On March 8, 2024, people all around the world will come together to celebrate International Women's Day and honor the incredible women of the past and present. One such woman who deserves recognition is Katie Williams Hoepke, the founder of the Mothers Club. 

Katie's passion for connecting mothers and creating supportive communities has had a lasting impact on many Bay Area families. As we continue to honor her legacy and strive toward inclusion, we are reminded of the power of friendship, support, and advice in building a strong and thriving community. 

In 1991, Katie created a mother's club around the Bay Area. She had been part of a similar group on the East Coast, but when she moved, she couldn't find anything like it. So, she put out an ad asking for moms who wanted to join a club and eventually helped create over 30 clubs. She wrote a book called "Mother's Club, Nurturing the Nurturers," and started building a community of moms who could support each other.

Katie discovered a sense of community, options, and opportunities by joining the Mothers Club. The club provided her with alternatives to her loneliness, challenges for her energy, and avenues for her talent and parenting education. Despite the obstacles she faced, Katie remained unwavering in her belief that the Mothers Club was a crucial concept that needed to be shared and expanded. With her determination and hard work, she authored a book and established Mothers Clubs, which now operate in many cities in the Bay Area. We are inspired by Katie's commitment to spreading the wonderfully supportive concept of the Mothers Club.

The San Mateo Mothers Club was founded, which later became the San Mateo Parents Club (SMPC) in January 2018. The SMPC is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, and its upcoming International Women's Day campaign, "Inspire Inclusion," is a testament to this commitment. With many women serving on the board, the SMPC is well-positioned to continue thriving and achieving its goals. As the club has grown and evolved, it has become more inclusive, and we are proud to highlight the contributions of all members, including parents, caretakers, and board members. The SMPC is a vital part of the San Mateo community, and we are confident that it will continue to be so in the years to come. 

Throughout the month, we will be showcasing the members of the board, who happen to all be women. We hope that by learning about these amazing individuals, you will gain a better understanding of the many important roles they uphold in helping the club succeed. Let us take a moment to recognize their accomplishments and celebrate their success. As we move forward, let us continue to encourage and uplift each other, while striving to promote inclusion and diversity in all that we do.