Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Without their willingness to go above and beyond, Las Madres would not have such an amazing community spirit. For a special edition of our Spotlight Blog, we would like to recognize Emily Pan as the Las Madres Spotlight Member.
Emily has been a Las Madres member for almost 6 years, since she was pregnant with her daughter who is now 6 and starting Kindergarten, and has continued on participating with her 18 month old son. She was Co-Director of the Mountain View 2015 group for her eldest, and a Big Sister Co-Director who became Co-Director for the Mountain View/Los Altos 2019 group. She has also been a member of the Santa Clara/Sunnyvale groups for both of her children.
When I asked Emily why she volunteers for Las Madres, she had plenty of reasons. “I volunteer for Las Madres because this group has given my family a profound sense of community and belonging for the last six years as we transitioned into the role of being parents of young children. As young professionals who had been in the Bay area for almost 20 years, my husband and I had friends spread out around the Bay Area, but it was incredibly special to have a support group of other parents who were going through exactly what we were, at exactly the same time, within a few miles of each other. We spent countless play dates commiserating about our children's naps, schedules, eating habits, and development -- and supported each other as we struggled to balance work, family, health, and life. We've helped each other, the kids have become good friends, and even our families (pre-COVID) vacationed together. The other families became our lifeline and closest friends during these challenging years, and I've been lucky to have their support and camaraderie. Volunteering is my way of giving back to this group which has given so much to me, my husband, and my children over the years. I'm so grateful to Las Madres for creating and fostering this community.” That is so beautifully said and I think we can all relate to the appreciation of support this group offers!
One of the many reasons we believed that Emily should have the Spotlight shined on her for this special edition, is because of her work with the current issues affecting us all. Emily has been involved with the LM Wide Diversity and Inclusion Resources group, and has also helped with powerful grassroots efforts within her playgroup to help with COVID 19 and wildfire victim needs.
One of the main events planned by her group this year was harnessing the creativity of the kids and parents to make homemade cards and letters for local seniors who have been isolated during the time of Covid. Emily’s group has also made a concerted effort to highlight local businesses by including gift cards to local shops like bookstores, bakeries, and toy shops whenever they hold a raffle or heavily promoted digital event. Emily also mentioned that she is a “part of a parenting group and book club founded by another Las Madres family focused on self-education, introspection, and teaching our kids to stand up for equality and justice, through a well-considered curriculum for adults and children highlighting worthy topics and diverse points of view.”
Not only has she worked hard within her playgroup to provide assistance for those in need, but she has also given personal efforts with other Las Madres moms to raise money, gather children's clothing, and distribute foods made by local food artisans and restaurateurs to those displaced by the devastating recent fires.
One of the main events planned by her group this year was harnessing the creativity of the kids and parents to make homemade cards and letters for local seniors who have been isolated during the time of Covid. Emily’s group has also made a concerted effort to highlight local businesses by including gift cards to local shops like bookstores, bakeries, and toy shops whenever they hold a raffle or heavily promoted digital event. Emily also mentioned that she is a “part of a parenting group and book club founded by another Las Madres family focused on self-education, introspection, and teaching our kids to stand up for equality and justice, through a well-considered curriculum for adults and children highlighting worthy topics and diverse points of view.”
Not only has she worked hard within her playgroup to provide assistance for those in need, but she has also given personal efforts with other Las Madres moms to raise money, gather children's clothing, and distribute foods made by local food artisans and restaurateurs to those displaced by the devastating recent fires.
All while reaching out a helping hand, Emily has had her own struggles with the isolation that these days bring, protecting a young child who may be prone to respiratory complications, and the delicate balance of personal care and family care. However, she had such a positive outlook on the situation. Emily appreciatively told me these lovely words that might help us to take heart. “The LM community -- the "mama mafia," as I like to call it -- is incredibly genuine and far-reaching, and it has made my life as a parent far more interconnected than I imagined. Never have I needed this support more than through these current events! I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to give back and support other families, particularly new parents, as well. I always get the sense from the other families and parents in LM that we are in this together, that we belong, that we are not alone in our struggles, and that we are all doing the best we can.”
Thank you for all that you do for Las Madres and your community, Emily! I’m sure you will inspire others to do helpful things for their own playgroups and community.
~ The Las Madres Marketing Team
P.S. Do you have someone you would like to nominate for the Las Madres Spotlight? This is an initiative from the Las Madres Marketing Team. We are recognizing Las Madres Volunteers who have made a difference in our community. Feel free to fill out this form!
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