GoodHeart | Sara-Jade Kow empowers single moms with ‘Moms of the Universe’
Published:Saturday | May 31, 2025 | 12:05 AMRuth-Ann Briscoe /Gleaner Writer
Personal experiences often lead to deeper reflection and, in some cases, inspire efforts to support others facing similar or even greater challenges. Sara-Jade Kow, regional manager of Miss Universe Jamaica Northeast, is the visionary behind Moms of the Universe, an initiative dedicated to improving the lives of single mothers and their children across Jamaica.
Transitioning from a nuclear family upbringing to life as a single mother opened Kow’s eyes to a social issue she describes as often overlooked. Motivated by her journey and a desire to uplift others, she created Moms of the Universe, a resource for mothers facing similar circumstances.
Reflecting on the impact of the initiative, Kow shared that helping single mothers navigate their own challenges has given her a renewed sense of purpose.
Kow told GoodHeart, “There were times I couldn’t understand why I was facing certain hardships, but now it’s clear that I was meant to go through them so I could develop the empathy and relatability needed to help others.”
Although making a small but meaningful impact on the lives of single women, the Moms of the Universe founder believes it is crucial for mothers to be supported, especially in light of the statistics related to single mothers versus those who have paternal support in Jamaica.
“They deserve recognition and gratitude for doing the most important job in the world, often on their own. It’s a beautiful but challenging journey, filled with financial strain, emotional pressure, burnout, postpartum depression, and so much more. It’s time they are seen, acknowledged, and appreciated,” Kow noted.
Moms of the Universe understands that, especially for single mothers, “every mickle mek a muckle”. As a result, any way the initiative can assist mothers in their entrepreneurial pursuits or in seeking employment makes a difference not only in their lives but also, by extension, in the lives of their children.
“Sometimes, that support is as simple as donating hair products to a single mom who is a hairdresser, or providing snacks and sweets to one who sells on the street. These small acts of support not only help financially, but also offer emotional reassurance that they are not alone, that they belong to a community that cares,” Kow said.
Focused on being a support system for single mothers in Jamaica, the initiative is also geared towards the beneficiaries somehow experiencing personal development, in ways the initiative can assist.
As the first runner-up in the Miss Universe Jamaica 2024 competition, Kow was among the first contestants to highlight the challenges faced by single mothers. Her advocacy was especially timely, as she competed in a cohort that marked the implementation of new Miss Universe Organisation rules allowing married women, divorced women, and mothers – including pregnant women – to participate. These changes reflected a broader shift toward inclusivity and representation within the pageant.
“Moms of the Universe may have seemed like a conflicting fit, as beauty pageants don’t typically highlight the realities of single motherhood. And while it may have been unconventional, I believe it was received with the intention it deserved,” she said.
Similarly, Kow believes that her initiative aligns perfectly with Miss Universe Jamaica’s framework to empower women, and by extension single mothers.
“My hope is that I [will] help [to] break the stigma, paving the way for other mothers to step into the pageant world proudly, showing that single moms can be empowered, career-driven, multifaceted, and phenomenal women,” Kow added.
Since this year, Moms of the Universe partnered with NCB’s Grant A Wish Programme to assist a single mom of eight with $100,000 to help with roof renovations.
With high hopes for future impact, Kow aims for Moms of the Universe to secure more corporate sponsorships to help beneficiaries improve their financial earnings and make a meaningful difference in their lives and those of their children.