By Danielle Ellis

Kenya Jackson of Henderson, Nevada, has been chosen as the 2007 Young Mother of the Year by American Mothers Inc., Nevada Association.

“Kenya has been chosen as an example of a committed, loving mother,” said Susan Leavitt, President of American Mothers of Nevada. “The premise of Kenya’s mothering is her faith in God and raising her family in a righteous home. She has made a priority of educating her family on their relationship with their Savior.”

Kenya says the most rewarding part of motherhood “is simply the journey. Like a rollercoaster rise, there are ups and downs, but ask me if I want to ride again, the answer will be a resounding, ‘YES’!”

Kenya also owns an entertainment management company. She has managed Gladys Knight’s career and business assets for nearly 20 years and is the executive producer of three Grammy Award-winning albums. She is married to Jimmy Jackson and they are the parents of six children.

Vicky VanMeetren, also of Henderson, Nevada, has been chosen as the 2007 Mother of the Year. Vicky’s philosophy of parenting is to “pray often!” She says that teaching children the importance of a personal relationship with Christ equips them with “the knowledge and internal strength they need to draw on throughout life.”

Vicky’s vibrant faith and deep commitment to her family is the glue that holds her life together. Her son Jason says that “my mother’s desire to love, honor and serve my father is unlike any commitment I have ever seen, save that of my father in return.” Sister Molly Nicholsen, a professional peer of Vicky’s at St. Rose Hospital calls her “a woman of prayer whose life is a gospel lived out in all she does.”

Vicky also works as the President and CEO of the new San Martin Campus of St. Rose Dominican Hospital. She sits on the board of directors of three not-for-profit organizations.
She is married to Steve VanMeetren and they are the parents of two grown children.