She was grief-stricken when her mother passed away two years ago.

Now Vanessa Dale Myers Mason has wiped away her tears and come up with a positive way to honor her mother.

Joining with others who have lost their mothers, the retired state employee has created a new nonprofit called Missing Our Moms Still, or MOMS Inc. Its mission is “to uplift women to live a better life.”

Her vision is for the group to become a force for assisting older women with such basic needs as food, shelter and clothing and to help younger women gain the training, financial assistance or support they need.

She’s also hoping to link MOMS Inc. with other people-helping groups.

Now that the group is launched, Ms. Myers Mason is seeking to take one of the hardest steps for any nonprofit — raising money to carry out the mission.

Her big idea: Throw a concert with a popular band.

The pre-Mother’s Day event on Sunday, May 5, titled “The Message Behind the Music!” will feature the music of Glennroy & Company.

Ms. Myers Mason says the goal is to provide an opportunity for people to have a good time while remembering their mothers.

This event is just one way the West Virginia native is using her past experience as a leadership trainer at the Virginia Employment Commission to benefit the new organization of which she is president.

She also has experience in handling this type of affair through her volunteer service with the Rho Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Three years ago, she served as co-chair of the chapter’s scholarship fundraiser, “Sauté and Sizzle: Richmond Men Are Cooking,” in which area men play chef for a day.

Ms. Myers Mason, who also ambitiously wants to open an adult day care, believes her mother would be proud that she is seeking to improve the lives of other women, particularly elderly women, “who may need assistance or just have someone be a voice for them.”

Meet this week’s people-helping Personality, Vanessa Dale Myers Mason: 

Occupation: Retired leadership trainer for the Virginia Employment Commission.

No. 1 volunteer position: President, MOMS Inc. MOMS stands for Missing Our Moms Still.

Date and place of birth: Nov. 8 in Welch, W.Va.

Current residence: Henrico County.

Alma maters: Bachelor’s degree in business education, Bluefield State College; master’s in business education, Marshall University; and advanced studies at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Family: James “Oliver” Mason, husband.

Mission of MOMS Inc: To uplift and strengthen women to live a better life. Our three main objectives are: (1) To assist women in need of services to help them fulfill their dreams and live a better life through education, financial assistance or family support; (2) To assist elderly women through advocacy, financial assistance and ensure access to necessities such as shelter, food and clothing; and (3) To provide philanthropic opportunities to individuals and organizations.

No. of members: Seven board members.

Membership requirements: Each of the board members were asked to join MOMS Inc. for one major reason: They loved and still miss their Mom. During our initial board meeting, I explained to the six board members that they were invited as board members because I knew, observed or heard about how dearly they loved and cared for their Mom, especially in their Mom’s latter years.

Why I am excited about this organization: I am excited because it is a fantastic way of honoring my Mom, Mrs. Nannie Louise Allen Myers, who died in April 2017. I know that Mom would be proud that this organization will help women, and especially elderly women who may need assistance, or be a voice for them in times of need.

Outlook at start of day: Thanking God for allowing and blessing me to see another day to do His will.

Quality I most admire in another person: Honesty and a sincere desire to help others.

Best late-night snack: Popcorn.

How I unwind: Having great conversations and laughs with my best friend and husband, Oliver.

A quote that I am inspired by: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

The best thing my parents ever taught me: To get an education. This is something no one can take away from you.

The person who influenced me the most: My Dad, Deacon Lawrence Daniel Myers who only completed the fifth grade, but along with my Mom, offered seven children the opportunity to advance their education.

Book that influenced me the most: “To Be a Black Woman: Portraits in Fact and Fiction,” edited by Mel Watkins and Jay David.

What I’m reading now: Various and sundry books in my master’s of arts in Christian education at Virginia Union University.

My next goal: To develop an adult day care center.