The May Momma of the Month Mary Robinson Walton is a momma on a mission.
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Mary Robinson Walton, a 46-year-old wife and mother of three beautiful and gifted children. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Azikiwee Walton, for almost 18 years, and together we parent our three children Jasmin (21-year-old senior at Spelman College), Jailyn (10th grade) and Judah (ninth grade). I grew up here in the city of Birmingham, educated within the public school system. Yes, I bleed blue as a Ramsay Ram! I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in corporate finance and am currently pursuing a bachelor’s of leadership ministries from Southeastern Bible College. I am a member of Impact Nation Fellowship Church in Birmingham where I serve as church office administrator and marriage ministry leader along with my husband. I work for CBRE (Regions Account) as an associate transaction manager within the corporate real estate division. As if that’s not enough, I’m also a Mary Kay consultant in my spare time, and I find that most rewarding! I am extremely passionate about motivating and empowering women through “living beautifully,” a dynamic that seeks to encourage women beyond the dark places in life.
What do you want your children to learn from your life?
I want my children to learn that life will bring with it success and failure, but the sum total of it will be based on the decisions you make. We fall down, but there is always an opportunity to get back up and begin again. In life you will be both leader and follower in various seasons, and we must know what each season requires of us. Be teachable, have faith and listen to wisdom. Everything we need to live abundantly, God has already provided. We have to be vigilant enough to recognize our help and our hindrances.
What are the best and worst things about living in Birmingham?
The best thing about living in Birmingham is that the city is large enough to be considered progressive and offers decent living amenities for the young and the young at heart. Birmingham is not the cotton fields and dirt roads most people envision because of southern history. The worst thing about living in Birmingham is the history of racial tension and oppression and the current reminders of its existence. No matter how far we have come, the city’s brand is a deterrent for major business and development. The history of the city of Birmingham still negatively impacts the future of it.
If you could change one thing about Birmingham, what would it be and why?
If I could change one thing about Birmingham, it would be the story it tells. I attended a seminar some years ago where the speaker shared how reluctant he was to come to Birmingham for the first time because his knowledge was of “1965.” On his way from the airport to the conference center, he marveled at the city scene and the modern appeal. His final words to us before exiting the stage was that Birmingham needs to tell a better story because few are aware that times are truly bringing about change. I agree with his assessment 100%.
What is your proudest momma moment?
Wow, there are so many proud mommy moments it’s hard to limit to a few. My children are so amazingly smart and talented that I sometimes stop and stare. Taking my daughter to Spelman College to study biochemistry was a proud moment, reading my middle daughter’s chapters to a book she’s brilliantly writing was a proud moment, and watching my son excel academically and athletically as a year-round athlete is a proud moment. Watching all three of my children serve God expressively and openly without fear is an extremely proud mommy moment.
What is your proudest wife moment?
Without doubt my proudest wife moment was watching my husband walk across the stage at his first college graduation. I cry just revisiting the memory. He’d failed to finish his college degree prior to us meeting, and when we got married, he devoted himself to being a loving and providing husband and father. He was convinced that he had missed his opportunity to further his education, but God! As fate would have it, he was laid off his job, and at that moment we decided it was either then or never. For two years we lived off my salary while he went back to school full time. He will be starting his third degree soon, and I’m so proud of the man God gave me. He finished his first two with magna cum laude and summa cum laude distinction. Heck yeah I’m proud!
What advice do you have for women juggling a career with raising kids?
I would tell women juggling a career and raising kids to be sure to maintain balance as much as possible. Remember to find time for yourself and take advantage of help that is offered by others you trust. When you’re at work, you’re an employee, but home requires mom time. Recognize what potential advancement opportunities will require in terms of time, commitment and level of responsibility before pursuing because of a slight salary increase. There are times when flexibility might actually be of greater value than money.
What’s next for Mary Robinson Walton?
There is so much on the radar for me. I’m slowly stepping into the direction of my God-given passion and preparing for opportunities that will allow me to speak to women all over. In the next three years, my husband and I will experience the empty nest, and I foresee us both exploring more of who we are. Right now, I’m doing some writing and reading in preparation for my next-level assignment. It’s both exciting and scary, but I’ll do as Joyce Meyer suggests and “do it afraid.”
Is there anything you would like to add?
I’m so grateful for this opportunity and feature, as it’s confirming my desire for new and greater possibilities. My prayer is that right doors will open and ministry will be welcomed. We each have a specific assignment and segment of people who are awaiting our arrival, and I must be ready. Thanks so much for the stretch.
