Just days after attending the 2017 American Mothers Convention where Lizzy Conroy was named the 2017 Virginia Mother of the Year, Conroy graciously agreed to join the American Mothers National Board as the co-chair working with Lela Sulivan to plan the 2018 American Mothers Convention at the historic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, April 22-24.

We have had the privilege of working with Lizzy Conroy all year and we can tell you that whatever she touches turns to gold. She is a kind, professional, hardworking mother with a big heart and strong family values.

We asked each 2017 Mother of the Year to tell us their parenting philosophy. This is what Lizzy Conroy, 2017 Virginia Mother of the Year, wrote:

Being a mother is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life! But I cannot imagine not being a mother. I knew from a young age that I would become a mother and raise children. What I did not expect is that I would become a working mother. My mother was a “stay-at-home mom”, but raising 4 kids and being a devoted member of the community was like holding down 2 full-time jobs! “Keep Calm and Carry On” is my philosophy on mothering. We live in an area of the country where everything moves very fast and you are constantly juggling kids, work, school and home.

I have really had to learn how to let go of the things I cannot change and focus on the things I can. I am a full time Realtor who runs a high-producing real estate team so I work every single day of the week. Just like my mom did, somehow I keep it altogether with lots of love and support from my children, husband, and friends.

Most of my friends are stay-at-home moms which is important to me because it reminds me that every family makes the best choice for themselves. If you want to work, then great! If you want to stay home, equally great! Even though I work a lot, I still love making dinner for my family, helping my kids with their homework, spending time with other moms for girl time and carving out date nights with my husband.

The art of mothering is also changing. The modern American mother has solidified her place in history. She is the primary household earner; she has fast-tracked a career to the C-suite; she has outsourced housework; she is an influential member of her community; she makes the buying decisions; her partner has assumed a greater responsibility at home. Here I am! I am the modern American mother. And I still love how my mom and her mom embraced their traditional roles as mothers. Perhaps my daughter will feel the same way about me when she is a mom!

We have a 10-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl. I love my children and they are really hard work! First and foremost, I want my children to know and internalize that God loves them unconditionally and so do Mom and Dad. Their father and I emphasize and model humility, empathy, hard work and service. We expect kindness over achievement and mistakes over perfection. Personal responsibility is an ongoing challenge – we have yet to master chores around the house, but we are getting there! We encourage participation in organized sports to develop teamwork and an understanding of commitment. The next chapter of our parenting journey is to introduce more active community service through church and school!!

Amina Basic, CEO/ Team Leader at Keller Williams McLean/Great Falls said, “From being an active member of the community, to one of the top business leaders at Keller Williams Realty for over 8 years, a lot can be said about Lizzy Conroy. She’s vigilant, she’s charismatic, she’s enthusiastic in her career, but above all, she’s a mom. One of the hardest roles out there is to find the balance as a working mom, but Lizzy has done this seamlessly. I have watched her resolve difficult situations with both remarkable patience and admirable tact. The characteristics that she shows in leadership will no doubt be passed down to her children she has raised with both timeless love and class.”

Thank you, Lizzy Conroy, for your service in your community and your service nationally with American Mothers, Inc. We are all looking forward to our convention!