42 OCTOBER 2022 By Melissa Hirschl When real estate agent Katie Halle Lambert had her first and only child in 2014, she was anxious to bond with other moms who could relate to her new status. However, she found herself in a dilemma. “My friends were in two camps: those with no children and those with older children,” she said. Her solution was to create a Facebook group called MOMnation. The original idea was to encourage fellow moms to join in play dates and coffee dates and help plan social activities. The new mom had no idea that the social networking group would take on a vibrant life and balloon to 10,500 Phoenix members – and eventually 18,042 members across New Hampshire, Florida, Washington and Texas. Lambert, her staff and a cadre of volunteers provide a “village” atmosphere, philanthropic opportunities, emotional support, personal growth and a “cheering section” for members’ businesses. The focus is on “moms as people.” MOMnation also provides a whirlwind of social activities, including camping, spa days, hiking, cookie decorating, out-of-town trips to Vegas and Sedona, prom night and bunco. Another feature of the group is Lambert’s inspiring – and sometimes provocative – podcast. “I have always wanted to be on the radio, so this was a perfect fit for me,” she said. Themes include trauma, addiction, domestic violence, Botox, dealing with bullies, emotional eating and life after divorce. There’s also a monthly mental health segment with Certified Counselor Laura Wood. MOMnation member Sara Pitcher has been a guest on Lambert’s podcast – and the subject is delicate, as she is a survivor of domestic abuse. To spread the word on this important topic, Pitcher (with her ‘cheering section’ in the crowd) will be a guest speaker at a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on October 15. “The goal is to have moms work through past traumas so they can leave a new legacy for their children regarding mental health,” Lambert said. Philanthropy is another spoke in the wheel of MOMnation. The group recently sponsored its first “Backpack School Drive” to assist other moms in the community. “Member business owners collected $3,400 that went toward cute backpacks filled with school supplies,” said Lambert. “They were given to moms who couldn’t afford classroom necessities.” The charity committee takes nominations in December for five families experiencing hardship and provides a complete holiday dinner. The leftover money goes toward gift cards. “The love and outpouring of support I have received has helped me in my journey. Two kids, two businesses and a bunch of friends later, I continue to receive knowledge and love from this group – I am not alone,” member Liz Shepard said. “MOMnation’s tagline is ‘we change lives here.’ I hear from people daily that tell me how we have made a huge difference in their life,” said Lambert. “Nothing makes me happier than hearing that.” momnationusa.com Providing support from moms – to moms Members Erika Romero, Lydia Palomino, Dr. Bobbie Bennett, Holly Parker and Krysten Leach at an American Red Cross blood drive. Mom-treprenuers from MOMnation at a 90s-themed party thrown by Team EvoAz. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KATIE HALLE LAMBERT People tell me how we have made a huge difference in their life. Nothing makes me happier!

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