Rising Through Adversity: My Journey as a Mother, Wife, and Black Woman in Media

By Nahdya Hodge

You can expect life to bombard you with multiple challenges simultaneously. Your career starts with finding your footing but quickly evolves into balancing parenting and marriage responsibilities while leading and overcoming the challenges faced by Black women who are frequently underestimated in their professional environments.

The journey into motherhood for the first time stands as one of my life's most stunning yet strenuous experiences. At three months old my son has already changed how I perceive the world around me. I am navigating marriage as a new wife while simultaneously leading a magazine that empowers creators and influencers and growing together with my partner. The concept appears perfect when written down yet turns out to be a true dream in many aspects. The reality of this situation involves multiple challenges.

Black women in media must continually prove their skills because these demonstrations sometimes need to be repeated multiple times. Entering spaces where people prematurely judge you as unqualified despite your proven credentials and experience remains frustrating. I've experienced situations where people ignored my ideas until they were accepted as valuable when repeated by someone else. People look surprised when they discover I hold the leadership position instead of being a mere assistant or intern.

At first, these moments stung. The situation prompted me to wonder if I should perform more to gain recognition and if I had to overcompensate in order to be respected. But over time, I realized something: The responsibility for their underestimation of me rests with them and not me. I do not need to diminish my presence to match their restricted view of leadership. The impact of my work demonstrates my right to be here while my achievements confirm my place in this position.

You can expect life to bombard you with multiple challenges simultaneously. Your career starts with finding your footing but quickly evolves into balancing parenting and marriage responsibilities while leading and overcoming the challenges faced by Black women who are frequently underestimated in their professional environments.

The journey into motherhood for the first time stands as one of my life's most stunning yet strenuous experiences. At three months old my son has already changed how I perceive the world around me. I am navigating marriage as a new wife while simultaneously leading a magazine that empowers creators and influencers and growing together with my partner. The concept appears perfect when written down yet turns out to be a true dream in many aspects. The reality of this situation involves multiple challenges.

Black women in media must continually prove their skills because these demonstrations sometimes need to be repeated multiple times. Entering spaces where people prematurely judge you as unqualified despite your proven credentials and experience remains frustrating. I've experienced situations where people ignored my ideas until they were accepted as valuable when repeated by someone else. People look surprised when they discover I hold the leadership position instead of being a mere assistant or intern.

At first, these moments stung. The situation prompted me to wonder if I should perform more to gain recognition and if I had to overcompensate in order to be respected. But over time, I realized something: The responsibility for their underestimation of me rests with them and not me. I do not need to diminish my presence to match their restricted view of leadership. The impact of my work demonstrates my right to be here while my achievements confirm my place in this position.

One of the hardest parts of this journey has been finding balance. With no outside help aside from my husband—who works long hours—it’s often just me, my baby, and my laptop. Some days, I feel like I’m in survival mode, switching between feeding my son, answering emails, taking meetings, and trying to find a moment to breathe.

It’s easy to feel like I’m always falling behind, like there aren’t enough hours in the day to be fully present in every role I play. But I’ve come to accept that balance isn’t about perfection. Some days, work will take priority; other days, my son will need me more. And that’s okay.

I remind myself that success isn’t measured by how fast I complete my to-do list. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is the life I’m creating. There’s no shame in moving at my own pace. What matters is that I keep going, that I continue building something meaningful—both for myself and for the future I want for my family.

Despite the obstacles, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Motherhood has made me more patient, marriage has made me more intentional, and my career has made me more resilient. I’ve learned to advocate for myself, to trust my voice, and to create boundaries that protect my peace.

More importantly, I’ve learned that I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I am enough, just as I am. I am a mother. I am a wife. I am an Editor-in-Chief. And I am capable of achieving everything I set out to do—on my own terms.

So, for anyone feeling like they’re being pulled in a million directions, for anyone who’s ever been underestimated or overlooked—know that your journey is valid. Your pace is yours alone. And no matter what challenges come your way, you have the power to rise above them. Because you, too, are unstoppable.

Connect With Nahdya

@nahdyahodge

@chatworthynahdya

@chatworthymag

www.chatworthymag.com