Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Mozart.
Jessica , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Jessica Mozart, and I am from Myanmar (Burma). I am an early childhood and parenting educator, a maternal advocate, and a strong believer in the power of education and parenting to transform lives.
Since 2014, I have dedicated myself to educating parents and mothers in my community, where awareness of parenting, child psychology, and mental health remains very limited. I believe that raising children with care, wisdom, and compassion is vital, for today’s children will become tomorrow’s leaders.
My motivation is rooted in personal experience. I was raised by teenage parents who struggled financially and emotionally, which often led to neglect. At the age of 13, I lost my father to kidney failure. Many years after that, I had to endure emotional, verbal, and physical abuse from my mother, who struggled with her own mental health. These hardships shaped my determination to ensure that no child in my community should suffer in the same way.
When I became pregnant with my daughter, I began studying child psychology and development independently through online resources. I translated many materials into Burmese and shared them on social media, reaching tens of thousands of parents. This work led to my recognition as Myanmar’s first “mom influencer,” advocating positive parenting, child development, and maternal mental wellbeing.
My advocacy opened doors to workshops and talk shows, and in 2017 I was honored with the Myanmar Influencer Award in Parenting and Health, later becoming a Top 5 finalist in 2018. To deepen my expertise, I pursued diplomas in psychology, child psychology, early childhood care, and Montessori education. Today, I serve as a preschool principal, consultant, teacher trainer and parenting educator while also offering free online workshops and consultations for parents nationwide.
I am especially committed to empowering mothers, helping them rebuild confidence, overcome self-doubt, and return to the workforce. My goal is to ensure that women do not lose faith in themselves, but instead recognize their resilience, strength, and capacity to achieve both personal and professional fulfillment.
I am also a parenting author, having published two bestselling books in Burmese. These books serve as practical tools to support mothers in their daily challenges while also educating parents on raising children with care and understanding.
In October 2024, I was honored to be selected as a participant in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for Women in Politics and Civil Society. This opportunity allowed me to visit several cities in the United States and witness firsthand the strength of its systems and institutions, which stand in remarkable contrast to those of my own country. Alongside 22 inspiring women leaders from around the world, I took part in an exchange that was both memorable and transformative. I feel deeply fortunate to have seen and learned so much through this program, and it is my hope that one day Myanmar, too, will progress toward a brighter and more inclusive future. In the meantime, I remain committed to contributing in every way I can to bring about meaningful and lasting change.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
On a personal level, my journey has been shaped by the process of healing from past trauma and pain, enduring financial hardships, and coming to terms with my parents’ past choices by seeking understanding and ultimately finding forgiveness.
Professionally, I faced significant resistance when I began advocating for parenting awareness, children’s development, and the societal changes that were urgently needed. Many in rural communities regarded these ideas as unacceptable, and when I later spoke about the importance of age-appropriate sex education, the subject was considered taboo. I was harshly criticized, including through online attacks, for raising issues that people were unwilling to acknowledge. Over time, however, perspectives have begun to shift, and today many of the ideas I spoke about a decade ago are increasingly recognized and supported.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work centers on helping parents raise well-adjusted children by guiding them away from hearsay and traditional practices that may unintentionally harm their children. Too often, parents in Myanmar rely on outdated methods that do not align with healthy or correct practices. I emphasize the importance of early childhood care and encourage families to adopt research-based approaches that nurture children’s holistic development – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In Myanmar, the majority of the population is still behind in knowledge about how to raise children in ways that truly support their growth. Many women also continue to hold very traditional beliefs, which can limit both their children’s potential and their own opportunities. This gap in knowledge is exactly why my work matters: to raise awareness, educate, and inspire parents to choose practices that are genuinely good for their families.
Beyond working with parents, I am passionate about encouraging women and mothers not to cut themselves off from the world, believing their husbands will always provide. I want them to see that they, too, can stand strong on their own. When women stay connected to their communities, continue learning, and build their own income, they are empowered to return to work when necessary, protect themselves from domestic abuse, and even lead their families with confidence and dignity.
That is why I always share opportunities for women and mothers to grow – whether it is through learning new skills, joining training programs, or finding meaningful ways to contribute to society. I believe that when parents are well-informed and women are empowered, children thrive, families flourish, and communities become stronger.
What’s next?
I remain committed to continuous learning and personal growth. I was honored to receive an unconditional offer to the online Master’s program in Mental Health in Children and Young People at the University of Edinburgh for this academic year.
Although I was unable to secure a scholarship in time and could not afford the tuition fees, I have deferred my studies to the next academic year. This additional time will allow me to actively pursue funding opportunities and prepare myself more fully.
My goal is to complete this program and apply the knowledge I gain to support children and young people in Myanmar. I aspire to serve as a school counselor in high schools, providing guidance, care, and evidence-based support to help the next generation overcome challenges and thrive. In addition, I am planning to educating parents with the insights I acquire from this Master Program, so they can better understand their children and raise them with empathy, wisdom, and confidence.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica_mozart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicamozart.mm
- LinkedIn: https://mm.linkedin.com/in/jessica-mozart
