Friend,

On this Mother's Day, I want to take a moment to express my undying admiration and gratitude for our determined and hard-working mothers across the United States.

As a mother of two, I know how rewarding–but challenging–motherhood can be. In the last year, thousands of mothers across the US have stepped up to the plate: managing their careers, families, and homes with great strength and determination.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our contemporary understanding of motherhood has evolved. With social distancing and virtual learning in the midst of a public health crisis, mothers are working harder than ever not only to raise their children, but also to come up with innovative ways to foster the social and emotional growth necessary to build our next generation of scholars, activists, and leaders.

On this special day, I am especially grateful for my own mother, Paula, who taught me that it is our duty, as Americans, to stand up for what is right. Leading by example, my mother developed an ethics program to reform Wall Street in 1987 to demand change and financial stability for all Americans nationwide. I am so incredibly thankful to have been raised by a strong woman, and I am proud to pass on her lessons to my own children here in Virginia.

If you can, be sure to take a moment to reach out and thank your mother (or any mother you admire!) today. Whether it’s a quick FaceTime, text, call, or note, a few words of gratitude go a long way.

Thank you,

Jennifer