The Power of Motherhood: Powerful women share their experiences

AVANCE-Houston held a panel discussion on May 26, 2023, called “The Power of Motherhood, A Generational Impact,” which brought together 64 guests to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The event reunited former and current Parent-Child Education Program (PCEP) participants, members of the Board of Directors, Chief Leadership, staff, and special guests.

AVANCE-Houston’s Assistant Director of Communications and PR, Lorely de León, was the moderator during the thought-provoking conversation.

The occasion’s panelists were AVANCE-Houston’s Vice Board Chair, Dr. Nicole McZeal Walters, Inc.; Comerica Bank Vice President, External Affairs and National Hispanic Business Development Manager, Sineria Ordóñez, Family Psychologist, Vilma Pardo; and former PCEP participants, Maria Hernandez, and Lorena Cruz-Rogel.

AVANCE-Houston Executive Director, Luz Flores shared the opening remarks. She talked about her own experience as a mother and remembered how her mother, Maria González Rivera de Flores, taught her to always be prepared and never give up on her dreams.

“She taught me many valuable lessons that have shaped who I am today as a woman, professional, and mother,” Luz said. “She gave me all the strength and inspiration to keep moving without giving up. She was always there, guiding me.”

The topics discussed by the panelists included their definition of motherhood, how to balance their time daily, the importance of financial stability for the well-being of the family, recommendations for mental and emotional health, the benefit of the two-generation approach to learning promoted by AVANCE, and the key to raising successful children, among others.

“As moms, we have to teach our children that is okay to make mistakes, learn from those mistakes(…) as moms we have to learn to forgive ourselves because we are not perfect, and we can not be supermoms all the time,” Sineria Ordóñez expressed.

Once the panel discussion concluded, the attendees enjoyed a unique tour of the MFAH, featuring artwork that pays tribute to motherhood.

We want to thank our generous sponsors: Luz Flores in honor of Maria González Rivera de Flores, Comerica Bank, H-E-B, and The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.