Happy Mother’s Day from the Zicklin School!

Zicklin News spoke to Zicklin alumni and students with young children about Mother’s Day. Here’s what they told us.

Alanna Correa

Degree and graduation year: MS in Information Systems,’28

Baby’s name and age: Lorenzo, who just turned one.

What was the biggest surprise about becoming a mother?
Sleep is never overrated—for baby or for me—and time really does fly. Those first few newborn months felt like every hour was dragging by, but I blinked, and my little guy went from crying around the clock to crawling up a storm.

How are you balancing classes, work, and motherhood?
My job is great about respecting my semester schedule, making sure I can head out on time for campus classes or virtual sessions. While I’m in class, my husband takes the lead with Lorenzo—handling daycare pickup, dinner, and the bath routine. I especially love the nights I’m learning virtually because I can take a tiny break to kiss my little guy good night. My husband also gives me the space I need for evening study sessions and project work. While we might miss a few family dinners each week, he keeps me motivated by reminding me that one day, Lorenzo will look back and see exactly how much hard work his mom puts in to reach her goals.

What is something your child has taught you?
To pause and just enjoy the present. As excited as I am to watch Lorenzo hit every new milestone, I’m also realizing how beautiful the journey is to get there. The frustrations and the highs of achieving something as “simple” as standing or talking—things we all take for granted—truly reset my perspective on what matters most in life.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s about to become a mom for the first time?
It truly takes a village to support not only your baby but you as well! You’ll be surprised at how much people are willing to help in their own creative ways—whether it’s friends hosting baby-friendly happy hours, grandparents staying overnight, or a friend watching the baby for an hour so you can take a work call. Never be afraid to speak up and ask for help; your village will surprise you.

How will you celebrate Mother’s Day this year?
Between Lorenzo’s birthday on May 1st, his party on May 2nd, and my husband’s birthday on May 8th, I’d honestly just love a relaxing day at home with my family.

Katarina (Matic) Garner

Degree and graduation year: Executive MBA, ’24

Babies’ names and ages: I have seven-month-old twins: Ophelia (left) and Penelope (right).

What was the biggest surprise about becoming a mother?
Even though I expected it, I was still surprised by how hard it is to be a new mom while also managing a career and responsibilities outside the home. It has reshaped how I problem-solve, prioritize, and set boundaries—skills I use both at work and at home.

How are you balancing work and motherhood?
When I had my twins I took five months of leave, a generous policy from my company that I appreciate deeply. I brought the same mindset to motherhood that I have in my work—whatever I choose to do, I give it my all. At the end of the day, I’m satisfied with the effort I made. I keep an organized and tight schedule, stay focused, and prioritize. With the support of my husband, we do our best.

In the year following my Executive MBA, I intentionally and actively worked on expanding my capacity in many ways. I used the methods I learned in the program to grow into motherhood—active learning, adapting, being creative, and above all, staying persistent. Who would have thought an EMBA could help you navigate motherhood?

What is something your children have taught you?
They’ve given me a crash course in practicing patience, flexibility, and persistence, all at the same time. As a communications professional, I’m also reminded every day how much we say without words. They’ve sharpened my awareness of nonverbal communication and helped me become more attuned to what’s not being said, whether at home or in my work with others.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s about to become a mom for the first time?
Be cautious about receiving advice, especially from social media, and try to stay flexible and open to changing your mind when you least expect it. And to all the moms out there: You’re probably doing much better than you think. Keep going!

How will you celebrate Mother’s Day this year?
We’ll celebrate my first Mother’s Day with the girlies with a stroll through Prospect Park and brunch at our favorite nearby restaurant, Ottava.

Fabianna Rodriguez-Mercado

Degree and graduation year: MBA, ’22

Children’s ages: My son is two and a half and my daughter is 20 months.

What was the biggest surprise about becoming a mother?
The level of personal growth it requires and how little it’s truly understood. Motherhood has stretched me in every direction: emotionally, mentally, and professionally. I didn’t expect how much it would challenge my perspective on work, relationships, and daily life, while also helping me become more confident and intentional.

How are you balancing work and motherhood?
When I had my first baby, I was a senior vice president at Citi and I took 16 weeks of maternity leave. Then, about six months after I returned to work, my role was eliminated. I was already pregnant with my second child and I spent seven months job hunting, but juggling all that with taking care of my son took a toll on my health, so I intentionally stepped back from the workforce. When I was ready to re-engage with the job market, I didn’t want to return to a full-time role. Last December, I joined Educational Alliance in a part-time role in data management—a role that offers flexibility and a schedule that aligns well with my family’s needs. Looking back, what felt like a major disruption became a turning point. The layoff created the space I needed to redesign a more sustainable and fulfilling career.

What is something your children have taught you?
To slow down and be present. My son brings so much joy and energy, while my daughter is already teaching me patience and attention to detail. Together, they remind me that growth happens in small, everyday moments.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s about to become a mom for the first time?
You’re not born knowing how to be a mom; you learn it. You become the mother you want to be one day at a time. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by “what ifs,” but most of them never happen. Focus on what’s in front of you and trust that you’ll grow into it.

How will you celebrate Mother’s Day this year?
I’m keeping it simple: spending quality time with my family, ideally outdoors if the weather allows. Being together feels like the best kind of celebration.

Categories: Alumni News, News, Student News