ChaiWithMoms Connects Mothers Seeking Support For The College Admissions Process

In 2023, three friends – Aparna Seethepalli, Shauli Chaudhuri, and Somedutta Sengupta – all empty nesters, created ChaiWithMoms , a support group in the Bay Area to help mothers steer their children through their middle and high school years.

After sending their kids off to college, having successfully navigated the complex college admissions process, and gaining valuable insights along the way, they put together a small WhatsApp group to advise moms baffled by the bewildering roadmap of guiding their children toward a university education.

Chai With Moms began as a simple idea born out of personal experience and over a cup of warm chai in Somedutta’s living room. The three mothers soon found themselves hosting chai gatherings for mothers seeking support. Discussions ranged from topics like how to manage family dynamics to band practice, and evaluating college counselors to learning disabilities. The focus was on finding solutions together as a group – strength in numbers.

What started as intimate conversations at home with 7 moms in San Jose, quickly mushroomed into a growing community of 1,500 mothers within 11 months, united by their shared experiences and commitment to their children’s success.

ChaiWithMoms is now a registered non-profit organization based in Silicon Valley. They aim to offer a democratic, safe, and neutral space that connects mothers who can learn from one another’s experiences, and equip them with expert advice, resources, and a vibrant community to navigate the challenges of raising children in today’s academic environment.

“We like to call ourselves a movement instead of a platform as it truly is a movement to effect positive change and hope in the lives of mothers,” said Seethepalli.

The initiative’s core philosophy is rooted in the belief that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for career planning for teenagers. They believe in the mantra, “Choose Hope over Fear.” This approach is particularly crucial given the immense pressure and expectations faced by children in middle and high school today.

“We are committed to creating a safe and transparent space where moms can come together, share experiences, and support each other,” says Sengupta. The team has bootstrapped the unprecedented growth of their idea by launching an inaugural conference MomsConnect 2024 , at the Palo Alto Event Center on September 22, 2024.

The full-day event, from 10 am to 5 pm, will feature a stellar lineup of industry experts and seasoned professionals who will share the initiative’s ethos of holistic preparedness for young teens. Attendees will also benefit from a unique college-goers panel, comprising current college students and recent graduates, who will offer valuable insights from their personal journeys.

“The very first scholarship at the event to benefit a school-going child impacted by domestic violence will be announced at the event,” said Chaudhuri. “This conference represents a significant step toward reshaping the conversation around parental support and readiness in education.”

MomsConnect 2024
Sep 22, 2024
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Palo Alto Events Center, 4249 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

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