Somos Moms

There’s something powerful about a Latina mom.
It’s in the way she loves—loud, warm, and without limits. It’s in the food, the phrases, the traditions, and the quiet sacrifices no one sees.

In this special Mother’s Day edition, we celebrate the women who shape our families and our community—one story at a time.

This is more than motherhood.
This is cultura, resilience, and legacy.  

Meet four mamás sharing a look into their unique motherhood journeys and what it means to them

Meet Madel Sotomayor, Puertorican mamá, zumba instructor and full time University of Florida employee. Mom to Mia and Gigi

“Being a mom means building and protecting a strong sense of familia every day. The hugs, home-cooked meals, music, dancing, and those constant ‘Did you eat?’ and ‘Dios te bendiga’ moments are the love that becomes lifelong memories.

Raising my daughters in Gainesville has given them the best of both worlds—a close, supportive community with opportunities to grow and experience different cultures. I’m proud they’ve grown up confident in who they are, while staying connected to our roots.

More than anything, I hope they carry respect and appreciation for others, understanding that our differences make us stronger.”

A Closer Look

• Still figuring out: Growing alongside my daughters—even in their 20s 
• What I wish people understood about a latina mamá: Loving deeply isn’t overprotective—it’s intentional
• Phrase I always say: “Text me when you get there” 
• Kids think I’m good at: Planning & multitasking
• Actually good at: Balancing family, career, Zumba, and serving at church
• Tradition I keep: Holiday meals with arroz con gandules
• Always saying: “Mi bella, linda, preciosa…I love you” 
• One word: Resilient
• Soundtrack: My Girl & You Are My Sunshine

 Reflection

“La maternidad me enseñó el verdadero significado del amor incondicional. Soy más fuerte y paciente de lo que creía, y agradezco a Dios cada día por crecer junto a mis hijas.”

Meet Sirelys Valera, Venezuelan Mom. Tax Accountant. Hobbies: camping and travel. Mom to Elio.

As a Venezuelan mom, I’m proud to pass down our culture: our food, music, and deep love for family and friends. I want my son to grow up proud of his roots and understand that every part of his background makes him who he is.

Raising him in Gainesville feels like the perfect balance: a peaceful, supportive community with space to grow, surrounded by nature, family, and opportunities in sports and the arts. His childhood feels simple, joyful, and free.

We remind him that diversity makes life more beautiful, and that kindness and respect are the foundation of strong relationships.

 A Closer Look:

• Still figuring out: Setting firm boundaries with love (no punishment, but clear rules)
• What I wish people understood: Motherhood is a constant balance of family, faith, work, and preserving our roots
• A phrase you swore you’d never say: “I said what I said—I’m the mom!” 
• My child says I’m good at: Being a good mom—even when I correct him
• Proud moment: Our bedtime routine: reading, praying, and talking together
• Value I teach: Asking for blessings as a sign of love, faith, and respect
• Life lesson I repeat: Love and respect yourself and others, and value your time
• Soundtrack “I love you forever, I like you for always, as long as I am living, my baby you’ll be.”

Reflection about motherhood

“This is the most magical stage of my life—full of love, joy, learning, faith, and responsibility. Motherhood has shown me I have more patience than I ever imagined, and that I’m still growing every day.”

 

Meet Irene Gutierrez. Full-time mom. Mom to América, Jonathan and Daniel

Our traditions are at the heart of everything. They are how I keep my family connected, grounded, and proud of who we are.

Gainesville has truly become home for us. After fifteen years, it is where we have built our life, raised our children, and found a sense of peace and belonging. The family-oriented atmosphere and feeling of safety have allowed us to put down roots, and we see ourselves growing old here.

I want my children to embrace other cultures, to learn from them, and to understand the beauty in our differences. For me, motherhood is about more than caring for a family. It is about keeping it united, creating memories, and giving a love that lasts far beyond us.

A Closer Look:

• Still figuring out: Adapting to my kids changes as they grow and evolving as a mother so I can be the mom they need at the time
• What she wishes people understood: Latina mothers prioritize keeping the family united, and the love and sacrifices we make live on long after us
• A phrase you swore you’d never say: “Because I said so”
• Kids think she’s good at: Cooking
• What she’s actually good at: Cooking, but also many other things
• Tradition she keeps: Having a piñata for birthdays
• On repeat: “Oh… that’s so cute. I love it.”
• One word: Everlasting
• Motherhood Soundtrack: La Vida Es Un Carnaval” By Celia Cruz. / “You’ll Be In My Heart” By Phill Collins. 

Reflection

Motherhood has shown me how resilient I truly am.

Meet Angelica Suarez. Business Owner – Yellow Collective. Mom to Luna and Lucas.

I believe every culture, experience, and upbringing brings something unique to raising children. As an immigrant mom, I share with my kids the value of hard work, following their calling, and staying resilient, because there is always light. If I had to choose one word to describe my motherhood, it would be hope, in every season of life.

Raising my children in Gainesville has been a gift. My husband and I are both UF alumni, and this college town inspires curiosity, growth, and learning. Even more special is the sense of community we have found: siblings nearby, friends who feel like family, so our children grow up surrounded by love, support, and deep connection. Those shared moments are treasures I hold close.

 

 

A Closer Look:

• Still learning: Appreciating and embracing everyone’s unique story
• What she wishes people understood about Latina mamás: Our protectiveness comes from love and responsibility, not control.
• Phrase I always say: “You can do it!”
• Kids think she’s good at: Cooking and teaching them to do the right thing
• Proud moment: Family meals—sitting together, blessing the food, checking in with each other
• One word: Transformation
• Motherhood Soundtrack: I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack

Reflection:

“My faith is my source of strength, wisdom, and understanding. Without it, I could not be the mother I want to be.”