Profiles

Janice Villanueva: No Mom Left Behind

by Kevyn Gohu
May 9, 2025

In a world where real connections feel rare, Janice Villanueva shares how she built and sustained them through Mommy Mundo

These days, anyone can start a group or online community with just a few clicks. But creating something truly authentic—like Mommy Mundo—is a different story. What began as a simple idea over 20 years ago to fill the gaps in support for parents, especially moms, has grown into a thriving, purpose-driven community. For founder Janice Villanueva, it was always about more than content or events; it was about creating a safe, welcoming space where moms of all generations could feel seen, heard, and free to be themselves. Today, Mommy Mundo is an omnichannel platform rooted in real connection, mutual respect for each mother’s unique journey, and a deep sense of shared purpose—making the path of motherhood a little less lonely, and a lot more empowered.

In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, Mommy Mundo serves as a lifeline for moms at every stage. “It’s where we find comfort in knowing we’re not alone in our struggles, and joy in celebrating each other’s wins, big or small,” Janice explains.

She adds, “I think it’s especially important in times of strife, discord, and disconnection. People can find solace in a great community—one that not only brings people together but also fosters sincere support and kindness. Not just through information, but through encouragement and honest, human connection.”

At the Heart of Mommy Mundo

Within a span of 23 years, Mommy Mundo has reached and served over a million moms. For that, Janice is grateful to the community that helped achieve that. She believes it wasn’t just created for them—it was built with them. Janice often says that the community doesn’t belong to her, but to all the moms who have worked together to help and make a difference.

“Mommy Mundo belongs to all of us,” she declares. “It belongs to every mom who’s shared her story, offered a kind word, or simply showed up over the past 23 years of our existence.”

She recalls Mommy Mundo’s early days, when it was just her and a few like-minded moms brought together by the same dream: to make motherhood easier, together. Back then, it felt like a magical force pulling them forward—one that would eventually grow to include parents, experts, and partners who have the same beliefs. But Janice says that kind of growth wasn’t without challenges—it was built on a foundation of trust.

“It takes a level of honesty and openness to truly align—not just in goals, but in values and intentions. You need to feel that you can be real with each other, and that there’s mutual care, not just for the project, but for one another’s well-being and success,” she explains.

Since it was a community that built itself on collaborations, Janice learned to be more discerning. Rather than saying yes to every opportunity, she paused and asked if it truly aligned with what the moms of Mommy Mundo needed.

She reflects, “I would also ask myself: Is this someone I can build something lasting with? Can we really trust and uplift each other? Do we share the same values and spirit of service?”

That same thought process is what shaped the platform into the parenting safe space it is today. She and her team are intentional with every activity and piece of content, planning carefully around relevance, need, and the ability to delight. Because for Janice and her team, the time and attention that moms give are invaluable.

That trust between her and the community doesn’t just make collaborations easier. It transforms them into something more joyful, impactful, and heart-filled. And for something as fulfilling yet isolating as motherhood, it’s inspiring. “Going through motherhood together is easier (and definitely more enjoyable) with community to surround you,” she beams.

Keeping It Real In The Community

As the world went online, so did Mommy Mundo. Janice saw how doing so quickly changed the community-building game: gaps were bridged, and moms could support one another no matter where they were. Whether they were sitting in traffic or at home at midnight while feeding their newborn baby, moms had support at the push of a button.

Mommy Mundo then evolved into an omnichannel platform and parenting resource that supports mothers both online and on-ground, meeting them wherever they are in their motherhood journey. Through flagship events like Expo Mom—the country’s first lifestyle event for moms that helped spark the mompreneur movement—conferences, mentorship programs, and retreats that offer real-life connection from pregnancy to parenting, the platform has always been about building capacity and creating meaningful experiences.

Online, Mommy Mundo continues to serve with expert-based, relevant content via its website, social media platforms, and the vibrant MM Moms Facebook group. It also champions moms through specialized mentorship initiatives like the Mompreneur Lab and Alpha Mom, a program designed to support parents of newborns.

Still, even with this expansive reach, one thing remains at the core: the power of authentic connection.

“Authentic connections come from showing up as your true self,” Janice shares. “Not the filtered, polished version, but the real, sometimes messy, always evolving you.”

