This Mother’s Day, let’s not forget that motherhood and ambition don’t have to be at odds.  

Last year, fourteen mothers vied for the prestigious Miss Universe title–yes, that pageant that President Donald Trump once owned and you may have seen on TV. In a Townhall op-ed I wrote last year, I highlighted how the Miss Universe pageant began allowing mothers to compete in this well-known competition back in 2023—a groundbreaking shift that signaled a new chapter for the iconic competition.  

In many ways, this communicated a “hidden pro-life message,” affirming that motherhood is not a barrier to success, but rather a powerful part of a woman’s story.  

As a mother, I also had the honor of competing in a state-level pageant within the Miss Universe Organization last year—Miss Georgia USA, which is part of the Miss USA system under Miss Universe. Not only did I compete as a mother, but I prepared for the competition, did community service, and stood on the Miss Georgia USA stage while my husband was deployed overseas for the United States Army.  

“Just because you’re a mother doesn’t mean your life is over,” I said in an interview with a local news outlet in Georgia. “And honestly, I’ve seen my life truly just begin after having my child.” 

While my husband was deployed, I was navigating motherhood on my own, teaching my son how to walk and play games, bringing him to the park or playdates, taking him to church, and even traveling with him. At the same time, my career started gaining momentum, with exciting new opportunities in public policy and news media as a busy freelancer. 

On top of everything else, I was also preparing for a high-stakes pageant—fine-tuning my interview and walk, staying consistent with workouts, making community appearances, and searching for the right gown and outfits. I worked with separate coaches for interview, stage presence, and fitness, which meant juggling even more sessions around an already packed schedule. 

There were a few occasions where I had babysitters or family watch my son, but most of the time, he was with me. Somehow, I still managed to take care of and spend a lot of time with him.  

However, believe it or not, there were times I was on the verge of quitting. What kept me going was my faith in the Lord, serving my community, as well as inspiring students and mothers to reach for their dreams.  

I spoke about issues near and dear to my heart, including one that helped lead to legislation to keep military families with newborns so parents in uniform don’t deploy in the first year of his/her child’s life. I also had opportunities to visit schools to inspire students, and I partnered with and spoke to community groups.  

On the Miss Georgia USA stage, I also wore jewelry from the pro-life fashion boutique, Culture of Life 1972 to show the world that having children is a blessing, and motherhood does not hold you back. I was unafraid to show my pro-life values.  

Beginning my pageant journey in the world’s most iconic pageant system while my husband was deployed revealed the deep strength and resilience that come with motherhood—a true superpower that molds us into the women we’re called to be. 

Pageantry, especially in the Miss Universe Organization, is a celebration of women boldly pursuing their dreams and being a role model. I’m so grateful that mothers get to be a part of that. 

In the United States, a survey conducted by the Charlotte Lozier Institute found that approximately 96% of women who sought abortions did so for “elective and unspecified reasons,” which usually are abortions unrelated to medical issues or rape and incest.  

These reasons often include factors such as educational goals, career ambitions, or personal circumstances. Numerous celebrities have also shared that they chose to have abortions due to concerns about how a pregnancy might impact their careers. 

But such fears are deeply misguided. Ever since my child was born, I’ve received more opportunities in my career. For me, it’s not just about having a career—it’s about using my voice to make a difference in the world.  

Whether it’s advocating for Life, pushing for transforming education, or empowering women, I’ve had the opportunity to use my voice across major news networks, national and state publications, and policymaking spaces, as well as through organizations like Students for Life of America and Students for Life Action. As I do this, I’m thinking about my child’s future, as well as the future of children in this country and around the world.  

To my fellow ambitious mothers wondering if you have to sacrifice your dreams and goals after having a child—yes, there is sacrifice. When you prioritize your family, you give up certain comforts, routines, and freedoms. What you gain in return is purpose, resilience, and a deeper sense of drive. Your dreams don’t disappear—they take on new meaning. Motherhood doesn’t limit you, but it refines you. 

This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the truth that motherhood doesn’t end a woman’s dreams—it fuels them.  

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