Today, Dr. LaTarsha Holden of Atlanta, Georgia was announced as the 2020 National Mother of the Year®. She is the 85th woman in US history to hold this honor.
Dr. Holden is an inspirational mother of six who, after overcoming homelessness, earned her doctorate in Leadership Studies. She is a published author, inspirational speaker, and advocate for the homeless community, single mothers, and affordable housing in low income neighborhoods. She is being recognized for her relentless drive to serve others.
“Twelve years ago I was uneducated, underemployed and homeless,” said Dr. Holden. “My legacy to my children is service to others. Even when we were homeless, I taught my children how to serve at our lowest.”
Dr. Holden was nominated by her daughter, AnTonia, who also lives in Atlanta.
“Her determination to change the trajectory of our lives has motivated us to be the best we can be,” said AnTonia. “Her leadership has given us the strength to serve in the military and become students, authors, youth leaders and volunteers. If it had not been for my mother’s strength in trying times, I don’t know where we would be.”
As National Mother of the Year, Dr. Holden will receive an American Mothers, Inc. Golden Rule Grant to the charity of her choice. She has selected the Decatur Cooperative Ministry, the shelter where she and her children lived while they were homeless, to receive this award.
Dr. Holden will also receive a new washing machine and dryer presented by Whirlpool Corporation. “It is with great enthusiasm that Whirlpool Corporation is honoring LaTarsha Holden, 2020 American Mother of the Year, for her tireless climb and devotion to family and community. This all begins in the home,” said Sarah Bovim, Vice President, Whirlpool Corporation.
American Mothers, Inc. has named the National Mother of the Year® annually since 1935 when Lucy Keen Johnson, also of Georgia, was selected to receive the recognition from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
“For over eight decades our organization has honored mothers who work tirelessly and serve greatly,” said Connell Branan, President of American Mothers, Inc. “Dr. LaTarsha Holden is an extraordinary example of the positive impact mothers make at home, at work and in the world.”
