Support Single Working Mothers
“There’s No Place Like Home”
Click Three Times: The Story Behind Marina’s Ruby Slippers
Like so many women, Marina intimately understood single mothers' unique challenges because she lived them daily for over 60 years. Limited access to health and support resources made it even harder for her to thrive – not just survive – as a single working mother.
Marina’s Ruby Slipper empowers and supports single working mothers by providing a nurturing space where nutrition, mental health, and physical wellness intersect. From online cooking classes to directly helping single working moms pay for therapy, we’re doing it all because we’ve seen it all – and we understand why these three pieces can really “click” for the women we support.
Shortly before passing, Marina shared heartfelt reflections with her daughters, Denise and Robin. She expressed her desire for more patience with herself and healing over self-medicating with things like alcohol. She envisioned a world where single working mothers’ self-worth is celebrated and nurtured. She believed motherhood should be a journey of empowerment and strength that does not come at the cost of self-sacrifice.
Our foundation is firmly rooted in Marina’s steadfast commitment to uplifting single working mothers by advocating for the importance of health and self-worth within these resilient women.
One of Marina’s favorite movies, The Wizard of Oz, holds special meaning for our vision and mission: when Dorothy is distressed that she doesn’t know how to get home, she must be reminded that the power has been within her all along. She clicks her famous ruby slippers to access that inner capability. We know it takes much more than clicking heels to feel resilient and capable – so we’re here to help.
Founder
A Journey of Understanding: From Single Motherhood to Self-Healing
Denise Portillo’s path to understanding her parents, and consequently herself, is a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of single working mothers. Raised by divorced parents and later by her father and stepmother, Denise always craved a connection with her biological mother. As she matured, she found herself reflecting on the behaviors of her mother that she had struggled to comprehend, particularly when she became a single Her mother, a single working mother of two, grappled with unresolved issues. These struggles led Denise and her sibling to live with their father. Despite having a stepmother who was very young and did the be took care of her, she yearned for a bond with her biological mother. As she matured, she found herself reflecting on the behaviors of her mother that she had struggled to comprehend.
When Denise herself became a single mom, she began to self-medicate, convincing herself that she was different because she had her daughter and wasn’t putting herself in danger. All the while, her mother encouraged her not to repeat her mistakes and to aim for better.
This led Denise on a healing journey of self-love, self-worth, and forgiveness. She began to understand the judgment she held against herself and her mother and how many single working mothers needed a community of help. She realized that self-medication was more accessible than paying for the gym, eating healthier, or paying for a therapist. A glass of wine at home was cheaper and relieved the stress.
Reflecting on her own journey, Denise recognized that the trauma and everything she endured as a child initially caused her to become a victim, then angry, and then merely attempting to survive. However, she realized it was up to her to thrive. Although her experiences were ones no one should have to go through, she was strong, resilient, and powerful. It was up to her to use that strength as a tool to help others. She extended a hand to other women, saying, "You're safe, and you're going to be fine. You're perfect because you're you."
Through both her mother’s and stepmother’s unresolved issues, Denise realized she had been shaped and given priceless lessons. She began to understand that maybe some of their harsh words were ways to get her not to make the same mistakes they made. As she began to gain a deeper understanding of both her mother and stepmother, she saw that women often believed they needed to do it all. She knew there had to be a change for future generations. She began therapy and prioritized herself, even though it felt foreign. Denise knew that if she wanted this cycle to stop, she had to be better for herself first to show her daughter that healing is possible.
Her mother often told her, “Love me less and understand me more.” Denise didn’t understand that until her mother was ready to pass. She realized that when her mother asked, “What are you going to do with YOUR life, Denise?” it was a call to action. As Denise’s daughter got older and she became sober, she knew the healing process had to happen quickly, or she was going to end up blaming her mom for years without understanding that her mom was a beautiful soul who did the best she could.
Now, Denise feels blessed to have had the guidance and lessons from both her mother and stepmother. Before, she felt like she had to choose between them, but she realized that she learned priceless lessons and received guidance from them, each very different, which cultivated who she is today.
Denise’s story is a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs of single working mothers. It underscores the importance of understanding, forgiveness, and self-love. It’s a testament to the power of healing and the importance of community support. And it’s a call to action for all of us to do our part in supporting single working mothers and their children.
