W O R K I T , G I R L
Carol Evans, Working Mother’s
Working Mother
At GRCC Extraordinary
Women’s Exchange
by Lori Amirshahi
n the ’50s, the concept of a woman working outside the home and away from
women were now at the helm and using their positions to remind other women
I
her family was virtually unheard of—her role was clearly defined as homemaker,
that with the right corporate support, they could manage it all successfully.
and that meant managing a household, raising the children and putting meals on
As Carol Evans, CEO and founder of Working Mother Media, author
the table every night for her hard-working husband.
of This is How We Do It and master juggler of motherhood, career, life, self
As the ’60s rolled in, our happy homemaker began considering her options.
and job has said, “There are many times when being a working mother feels
The idea of having a career, in addition to being a wife and mother, began to take
overwhelming, and we’ve convinced ourselves we just can’t do it anymore,
form, laying the groundwork for women to embrace the ’70s feminist movement in all
but you know what? We can, we do, and we are. There are 26 millions
of its glory. No more submissive housewives here—their voices were getting louder
mothers—more than 72 percent of all moms in the United States today—who
from behind the apron strings and they were demanding more respect at home, as
work either full or part-time. We are raising strong and happy kids, fueling the
well as in the workplace.
economy, earning money that keeps our families safe and secure, and we just
The reinvented mom of the ’80s enthusiastically entered the workforce with a
do it. And what’s even more encouraging, is we are doing it more and more
renewed sense of “having it all.” Managing a busy career and a well-balanced
with the support of our workplaces and our husbands.”
home life wasn’t going to be easy, but she was up for the challenge. Dad, however,
Carol is a great example of a work-life balance trailblazer. As a wife and
was a little more ambivalent on the subject. He knew the benefits associated with
working mother of two, she led the acquisition of Working Mother magazine
a duel-income family, but wasn’t keen on the changing roles and responsibilities
in 2001 and since then has helped build the magazine’s broad appeal into
affecting the entire household. Marriages suffered and the divorce rate grew.
one that truly transcends the mission and vision of “serving women boldly.”
Corporate America was struggling, too; understanding the need to incorporate
Carol will share more about her journey through motherhood and back
women in the workplace was one thing, adapting and providing flexible work
into the corporate world at the Greater Richmond Chamber’s Extraordinary
solutions to help navigate the process, quite another. This challenge would follow
Women’s Exchange luncheon on January 21. Visit www.grcc.com and click
working mothers into the 21st century. Luckily, businesses had come a long way; many
on events or call 804-783-9368 to register. V
Carol shares her journey through motherhood and back into the corporate
world at the Greater Richmond Chamber’s Extraordinary Women’s Exchange
luncheon, Jan. 21. Visit www.grcc.com and click on events or call 804-783-
9368 to register.
Greater Richmond Chamber Marketing Director Lori Amirshahi understands
the challenges associated with striking the right balance; as a full-time business
professional and single mom, “There are many times I wish there were two of
me to get everything done,” Lori says. “Carol’s insight into creating the right
work-life balance will be one that every woman can relate to.”

JANUARY 2010
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Vmagazine for women
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myVmagazine.com