Motherhood: Then & Now – Donna’s Story

Motherhood has always required strength, but how that strength is formed often begins in vulnerability. This Mother’s Day, as we reflect on Motherhood: Then & Now, we’re celebrating women whose experiences reveal both the challenges and the beauty of raising the next generation.

Donna has been a faithful part of the Claris family for decades. Whether serving on the Board of Directors or helping identify key leaders through her search firm, she has brought wisdom and steady leadership during pivotal moments. But her understanding of motherhood was shaped long before the boardroom—through her own journey as a new mom.

As someone who had always been independent and driven, Donna was surprised by how vulnerable she felt during pregnancy. What she once saw as strength shifted into something deeper: the willingness to rely on others.

“It wasn’t a luxury,” she shares. “It was essential.”

That need for support didn’t end after pregnancy. As a new mom, Donna found strength in community and in other women who could listen, encourage, and walk alongside her. Those relationships became a lifeline, reminding her that motherhood was never meant to be done alone.

Her perspective on parenting is both simple and profound: be present.

“From the very beginning, take time to truly look your child in the eyes—and continue to do so as they grow. Sometimes you’ll see things they would never think to tell you, or may not even have the words for yet…More than anything, what children need most is your presence—not just being there, but being truly available and emotionally accessible to them.”

She’s the first to admit that motherhood wasn’t perfect but what mattered most were the foundations she built: authentic faith and unwavering love.

Looking back, Donna recognizes how much more information and support is available to moms today, from mental health resources to personalized parenting tools. But her wisdom offers an important balance: “while information is helpful, it should never replace intuition, connection, and truly knowing your child.”

Her experience also deepened her understanding of Claris’ mission.

She has seen firsthand how meaningful it is when a woman is not only given resources—but is also truly cared for. In one of life’s most vulnerable seasons, being seen, supported, and loved can change everything.

“As I reflect on that season of my life, I recognize more deeply how Claris meets some of the most vital needs in a profoundly meaningful way. What stands out most is not only the services provided, but the relationships formed—the sense that each woman is uniquely seen and cared for…Pregnancy and early motherhood can be one of the most vulnerable times in a woman’s life. In that season, simply knowing that someone cares is powerful.”

Donna’s story reminds us that motherhood is not about perfection, it’s about presence, connection, and care.

Click here to join the Mother’s Day campaign and provide care for hundreds of moms who turn to Claris for help! And, follow along for more impactful stories!