But being vulnerable can feel risky. How can moms be sure who they’re sharing their stories with is sincere? Janice shares that it starts from the top. When a community is led with vulnerability and genuine care, sincerity grows. Authenticity then becomes palpable. Whether it’s sharing a heartfelt post, sending a spontaneous wellness check, holding space for the hard days, or celebrating the small wins, empathy and presence go a long way. Even saying the words “I see you” or “I love having a mom friend like you” to another and feeling it in return may be just what any mom needs to feel the sincerity, the care, and the support.

“Especially when parenting can feel overwhelming at times, knowing you’re not alone makes all the difference,” Janice encourages. “We don’t have to do it all on our own. Through meaningful connections and compassionate collaborations, we help each other rise — and in doing so, we raise not just our children, but each other, too.”

Curiosity, Not Judgment

Janice’s philosophy for Mommy Mundo is something she also applies to her family. But when it comes to staying close to her now-grown children, she doesn’t rely on authority or instruction. She chooses something else entirely: curiosity.

“For me, staying connected with my kids is all about being mindful, even in the little moments,” she shares.

Whether it’s running errands together, checking in about something they mentioned last week, or having a quick chat about friends they just met, she’s learned that each of those moments builds up to letting them know that they will always be fascinating to her. “I want them to feel seen and valued as individuals. I want them to know I’m truly interested in who they are and who they’re becoming.”

As her children grew up and began carving their own paths — one even choosing to live abroad — Janice realized that maintaining deep connections required not just love, but adaptability. Gone were the days of storytime and bedtime routines. In their place came new ways of bonding: casual car rides, chore-side conversations, or late-night check-ins over text.

She explains, “It’s about meeting them where they are and being part of their world. I’ve let go of my expectations and instead choose to be present in their world. I may not always fully understand their hobbies, much less their expressions or humor, but I can always ask and genuinely listen to their point of view.”

She’s also discovered that her children connect in their unique ways. Her sons prefer focused, task-based conversations — a chat during a drive or while doing something together. Her daughters, on the other hand, thrive in fluid, face-to-face conversations, the kind that meander through topics over coffee or cozy afternoons at home. And yes, she laughs, her daughters tend to reply faster to messages than her sons do — “classic!” — but she embraces these quirks with warmth and understanding.

Although there are times she can’t hide the worry in her voice, Janice continues to lead with empathy and curiosity — a mindset she discovered at her Gallup Strengths Coaching. “I try to let go of the ‘shoulds’ and see things as they are. When I ask about their lives, I try to ask questions or keep quiet and think things through before I respond. To be a willing ear when they’re navigating challenges or making mistakes — I’m here to listen, not to judge.”

At the core of it all is trust. “Now that they’re adults, I’ve accepted them as individuals,” Janice reflects. “We trust in the roots we’ve planted, and we’re here when they need us — always loving, always cheering them on.”

All In It Together

Parenting today asks for more—it asks to be conscious, connected, and courageous enough to break patterns that can cause disconnections. Though it’s a beautiful shift, it’s not an easy one. While learning to lead with empathy, there’s also the need to unlearn habits that rely on fear or control at the same time. Unfortunately, that can leave a messy middle—between how parenting was in the past and what kind of parenting to do now.

But that’s where the support and communities come in. As parents today fight against the programming and cope with the pressure to get it “right” all the time, Janice reminds that this is why Mommy Mundo exists. While the struggle to be more mindful and intentional is very real, it’s not something that needs to be done alone. Nor, is it something that parents get it right in one try.

“The parenting journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence,” she assures. “It’s okay to stumble, to grow, and to keep learning. “Parenting can be challenging and messy, but we’re in this together—to support each other and set ourselves up for success as moms and dads. What matters most is that our hearts are in it, and that we’re showing up for our kids in ways that feel true to both them—and to us.”

Words KEVYN GOHU-CATINGUB
Photography KIERAN PUNAY OF KLIQ, INC.
Art Direction DENIELLE CARAG
Makeup TWINKLE BERNARDO
Hairstyling ANGELI ALFONSO
Stylist SIYA DARYANI of THE CLOSET CULTURE
Shoot Coordination ANTHONY MENDOZA
Sittings Editor MARGA MEDRANO-TUPAZ