Mothers are often referred to as the heartbeat of the home. And let’s face it, all moms are working moms. Those who have careers outside their home experience a different set of joys and challenges. The past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the particular challenges women face with careers outside their homes and their full-time roles as mothers.
We sat down with six Greeley women who love their roles as mothers and professionals. All are in various fields of work and different stages of parenting. We heard many similar themes in their stories, from figuring out how to balance motherhood and an outside career; to the importance of taking care of themselves, and what they hope to model to their children and give to the community.
Learn how these amazing local women are making a difference in their homes and our community. And to working moms everywhere, we salute you!
Mary Bengford
Mom of 1 son, Realtor at RE/MAX Alliance and Insurance Agent for Aflac
What is a challenge you have faced as a working mom and how have you addressed it?
Working full-time and having a son in elementary school during the pandemic was a huge challenge. Trying to remote teach and work had its challenges, but patience and grace with my son and encouragement from other moms helped me get through it.
What do you enjoy doing with your son?
I love teaching him to cook and play sports and the importance of a strong faith .I love watching him grow up and get to do things I never got to do as a child.
What do you love about your job?
I love being a resource for future home buyers and sellers in my hometown. I truly care about business owners and want them to be successful, so offering Aflac supplemental insurance to their employees is very meaningful to me.
What advice do you have for other working moms?
Make time for yourself and schedule time for your family.
Kristi Buescher
Mom of 3 boys, Business Development Representative at 1888 Industrial Services
What do you love about being a mom?
I love watching my kids' personalities develop. I can’t wait to see who and what they become.
What is a challenge you face being a mom and having a career outside your home?
Setting realistic expectations for myself. Learning that I can’t always give 100% to both motherhood and my career.
How would you describe the difference you are making in your community through your work?
I am very involved in our 1888 Gives Back program. We support many local organizations, and my boys are often able to join me at these events, which makes them extra special.
What do you hope your children learn from watching you have a career?
I hope they learn that happiness comes from so many different areas of life, including family, a career, and hobbies.
What is one thing you would tell other working moms?
Be kind to yourself. It’s ok not to meet society’s standards. Do your best, and know there are millions of moms rooting for you.
Sonja Belfiore
Mom of two kids, Partner at Sears Real Estate
What do you enjoy about being a mom?
Seeing the world through a lens that I lost as I grew up. Getting to revisit the joy and wonder of our amazing world when seeing it for the first time. Finding excitement in the small things, like a game of chase.
What do you hope to model to other women?
I hope other moms and all women look at me and see that we can be individuals and professionals while still being a mom. I love all those hats!
What is one challenge you face being a mom and working outside your home? What have you found that helps?
One big challenge is trying to be the best version of myself in my career and at home. Setting boundaries and time limits have really helped. Also, learning to let go of things that only I see or care about, like having an organized office. Maybe I’ll get to that someday!
Betzy Valdez
Mom to 3 girls, Founder of Empowered Leader, owner of BV Virtual Custom Services
What do you seek to accomplish through your work?
Through Empowered Leader, I want to encourage and empower others in our community to be involved, work together, and be committed to their personal growth. Through my volunteer work as president of Hispanic Women of Weld County (HWWC), I help recognize the accomplishments of Latinas across Weld County. It is rewarding and fulfilling work.
What are some creative ways you have combined your roles at work and at home?
Anytime I can, I include my girls in activities or projects I am a part of, whether it’s volunteering with HWWC or doing an Empowered Leader workshop. It allows me to spend time with them while they also get to see different things I’m involved in. They feel proud to see mom in action.
What advice do you have for other working moms?
You’re doing an amazing job! Please make sure to make time to take care of you–mentally, physically, and emotionally. We can’t possibly take care of others if we don’t take care of ourselves first.
Nicole Watkins
Mom of two daughters, Owner of Aliquam Financial Services and Socius Co-working space, Co-owner of The Original Roma Restaurant
What brings you joy as a mom?
I love watching the girls grow into their own people, develop their own interests, and find their passions in life.
How do you create balance between your work and your family?
The mom guilt was my hardest challenge to get over, and I’m still working on it. But, I have become better at telling clients and friends that my girls will always come first. Work can usually wait a few hours.
What do you hope to model to your children as a working mom?
That they can do anything they want. To pursue their own goals and dreams, knowing that if they are dedicated, they will find a way to achieve the life they want.
What about the work you do makes you proud?
Our staff performs good, quality work that business owners can rely on to make good decisions in their businesses. The true difference we make is through the non-profits we are involved in. We try to give our time and money to help the community.
Emilie Casseday
Mom of two boys, Owner of Blush Boutique Co
What is one piece of advice you would give to other working moms?
Give yourself lots of grace. At the end of the day, if you are providing for your children and they know they are loved, you are doing great!
How do you balance work and home responsibilities?
I don’t truly believe there will ever be a balance. I have just decided when I’m at work, I am at work, and when I’m at home, 100% of my attention is at home. Also, if you can afford it, hire it out. Use other people’s talents and businesses so you can spend more time with your family.
What do you want your children to learn from you being a business owner?
I want them to see that we are contributing to our community as a small business. I think it is so important to show your kids how to support the community they are part of. I want them to know they can go after their dreams, and they don’t have to sacrifice having a family for that dream. You can have both, but give each the attention it deserves at the moment.