Happy 2020, Moms! This month we're spotlighting Samantha Williams, local mom of 3 and Quality Assurance Manager! Read more about this incredible mom in our exclusive interview below!
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Please tell us your profession.
I am a Quality Assurance Manager at Stella & Chewy's (dog food company).
Tell us about your kids.
I have three boys. Gerard, who is 24 years old, soon to be 25, Dexter Jr. who is 21, and Amir who is 15.
Tell us a little bit about you and your family (immediate and/or extended).
My husband has a large family he is the youngest of 13. Both his dad & mom had 6 children from previous marriages. So you can imagine how loud family gatherings can be. I came from a very small family, it was just myself, my mom & little sister. This was kind of great actually my mom is very creative & did lots of crafty things with us when we were little. Everything from baking to crocheting.
Tell us a little more about your job or current project. What are your responsibilities or focus.
I manage the food safety & quality program, I also have eight direct reports.
Explain/describe one of your proudest mom moments recently.
Last year I got a call from Amir's school counselor that Amir had been selected for the UWM People Program. This is a college bound program geared to guide students academically & if they are successful in they could earn a full scholarship to UWMadison. I also found out that in his Freshman year he had a 3.8 GPA. I was very shocked and elated. Very proud moment!
What's the hardest part of being a working mom?Trying to juggle everything and not having enough time for myself. I always seem to put myself last.
What has been the biggest surprise so far in motherhood?
That time flies by really fast! My babies aren't babies anymore. I miss being needed in the mommy way, if that makes sense.
Do you have any words of advice for other working moms, especially those that are newer working moms and learning how to navigate this new world?
I'm not sure if I have advice. But I can say treasure each and every moment you have. They are fleeting.
What (in your opinion) is Milwaukee's biggest opportunity to improve the lives of working moms and better support them?
It's been a long time since I needed this type of help but I would say this. Whenever my children were sick I had to take off work to be home with them. We all know that it is very difficult to do especially if you are single like I was when they were very little. I couldn't take them to daycare because they were sick and I didn't have anyone to watch them so I could work. It would have been nice if there were options for parents in this situation.
What is your favorite thing about Milwaukee?
Summer Festivals
Will you be doing any new years resolutions? If so, would you care to share with us?
I know it's a cliche but I want to lose weight & keep it off.
