Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Simona Grace. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Simona thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
I grew up in a communist country, where empty grocery store shelves and waiting in line for food was the norm. My home was filled with stories from my great-grandmother, grandparents, and mom. They talked about the tough times during the war and how they worked hard to get back on their feet. They taught me that with determination, any challenge can be faced.
My family showed me the importance of sticking together, helping others, and never giving up. Even though times were tough, they always encouraged me to dream big. They believed I could be anything I wanted if I worked hard for it.
This upbringing taught me to focus on what’s truly important. I learned that tough situations can change, and they don’t decide what we can achieve. In other words, my family thought me: It doesn’t matter where you start, but where you want to go and how hard you’re willing to work to get there. That’s the true measure of success and what genuinely matters in life.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am the founder and executive director of Moms in Office, as I indicated in the interview, however as a result of my work on gender equity issues in the past few years, earlier in 2023, I was appointed by Mayor Karen Bass to serve in an official capacity as a Commissioner on the Status of Women.
Campaigning for an elected position is a full-time, unpaid job. As such, many qualified women with caregiving responsibilities don’t run for office. They can’t afford to give up their jobs, take care of their families, and simultaneously run a campaign. 5 years ago, I noticed this trend and saw that moms, in particular, were facing a lot of challenges when they tried to enter politics. In 2018, there seemed to be no groups or organizations specifically dedicated to helping them. That realization led me to create Moms in Office.
It’s not easy for mothers of young children to get in that political door. In 2022, less than 10% of representatives were moms with kids under 18. In total, there are 151 women sitting in Senate and House seats, comprising less than 28% of Congress. Women and mothers make up one of the largest segments of our population, but they represent the smallest number in our federal government.
Moms in Office is all about helping mothers who aspire to be politicians. Each campaign cycle, Moms in Office endorses pro-choice moms running for office up and down the ballot to level the playing field and elevate the power of all moms. We provide financial support and other innovative support programs. We are the first and only organization to support candidates throughout and beyond the election, empowering them to run and run again.
One thing that sets us apart is our singular focus on moms. We understand the unique challenges they face, like the tough choices between work and family. Political organizations traditionally exist to invest in races, not women. Moms In Office is changing that with a future-minded focus. We believe in investing in the political future of women—not just one race. We are changing the political landscape with innovative support programs that will ensure wins now and in the years to come. Plus, we’ve seen that many moms struggle to get the funding they need for their campaigns, which is why we step in to assist them.
Looking back at our journey, the 2022 election cycle was groundbreaking. Women, especially mothers, shattered barriers. We are proud to have played a significant role in the campaigns of women not just in California, but nationwide. As a testament to our grassroots organizing, we achieved a 400% increase in our fundraising from 2020. Impressively, our average donation was only $31, showcasing the widespread support from everyday people. This isn’t just a political initiative—it’s a community. With our efforts, we’ve witnessed the election of LA’s first woman Mayor, first woman City Attorney, California’s first Black woman State Controller, Oakland’s first Hmong-American Mayor, and we’ve even doubled the number of women on the LA city council.
Our organization also serves as a bridge, connecting our community to their elected officials through virtual and in-person events, fostering valuable campaign skills, and standing shoulder to shoulder with our candidates in their endeavors.
Looking ahead, as Commissioner on the Status of Women for the city of LA, I look forward to championing the cause to enhance the overall well-being of women and girls in the Los Angeles community. In my role as Commissioner, I want to ensure that we work on achieving equal opportunities and representation for all women within City government.
Our goals for 2024 are even bigger. We’re committed to collaborating with both new and veteran allies on legislative priorities, offering free candidate trainings, and ramping up our fundraising initiatives for an impactful 2024 campaign season. However, as always, we need community support to make these dreams a reality.
To all potential supporters, clients, and fans: By supporting Moms in Office, you’re not just backing a PAC. You’re championing a movement. A movement ensuring that our political institutions truly mirror the diverse experiences of every citizen.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My journey in politics mirrors that of countless women seeking to carve out their own path in traditionally male-dominated fields. Venturing into uncharted territories often means facing skepticism—not always based on one’s competence, but often on one’s identity, connections, and resources. As a single working mom, these challenges felt especially daunting. Every day, I was met with voices of doubt and criticism. Yet, succumbing was never an option for me.
For every time I was told I couldn’t do it, I thought of the women I aimed to support: women dealing with the costs of healthcare and childcare, women trying to balance a full-time job while launching a tough campaign. How could I encourage them to believe in themselves if I didn’t embody that belief? How could I advocate for their potential if I didn’t showcase my own?
With this in mind, every setback became a stepping stone. I became my own advocate, reminding myself daily of my mission’s importance. By raising six figures from thousands of supporters nationwide and helping numerous women in their political pursuits, I didn’t just prove naysayers wrong—I set a precedent. My success wasn’t just about me; it was intrinsically tied to my broader vision.
If a single working mom in LA can achieve this, then this shows all the women I support: they can do it too. The journey demands resilience. It requires you to be your loudest cheerleader in a room full of doubters. But by keeping your eyes on the prize and your heart rooted in your mission, you truly can accomplish anything.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Arriving in the United States as an immigrant with nothing more than two suitcases was both a challenge and an opportunity. Every day here reminds me of the freedoms and possibilities this country granted me—a reality far beyond anything I had ever dreamed of. Rooted in this gratitude, I’ve always approached challenges with the mindset that I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
When it came to funding my PAC, I took a leap of faith. The initial financial support for our candidates and the first donation to my PAC came directly from my personal savings. This wasn’t just about money; it was a testament to my belief in our mission. And it wasn’t long before others recognized and resonated with this commitment. Many who shared our vision offered their services either pro bono or at significantly reduced rates, further helping our cause.
Investing my own money into the organization was more than just a financial decision—it was a way for me to show my trust in the mission and in myself. I truly believe that when you lead with genuine conviction and dedication, others will see, believe, and join you in making the vision a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.momsinoffice.org
- Instagram: @simonagrace
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-grace
- Twitter: @simonagrace
Image Credits
Headshot Kathy Schuh https://www.kathyschuhphotography.com/