Mocha Moms is the premier voice and support group for mothers of color. Mocha Moms welcomes people of all religions, races, educational backgrounds and income levels. Anyone who supports the mission of Mocha Moms is welcome to join.
With over 100 chapters, we connect mothers of color across the country. Our group supports working and stay-at-home moms to navigate a healthy work-life balance.
Mocha Moms, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Mocha Moms, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic level, education, or religion. Anyone who supports the mission and purpose of Mocha Moms, Inc. is welcome to join.
Our History
In May 1997, Jolene Ivey and Karla Chustz began publishing a newsletter called "Mocha Moms" in the hopes of connecting with other mothers of color across the country that were taking time off from their careers to raise their children. The newsletter was intended to encourage these mothers to feel good about their choice as well as to provide information to help them be the best and most important influence in their children’s lives. It was distributed to over 100 moms across the country in the spring of 1997.
By August of 1997, Jolene and Karla teamed up with Cheli English-Figaro to make Mocha Moms a national support organization. Joby Dupree came on board as the fourth founder in the fall of 1997 and Mocha Moms, Inc. was born. The first chapter was established in Prince George's County, Maryland. Mocha Moms, Inc. was incorporated in the state of Maryland in 1999 and received 501 (c)(3) non-profit status in January 2002.
Our Mission and Purpose
Mocha Moms, Inc. serves as an advocate for those mothers and encourages the spirit of community activism within its membership. In 2006, Mocha Moms, Inc. adopted the community service initiative entitled Closing the Gap on Minority Achievement which focuses on the health, educational and financial disparities which currently exist in our country. We are honored to partner with:
America’s Promise Alliance
Be The Match
Boys Booked on Barbershops / Girls Booked on Beautyshops
National Cares Mentoring Movement Scholastic, Inc.
National Institute for Literacy
National Marrow Donor Program
The Black Women’s Agenda
United Nations Foundation - Shot @Life
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organizational Structure
Direction for Mocha Moms, Inc. is provided by the National Executive Board, a dedicated group of volunteers. The National Board meets regularly to, among other things, determine ways to assist local chapters in their efforts to support members, plan national community service projects and events, establish policies and procedures, and assist in the formation of chapters.
Mocha Moms, Inc. also has a National Advisory Council, which serves to assist and advise the National Board. Regional Directors and State Coordinators serve as the liaison between local chapters and the National Executive Board.
Regional Directors and State Coordinators also serve as a guide and support for all local chapters with an emphasis on coordinating activities in which many chapters throughout an area can participate.
Each local chapter of Mocha Moms elects officers who are in charge of the day-to-day affairs of that chapter.
From time to time, Mocha Moms, Inc. will establish national networks. In addition to web-based support and a regular column in our newsletter, networks address certain segments of the Mocha Moms, Inc. community, such as Teens & Tweens support, Mocha Entrepreneurs, or Homeschooling Moms. The network coordinators are available to help plan activities for a chapter, state or region.