I AM Modern Magazine for Moms

If you ever sit down to speak to Tracy Parent, guaranteed that by the time it’s over, you’ll be both exhausted and exhilarated.Tracy, 34, is a tornado of both emotion and energy. As she tallies her accomplishments one can only wonder whereshe finds the time and resources. But that question becomes irrelevant when you realize that this woman doesn’t take no for answer--not from herself and not from those around her.In fact, last time she asked American Airlines to lend her a 747 to take a medical staff to hurricane ravaged Mississippi, they simply said: “sure.” “That’s no small effort,” you think. Who would even have the courage to ask? Which then makes you wonder: “who exactly is this Superwoman?”

Perhaps you can look at her achievements for an explanation: Tracy is a former flight nurse for the National Guard, President and founder of the Loudoun Foundation (the same who put on the Loudoun Summer Music Fest (LSMF) outdoor concert series at the Belmont Country Club in Ashburn). She is also always on the lookout for local musical talent to manage. Maybe you only need to look at her humanitarian efforts for justification: running a foundation for orphans and clinics in Haiti, starting Project Virginia Cares’ as a joint partnership between the Loudoun Foundation and Loudoun Medical Group to provide medical care to residents affected by Hurricane Katrina. Not to mention that LSMF raises quite a bit of money for community charities How about her parenting skills? Her children appear to be both confident and well-adjusted. “We don’t do video games and cell phones,” she says. Instead, her kids are involved in all her efforts. Particularly in the music industry. In fact she will proudly tell you, her 5 year old son’s favorite band is the Police. “AHA,” you think then it’s got to be her spirituality. After all this is the woman who gets inspired when she receives, what she calls, a “tap on her shoulder from a higher source.” “I do what I love and every time money is secondary and just happens,” she says. Then continues: “we all get to a point in life when education and career leave an empty hole in your soul and you search for the opportunity to do something purposeful. All you ever have to do is listen. You will always be lead to what you were meant to do.” “That’s it,” you say to yourself, “it must be a combination of all of these things.” But no. Tracy will be the first to tell you: “Retire the cape—you weren’t meant to be Superwoman.” So you throw your hands up in frustration and give up. “Perhaps,” you think as you walk away, “she’s no Superwoman, but she sure is one heck of a super woman."
 

Define Modern Mom The modern mom understands that in order to love and care for others, she must love and care for herself first because you cannot give what you do not have.

Age 34

Greatest accomplishment My children. I didn’t really “accomplish” them, they are accomplishing themselves.

Balance of motherhood and life Prioritize and define boundaries.

Romance Well, I am on my way out of a marriage, amicably but nonetheless. However I don’t believe lack of romance was an issue so my advice would be “try not to say no”.

Biggest splurge, guilty (guiltless) pleasure My hair. Definitely. Salon Bleu in Tyson’s Galleria, I am like a junkie.

Role Model I admire my kids. They are brave and funny, they make me laugh. I admire Elie Weisel, Sir Richard Branson, Golda Meir, Oprah Winfrey. All brave individuals who have taught me how to live a life of purpose and intention and action.