If this podcast has helped you in any way, consider buying me a coffee. No pressure. Just know it keeps the mic on. Mother’s Day Special — A Tribute to Single Mothers, Legacy, and the Power of Presence In this deeply moving Mother’s Day episode, Start to Finish Motherhood revisits a powerful conversation that honors the quiet strength, resilience, and lifelong impact of single mothers—particularly Black mothers raising children in spaces where they were never meant to thrive. This special rebroadcast features a heartfelt conversation with Dawn Wright, a globally respected scientist, educator, and the first Black person to reach the deepest part of the ocean. At its core, this episode is not about accolades—it is about legacy, mother–daughter bonds, and how one intentional parent can shape an entire life. This episode is for Single Mothers by Choice, solo parents, and anyone reflecting on the ways mothers influence identity, courage, and possibility. In this episode, you’ll hear: A moving tribute to a mother who raised her daughter as a single parent with integrity, vision, and unwavering belief Reflections on growing up as a “mom and child family” long before it was widely accepted How single mothers model leadership, adaptability, and courage for their children Stories of navigating race, belonging, and visibility across the U.S., Canada, and Hawaiʻi The importance of friendship, trust, and mutual respect in mother–daughter relationships How encouragement and curiosity can shape a child’s love of learning Why representation matters—especially for Black children imagining futures in STEM The role mentors, teachers, and community play alongside single parents What it means to be a “first,” and how to carry that responsibility with grace Why this work—equity, visibility, and opportunity—is a long game The conversation also explores how children internalize what they see modeled: resilience in the face of uncertainty, joy alongside hardship, and the confidence to imagine a life bigger than what the world may initially offer. This Mother’s Day episode is a reminder that single mothers do not raise children alone—they raise leaders, thinkers, and legacy builders. And often, they do so without recognition, applause, or safety nets—just love, clarity, and resolve. Learn More Explore the Challenger Deep expedition and related resources here: https://esriurl.com/challengeaccepted Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starttofinishmotherhood YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarttoFinishMotherhood Facebook Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/starttofinishmotherhood/ Chapters (00:00:04) - Aisha Jenkins's Welcome to Work(00:01:57) - Dawn Wright on The Elevator With Aisha(00:06:54) - Tom Brokaw on Mothers' Day(00:12:46) - Black People in Canada and Hawaii(00:18:36) - Inspiring scientists: The story of Dawn Watson(00:23:42) - When Will This End?(00:23:58) - Graduate student at ESRI: From science to GIS(00:29:32) - Dawn on the Deep Sea(00:31:31) - ESRI's K-12 outreach(00:36:05) - Dawn on Becoming a First Woman
