Dr. Brenda Joy: Over Three Decades Building Community and Creating Lasting Connections
Brenda Joy Lloyd-Jones, Ph.D., affectionately known as Dr. Brenda Joy, is a Human Relations professor at the University of Oklahoma whose life’s work centers on leadership, connection and community. Drawing inspiration from her own motherhood journey, she founded The Mothers Group Inc. over three decades ago after moving to Tulsa and seeking meaningful connections for herself and her young son. What began as a small circle of moms sharing experiences has blossomed into a thriving, multigenerational network that continues to uplift families, foster belonging and strengthen community ties. The Mothers Group Inc. has grown over the years, including doing community projects such as hosting the Santa Community Project.
TK: Tell us a little about yourself and why you decided to start The Mothers Group Inc.
Dr. Brenda Joy: My son was the inspiration for starting The Mothers Group Inc. As a Human Relations professor, I study leadership and community engagement and understand intricately the power of human connection. When our family moved from Chicago to Tulsa, we arrived without family close by, no grandparents or cousins, just a heartfelt desire to give our son a strong sense of belonging. Out of that need, The Mothers Group Inc. was born. What began as a few moms seeking connection has blossomed into a lasting community where families share resources, laughter and encouragement.
Over the years, we’ve enjoyed playdates at the park, hands-on museum visits and conversations with child development experts about brain and speech growth. Thirty-six years later, our meetings are filled with joy and reflection, celebrating our now-adult children’s achievements in academics, martial arts and careers. Some of us even share stories of becoming grandparents. What started as a circle of mothers has grown into a multigenerational network rooted in friendship, learning and joy.
TK: Tell us what starting and being a part of this community has provided to you and others over the years.
Dr. Brenda Joy: Even with fulfilling careers and a real understanding of human connection, it felt isolating, somewhat, to raise a child without a village. The Mothers Group Inc. became my way of creating that village, which was built on care, encouragement and shared experience. Over the years, it has grown into something genuinely special. The Mothers Group Inc. provides a space that offers friendship and support to mothers who, like me, live far from family. We share resources with one another, like names of trusted doctors, culturally responsive schools and welcoming places of worship. This experience reminds me that community is both a gift and a practice.
In the university classes I teach, I introduce ideas from social network theory. However, through The Mothers Group Inc., I get to live them, connecting children with educational opportunities, helping spouses identify job leads, and watching our networks make a difference. When women come together with open hearts and creative minds, we don’t just raise children—we enrich our families and strengthen our communities.
TK: What is the secret to the longevity of this organization?
Dr. Brenda Joy: The secret to The Mothers Group Inc.’s longevity lies in the power of genuine connection and shared purpose. Since 1988, our mission has been simple yet significant: to support women through the exchange of positive information and to foster friendships among their children. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, The Mothers Group Inc. unites Tulsa-area women who are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of children by advancing education, celebrating diversity and strengthening families.
As a Human Relations scholar, I know that relationships are the foundation of emotional and relational well-being. Our group thrives because it’s rooted in care, learning and joy, which are values that never go out of style. We’ve supported one another through grief and loss, celebrated victories like a member becoming a national jiu-jitsu champion and encouraged each other through every season of life. Our endurance isn’t just about time; it’s about heart. It’s every member showing up, year after year, committed to lifting one another and the children of our community.
TK: Share the details of what people can expect at The Santa Community Project on December 6.
Dr. Brenda Joy: The Santa Community Project is one of my favorite celebrations of the year. It’s a joyful gathering that captures the spirit of community, giving and togetherness. Our Santa Community Project launched in 1989 and continues to connect us with the broader community in meaningful ways. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, December 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the OU-Tulsa Learning Center, Founder’s Hall, 4502 E. 41st St. in Tulsa.
Each child who attends will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, whisper their heart’s desires in Santa’s ear, and take home a keepsake photo capturing that meaningful moment. One of the Clauses’ favorite gifts is a brand-new, age-appropriate book, which will be given to every child, encouraging a lifelong love of reading. Adding to the joy, the atmosphere will be alive with the sounds and talents of local youth performers, filling the room with music and holiday spirit. It’s a celebration of family, literacy and community. It’s a reminder that the season’s greatest gift is community connection.
TK: What else would you like to share?
Dr. Brenda Joy: Community doesn’t just happen, it is something we build together, moment by moment and choice by choice. The Mothers Group Inc. and our annual Santa Community Project show what can grow when people come together with open hearts and a shared purpose. As a weekly well-being expert on News on 6, I’ve learned that connection is essential to emotional and relational health. When we invest in each other, we strengthen our communities. That is the true meaning of leadership, joy, and lasting change.
Hear the full interview on the Sharing Passion and Purpose Podcast on your favorite platform or at NancyMoore.co. Dr. Brenda Joy shares her top three intentional practices for the holidays.
You can find The Mothers Group Inc. online: TheMothersGroup.org.
Nancy A. Moore is a Public Relations Coordinator at Montreau, Adjunct Professor at Tulsa Community College, and has been writing for TulsaKids for almost 20 years.
