Patricia Pineda Is One Amazing Mom
From teen mom to securing a supporting role in a modern family musical at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center this month, Patricia Pineda is one amazing mom!
Patricia was nominated in TulsaKids’ Amazing Moms contest by her daughter, Dayann, who had some very special words about her mother, whom she describes as her “biggest cheerleader.” Besides being a supportive mom to two daughters, Patricia is a U.S. Navy Veteran and a recent college graduate. But there have been times when Patricia struggled as a single mom, battling depression and homelessness, and she will never forget being in that place. Today, Patricia is focused on being a good mom and helping her daughters create meaningful lives.
TK: Tell us a little about yourself.
Patricia: I’m originally from Brooklyn, am an Afro-Latina and a child of God. I’m also a mother to two beautiful girls, Dayana, age 20, and Dayann, 13.
Patricia Pineda and her daughters.
TK: Can you share a little more about your daughters?
Patricia: My older daughter is in New York and is really enjoying it there. My younger daughter is in seventh grade at Jenks Middle School.
TK: Tell us a little about your own mom. Is that how you learned your parenting skills?
Patricia: My mom is amazing! She put her life to the side to raise myself and my two siblings. She did everything for us – including homeschooling us for many years when we were younger. She is currently a pastor at a church in New York City. I’m so proud of her! She recently graduated with her master’s degree in social work right before her 60th birthday.
TK: What was it like serving in the U.S. Navy?
Patricia: I had my first child at 16, so I was a young, teen mom. I left high school and earned my GED. I tried to work and take care of my baby, but knew it wasn’t enough; I couldn’t provide the life I wanted to give my daughter. So, I allowed joint custody with my mom and decided to join the military to make a better life for my family. The time I served enabled a lot of personal growth and has provided me with some great opportunities.
TK: You are very involved in pageants. Tell us a little about how you got involved in pageants and what you enjoy.
Patricia: We got into pageants upon the suggestion of a friend when we were living in Florida. I entered my daughter into a pageant, and she won! From there, it became clear to me that the purpose of winning is to serve others. Spreading kindness through acts of service is important to us. I believe that participating in pageants gives us a platform, and we use it to serve others through volunteerism.
TK: Tell us about volunteering.
Patricia: We have been homeless before. There was a period in our lives where I struggled, and my kids struggled, too. Now, we are in a good place and have the opportunity to give back to others. Participating in pageants is a passion for me and my younger daughter; it gives her the opportunity to grow and achieve what she would like to in life. Her social impact platform about what volunteerism means to her is #FEED, which stands for Food, Education, Encouragement and Dreams.
TK: You mentioned going through some hardships. Tell us about that.
Patricia: There was a moment in my life when I was so down that I tried to commit suicide on more than one occasion. But I knew I had my children depending on me. It was a very difficult time. Sometimes you want to be selfish, but I had to remember that you have kids who are depending on you – I had to think of my kids. Every day I go through struggles, but I just try to know that it is temporary – a pause – and that it won’t last. My tattoo of a semi-colon represents that pause. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without those struggles. I live for my daughters and my mom. Everything I do is for them.
TK: Tell us more about your role in the production of Once on This Island at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.
Patricia: I usually do everything for my children, so this is something that I was hoping to be able to do, and now I have the opportunity! I recently auditioned for a role in the upcoming musical, Once on This Island, and will be playing the role of Agwe, the goddess of water. It’s a colorful, beautiful musical that includes singing and dancing and will be great for families. My daughter is also playing a small role. It is at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center from Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, May 5.
TK: What words do you have for your daughter, Dayann, who wrote the letter nominating you as an Amazing Mom for TulsaKids?
Patricia: There is no such thing as perfect, but if there ever was, it’s you and your sister. I know you’re going to have flaws and you’re going to fall, but I trust that you are always going to trust in God and put your best foot forward. I am beyond grateful to be chosen to be your mother, and I owe you and your sister everything. There are no words to describe how much I love you – you’re my bestie and my twin. I am honored that you nominated me to be an amazing mom; although sometimes I don’t feel like it, and my kids deserve more. No matter what, you have a mom in me, a friend in me, and you’re everything that I hoped to be. I love you unconditionally.
To listen to this interview with Patricia, including how she is growing more in 2024, check out the Sharing Passion and Purpose Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform or directly at SharingPassionandPurpose.com.
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.
