e016 – Giving Back to the Mamas – with Shannon Christensen, Koa Hughes, and Jillian Harris

Today’s topic is all about something that is near and dear to YGTMama, as we here have always had a philanthropic heart. It was by way of divine intervention, coincidence, fate, whatever you’d like to call it, that these amazing guests we have today were brought into our community. We have the incredible women from Mamas for Mamas here to share their mission and movement! Shannon Christensen is the founder and Executive Director for Mamas For Mamas. Which is a Canadian award-winning charitable organization that supports mothers in crisis, and provides ongoing support to low-income Mamas and their kids. The mission is to change the landscape of poverty through innovative approaches to financial barriers faced by struggling families. Shannon holds a masters degree in psychology and started her career as a trauma counselor for women, children, and men dealing with trauma and the effects of abuse. Her passion for helping people overcome hardship is reflected in her tireless work to give a voice to those who have been silenced. It’s a movement, not a moment.     Koa Hughes was born and raised in the Okanagan, where she still resides with her Spouse (Duffy) and 2 children. With a B.A in Psychology and Indigenous Studies, Koa did not expect to end up in the Construction industry; however, Koa is now the COO of the Award Winning Home Building Company, alongside her business partner/spouse, Duffy. Koa has been featured in Mint Magazine for People to Watch 2018, her company has won many awards within B.C, including Business of the Year, and this winter you will see Koa on Network Television, in a Documentary about the life of Entrepreneurs. Before meeting her Duffy, Koa was a single mom, and needed the help of Mamas For Mamas on many occasions, just to get by. Koa has never forgotten about how much Mamas For Mamas helped her when she was in need and was committed to giving back when she was able. Now, Koa is the Sustainable Nourishment Coordinator at Mamas For Mamas. We are most excited to chat with our first ever celebrity guest Jillian Harris! The host of “Love it or List It Vancouver”, spokesperson for international brands, interior designer, and publisher of original lifestyle content, Jillian Harris is a quintessential busy-bee who pours her heart and soul into every endeavor. Jillian’s signature blend of high-brow / low-brow style makes her relatable to both small-town and city gals alike. With creativity and infectious energy, Jillian’s love for fashion, decor, food, fitness, travel, and family is fully expressed at JillianHarris.com and through her collaborations. Her other happy place? Surrounded by family & friends at home in Kelowna with her fiancé Justin, son Leo, new daughter Annie, and their boxer pup Nacho Cilantro. Shannon shares that Mamas for Mamas was born out of her yearning to connect with other moms over something other than whether you bottle or breastfed. She felt that there was too much mom-shaming & drama going around. Her main mission at the beginning was not necessarily poverty driven but more connecting all moms from different socioeconomic backgrounds to donate, share and support with each other so that they could make the journey of motherhood more supportive and inclusive. She wanted more of the village that we seem to have lost along the way. She shares that one day she came across a post from a 19-year old pregnant mother of 2 who could not afford groceries. This pulled at her heartstrings so she took up a collection and went to buy her groceries. The feeling she got from doing this inspired her to start up a peer-to-peer Facebook group called Mamas for Mamas, which went from 300 to 3000 women very quickly. This was working for basic stuff, like re-distributing baby toys and clothes to other mamas in need, saving them from the landfill, and creating community; but what Shannon soon realized is that there were o...