(Iowa) Do you know an Iowa mom who quietly makes her family, her community and the lives of the people around her better?
Now is the time to tell her story.
Nominations are officially open for the 2027 Iowa Mother of the Year®, an annual honor presented through American Mothers, Inc. that recognizes mothers whose lives demonstrate the strength, compassion, service and impact of motherhood.
Nominations are open through September 15, 2026.
The Iowa Mother of the Year® program is about much more than being a “perfect mom.” It recognizes women who show up for their families, navigate challenges with strength and grace, and make a meaningful difference in their communities.
“Every community has moms who are doing incredible things that often go unnoticed,” said Ellen Walsh-Rosmann, 2023 Iowa Mother of the Year® and Co-President of Iowa Mothers Association for 2026–27. “They are raising kids, caring for family, working, farming, volunteering, leading organizations, serving their communities and continuing to show up for the people who need them. They aren’t necessarily looking for recognition, which is exactly why someone else needs to tell their story.”
Walsh-Rosmann knows firsthand what the honor can mean. After being named Iowa Mother of the Year® in 2023, she continued her involvement with American Mothers and now serves as Co-President of the Iowa organization alongside Kayla Weis, 2024 Iowa Mother of the Year®.
Together, Walsh-Rosmann and Weis hope to encourage Iowans to look around their own communities and nominate the mothers whose stories deserve to be heard.
Who Should You Nominate?
Think about the mom who:
– Always seems to be there when someone needs her.
– Has overcome challenges while continuing to care for her family and community.
– Volunteers, mentors, advocates or serves others.
– Leads by example and makes her community stronger.
– Has a story of resilience, compassion or perseverance.
– May never think to nominate herself.
She doesn’t have to be famous. She doesn’t have to have a long list of accomplishments. She just needs someone willing to say, “I see what you do, and I think your story matters.”
How to Nominate
Anyone can nominate an Iowa mother through American Mothers, Inc.
Nominations are accepted from Mother’s Day through September 15 each year. The Iowa Mother of the Year® is selected at the state level, with state honorees continuing on to be considered for the national Mother of the Year® honor.
Submit a nomination online at:
www.americanmothers.org/nominate-mom
“Think about the mom you immediately thought of while reading this,” said Weis. “Maybe it’s your sister, your friend, your neighbor, your daughter, your coworker or someone who has simply shown up for you when you needed her. Nominate her. You never know where telling her story might lead.”
