About Us
Mamas Connect Support Network is a community for Black moms across the Greater Toronto Area who are navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood together. Founded in November 2021, we exist to foster authentic connection, shared understanding, and supportive spaces where Black mothers feel seen and affirmed.
Our community primarily supports moms in the early and middle years of motherhood, while continuing to welcome those who have grown alongside us through different stages of parenting.
A Village Rooted in Sisterhood
Mamas Connect is more than a group — it’s a growing village built on sisterhood, solidarity, and mutual care. We believe motherhood was never meant to be done in isolation, and that meaningful connection can be a powerful source of strength and healing.
A Safe and Affirming Space
Whether you’re balancing work, building a business, caregiving full-time, or simply finding your footing in this season of life, Mamas Connect offers a space where your identity as a woman and a mother is honoured.
This is a judgment-free environment rooted in respect, shared experience, and emotional safety.
Filling a Unique Gap
Mamas Connect was created in response to the lack of parenting spaces that reflect the lived experiences of Black mothers in the GTA. From navigating systemic barriers to balancing cultural expectations, we hold space for conversations that are often overlooked — and do so in community with one another.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support the emotional and everyday well-being of Black moms through intentional community spaces, guided conversations, and opportunities for meaningful connection. We believe in growing sustainably, centering care, and creating access points that meet moms where they are.
Building Meaningful Connection
Through honest conversations, peer-led spaces, and thoughtfully curated gatherings — both online and in person — Mamas Connect continues to evolve as a place where Black moms can connect, reflect, and feel supported through the changing seasons of motherhood.
If you believe in pouring into women and building community with intention, you’re in the right place.
Together, we grow. Together, we thrive.
Founder & Community Director
Cherise Wilson
I’m a Toronto-based mom and the founder of Mamas Connect Support Network, a community I began building after becoming a mother during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like many new moms during that time, my early experience of motherhood was deeply isolating. I navigated postpartum depression and anxiety while missing the sense of village and shared support I had hoped for. As restrictions began to ease in 2021 and my mental health started to stabilize, I went looking for community — and quickly realized how few spaces reflected the lived experiences of Black mothers like me.
That gap is what led me to create Mamas Connect.
Since its founding in 2021, Mamas Connect has grown into a supportive and connected community of Black moms across the Greater Toronto Area. What began as a search for connection has evolved into a space where moms build genuine relationships, share resources, and show up for one another through different seasons of motherhood.
Outside of community leadership, I work in the food and hospitality industry and hold a postgraduate certificate in Human Resources Management, along with a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning. My professional background informs how I approach community care — with intention, structure, and sustainability.
At my core, I’m a strong advocate for Black mothers and deeply believe in the power of intentional community to support healing, growth, and sustainability — both individually and collectively.
Founding Community Facilitator
Shari Grant
I am a mother, educator, and community facilitator with a deep passion for supporting Black mothers through the many seasons of motherhood. As a founding community facilitator with Mamas Connect, I played an important role in helping shape the early foundation of the community by supporting connection, culturally relevant conversation, and shared learning among moms.
With a background in Psychology and Early Childhood Education, and current training as a postpartum doula, I bring a thoughtful, care-centered perspective to maternal well-being. I believe deeply in the power of community and in creating spaces where Black motherhood is supported, affirmed, and celebrated.
My contributions helped lay the groundwork for the community Mamas Connect continues to build today.
