements in the tech field would be remarkable today, back then they were virtually unheard of. We remained unaware of her extraordinary status until we shared stories of her with friends and partners, who were often astonished by her accomplishments. Although she isn’t a celebrity, her approach to balancing motherhood and career has made her a role model in our eyes, shaping the professionals and parents we aspire to be.
Here are some enduring lessons we learned from her journey:
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“You only have one mother, and that’s me.”
This was one of her steadfast principles. While we didn’t always appreciate it, this mantra often served as a gentle reminder that she couldn’t fulfill every expectation. It was her way of saying, “I’m not perfect, but I’m enough.” As moms ourselves now, we recognize the value of embracing our authentic selves, understanding that we can’t do it all, but what we bring to the table is sufficient—both at work and at home. -
Embrace your passion for work.
Mom’s drive to work was never merely a matter of necessity, despite her tough upbringing and later being a single parent. She took immense pride in her achievements, celebrating promotions with enthusiasm, and often spent long hours immersed in her work. Even when stress loomed, her excitement for her job was contagious. She was both a devoted mom and a dedicated professional, and both identities flourished in unison. -
Be resilient.
Next to “I love you,” the phrase “be tough” was perhaps the most frequently uttered by our mom. It was her go-to advice in the face of adversity, whether it was during injuries, academic struggles, or the stresses of adulthood. This simple yet powerful encouragement has been a guiding principle in our lives, instilling in us the belief that we have the strength to overcome any challenge. -
Your primary role is as a mother.
While our mom was undeniably fierce, her resilience and determination were only part of her story. Ultimately, she views her greatest accomplishment as being our mother. During her brief time away from work when we were young, she proudly proclaimed her role as “raising future generations.” Today, she continues to embrace her identity as a working mom and an adoring grandmother to seven grandchildren.
As we navigate our own journeys as working mothers, we strive to share our work successes with our families, fostering a sense of pride and support that enhances our happiness. We are blessed to raise four wonderful children, including two remarkable daughters. We hope that in the years to come, they will reflect on Mother’s Day with the same admiration we hold for our own mom, inspired by her tenacity and resilience. Thank you, Mom.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the invaluable lessons learned from a working mother who excelled in the tech industry while raising her children. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity, passion for work, resilience, and the significance of motherhood. As the authors navigate their own roles as mothers, they carry forward the wisdom imparted by their mother, celebrating her strength and influence in shaping their lives.