Our History

Mocha Moms, Inc. began as a support group for mothers of color who had chosen to alter their career paths in order to devote more time to their families and communities. As such, the organization was essential because historically, mothers of color, particularly African-American mothers, had not had the opportunity to devote the majority of their time to caring for their own families. The organization was formed after the publishing of a newsletter called “MochaMoms” which was created in the hopes of connecting at-home mothers of color with each other. The newsletter was intended to encourage these mothers to feel good about their choice as well as to provide information to help them be the best and most important influence in their children’s lives. It was distributed to over 100 moms across the country in the spring of 1997. That summer, Jolene Ivey, Cheli English-Figaro, Karla Chustz and Jobryna Dupree, four mothers of color in Prince George’s County, Maryland decided to form a national support group and they called it Mocha Moms, Inc. There are now over 100 chapters of Mocha Moms, Inc. throughout the United States and the organization is continually growing and evolving to meet the needs of our moms, their families, and their communities.

Mocha Moms, Inc. was founded on September 16, 1997, registered in the state of Maryland on May 6, 1998, incorporated on October 4, 1999, and received 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt status in January 2002. Mocha Moms, Inc. does not discriminate against any person, regardless of demographic status. Anyone who supports the mission and purpose of Mocha Moms is welcome to join.