Working Moms Panel: Women who managed to do both

By Laci Strouse

Date of event: 2/22/24

The Working Moms panel was hosted by the Women in Business Organization. Students got the opportunity to hear from Alina Leo, Tracy Rentz, Lindsey Howell, and Phyllis Birt. They’re a group of moms who have to balance work life and home life. They discussed this balance and gave advice to young women who are seeking to work while raising a family as well. 

One major theme of the event was to prioritize your home. 

“Evaluate where you spend your time. It’s important to volunteer and be a part of the community, but also to prioritize your home,” Howell said. 

They also mentioned how it is important to make your career a focal point but to make your home your first priority as a mom. 

A few of the panelists were able to work while raising children while some decided to take a break from working. Leo gave her testimony on how she was working in business until she realized a culture shock. Being from Lithuania, she was used to maternity leave which looked a lot different and even non-existent in some businesses in the United States. Due to this, she decided to take a break to be a stay-at-home mom for a little while. 

Birt mentioned the positives of being a stay-at-home mom. In doing so, she was able to watch over other working moms’ children by having an at-home daycare. She wanted them to be loved by a mother instead of just any daycare. She also wanted to be there for her own children. 

After each mom shared their testimonies, they each shared advice for the women to go away with. There was a high focus on what to look for while dating. 

“Make sure to choose your spouse as a person who will be able to meet your career endeavors,” Leo said. 

They mentioned how career goals are conversations you need to have at the early stages of relationships. 

“While you’re dating, talk about what you want to do. The two of you need to be on the same page. You need to think about that from day one,” Rentz said.

Along with dating, they also shared the importance of no matter what they do focusing on God and allowing Him to guide and lead their paths is what matters most. They also reminded the students that God’s timing is perfect when it comes to career choices and to simply rely on Him.

“Regardless of what you guys chose you are going to be criticized. You should do what’s best for you and ask the Lord to guide you,” said Leo in response to how you handle being criticized for being a stay-at-home mom.

One student shared her thoughts on the event after attending it.

“I think it was good hearing all of the different sides of things and how different moms manage their lives,” Anastasia Stanhope, a sophomore Women In Business member, said. 

Graphic courtesy of the Women In Business Organization.

 Laci Strouse is a sophomore Professional Writing and Information Design major as well as a reporter for the Cedars. She enjoys reading Christian novels, running, and trying new delicious flavors of iced chai tea lattes.