ABOUT VIRTUAL MOM COLLECTIVE NON-PROFIT

1. Community Support and Services: We serve mothers and families across South Florida through essential support and powerful, community-centered events—including a growing calendar of educational programs, workshops, and mentorship gatherings designed to meet moms where they are. We also provide infant and postpartum supplies (formula, baby goods, and postpartum care products) and connect families to health services, counseling, and trusted local resources, with a special focus on supporting Latina and Black mothers in our districts.

2. Advocacy and Awareness: We raise awareness around the issues impacting mothers, promote equity in maternal mental health and childcare, and advocate for mother-positive policy improvements that strengthen families and communities. As a nonprofit with no political affiliation, we are officially nonpartisan—we do not endorse, support, or oppose any political party or candidate for public office. Our advocacy is mission-driven and focused on improving outcomes for mothers.

3. Fundraising and Resource Development: We pursue funding through donations, grants, and community fundraising events to sustain and expand our programs and initiatives. Since our inception, our Mother Mentor Grant program has awarded nearly $10,000 to support mothers and mission-aligned efforts in our community.

FOUNDER OF VMC

Denise A. Castro is a Cuban-American founder, mother, author, and business leader based in Miami, Florida. She is the mother of two children and an angel baby in heaven — a journey that deeply shaped her voice, purpose, and passion for supporting other mothers.

She is the founder of Virtual Mom Collective, a community created to help mothers feel seen, supported, and empowered as they navigate motherhood, business, career, and identity. With a background in marketing strategy, HR consulting, business leadership, photography, and graphic design, Denise brings both creative vision and operational experience to the work she leads.

Denise holds a dual BFA in Photography and Graphic Design and Marketing and Business Management, as well as an MBA in Leadership from Florida International University. She is also the author of the forthcoming book, Womb of a Mother: The Odyssey of Motherhood.

Her own return to the workforce after maternity leave opened her eyes to the challenges many working mothers face — from identity shifts and workplace expectations to the need for true community and advocacy. That experience became the foundation for Virtual Mom Collective.

Denise is passionate about helping moms share their stories, build confidence, and remember they are not alone. She is also an advocate for gender equality in the workplace and believes that supporting mothers is not just a personal mission — it is a business priority.

At the heart of her work is one belief: motherhood is not a limitation; it is leadership in motion. Because Mother is a Verb.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRODUCT CHAIR

Natalie Pizarro is an artist and owner and CEO of Growing the Pizarros. Hand-making jewelry has given Growing the Pizarro's the gift of sharing her daughter's legacy with the heartfelt wish that their brand of meaningful tokens of positivity spread love and hope at all facets of Motherhood.

Her goal: Helping empower mothers create product based shops and create a profitable small busi

ADVOCACY CHAIR

Kristine McGlinchey-Yap is an author, speaker who is deeply passionate about women’s mental, spiritual and reproductive health. OM Mommas is a community dedicated to women who are consciously birthing a more loving world.

Her goal: To support women and mothers who are deeply passionate about women’s mental, spiritual and reproductive health. OM Mommas advocates for women of all ra

TECH CHAIR

Lily Suarez is an Afro-Latina founder, first-generation Colombian American, mother, wife, and the Founder & CEO of La Dolce Vita Group, a consulting and creative agency that helps entrepreneurs build businesses through strategy, branding, technology, and intuitive guidance.

Before becoming a full-time entrepreneur, Lily spent more than a decade in corporate leadership across human resour

COMMUNITY CHAIR

Cristy Clavijo-Kish is the Founder of Talento Unlimited and Co-Founder of Entre Mujeres LIVE!, with 20+ years in marketing, communications, and Hispanic/multicultural community initiatives. A serial entrepreneur, she was a founding partner of Hispanicize and previously led PR Newswire's Multicultural Markets division.

Her goal: to build community among women entrepreneurs and amplif

POLICY CHAIR

Nicola "Niki" Demko is a public sector strategist and government affairs leader with expertise in economic development, innovation, and public policy. She currently serves as Assistant Chief of Staff to Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Sachs and previously helped launch Venture Miami, where she played a key role in attracting founders, investors, and technology companies that fuel

PRODUCTION CHAIR

Xenia Marcniko is the Executive Producer of The Magus Films, with more than 10 years of experience in advertising. She has worked in more than 300 commercials with renowned national and international directors.

Her goal: To empower women and mothers develop effective video production and connecting them with the root of the story behind the product, business or brand.

BRANDING CHAIR

Karina Kennedy is a branding photographer and owner of the Kennedy Creative Studio. She is here to tell your brand story. The Karina Kennedy Branding Photography specializes in creating photography that is unique, consistent, and stands out. We know how important it is to have imagery that reflects your brand message—and we have the perfect solution for you.

Her goal: To empower wo