About ConnectingMoms.com

Imagine giving and receiving real everyday know-how on the many stages of motherhood. From expecting women about to become mothers, to new mothers eager to share their little love's significant "firsts", to hip savvy moms who've been there done that!

ConnectingMoms.com is a premier social site for moms of all ages and stages of motherhood. A place to connect; a community open 24/7 where the voices of embracing, amiable, and encouraging women carry you throughout your day. It's a place to find out what real moms are saying about products and services for your kids and family. A friendly community of women where you can discuss anything that's on your mind, share ideas and chat about current events. It's a place to find out what works for other moms and a place to discove what really works for you. So wether you're seeking advice, looking to share your knowledge or lend a helping hand, ConnectingMoms is the web's premier location for mothers to meet and greet, post and boast, and most importantly - make a difference. Come in and join the fun!


Shell Samadani
Founding Mom and CMO (Chief Mom Officer)

Shell was born and raised in Northern Virginia, twenty minutes outside of Washington D.C. She is the first born of five children. After graduating from George Mason University (Go Patriots!), Shell began working for AOL, LLC where she put her Communications background to good use. For 10 years, she worked with AOL's advertising department where she managed the ad management system and technology development for the business.

Like her parents, Shell met her sole mate in high school. In 2001, the couple tied the knot on the island of Maui. In July of 2003 their daughter, Makenna was born. Like many other moms, she made the difficult decision to leave her prestigious career to be a stay-at-home mom with their newborn daughter. Shell believes that parenting is the most demanding, 24/7 job on earth!

After many months of adjusting to motherhood, Shell envisioned an online world, a safe-haven, where mothers could bond with one another, seek advice from the 'been there, done that' savvy mom, and share with others the journey through motherhood.  Having first hand knowledge that mothers have limited time in the day for themselves, let alone time for face to face social gatherings; Shell sought to provide a comfortable environment that gave mothers the opportunity to seek new friendships online. After speaking with her brother, Anthony Samadani, about her ideas the two of them created ConnectingMoms.com.

ConnectingMoms became an extended lifeline for Shell; it provided a creative outlet for her to give back to the community that has supported her and her children (daughter born in 2003 and a son in 2007). Shell feels that every mother has a story, a lesson learned, or advice that will help another mother. She imagined that if all mothers came together as one group, they could enhance the wonderful world of motherhood - throughout the nation and throughout the world. Shell believes that moms can make a difference, so join ConnectingMoms.com and enter the amazing world of Motherhood. To learn more about Shell, click here to read her biography (must be a member to view).

Tanya Alvarez
Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer

A Miami native of Colombian heritage, Tanya is the second youngest of four children (two older sisters and a younger brother). Tanya, a self-proclaimed former tomboy, used her diverse talents, interests and sense of adventure to convert from her boyish ways at Wellesley College for Women. After graduating in 2000 with a BA in International Relations, Tanya put her education to good use working for the US Olympic Committee in Colorado and Nike in Europe. She has served as vice president for two smaller start-up companies. In 2004, Tanya took on the challenge of starting her own company, Blink Ads, a venture, which she describes as both fulfilling and exciting.

But don't think Tanya means strictly business. She also enjoys running and has boldly completed the 2001 Boston Marathon and the 2005 New York City Triathlon. Tanya's other passion is traveling to exotic locations where she collects unique jewelry pieces. One of her goals is to send herself a postcard from every continent. So far, she is only missing Asia, Australia, (and Antarctica) from her postcard scrapbook (but she'll keep you posted).

Tanya credits her mother as her greatest role model, and is Tanya's inspiration for ConnectingMoms. Although she is not yet a mother, Tanya aspires to be as terrific as her own mom when she has her children. Tanya thanks great mothers everywhere for being the pillars in their children's lives.

Anthony Samadani
Co-Founder and CEO

Born and raised in Northern Virginia, to incredibly loving parents, Anthony grew up in a traditional suburban community with a flair for city life and an appreciation for other cultures. He quickly realized he should use his background to his advantage and he began learning about other cultures, religions and ethnicities. After attending college in his hometown at George Mason University, Anthony knew it was time to pursue his ultimate dream of becoming an influential, successful and talented Hollywood producer.

Anthony's first stop was Southwestern University School of Law. During his second year summer of law school, he was one of a select handful of law students chosen to attend Cornell University's summer program studying International Law at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. In 2000, Anthony graduated with honors, was on the prestigious Law Review and was also selected as the Leads Article Editor. Later in 2000, he successfully passed the California Bar Exam on his first attempt, making him one of the youngest attorneys to be sworn in that year, at the age of 25.

Anthony was now faced with his second step: Pursue the legal firm job making or pursue his dream of producing films and television projects. Anthony chose the later, and began working as an attorney in the Business/Legal Affairs department for First Look Studios. After working at FLS for little over two years, Anthony knew it was time to gain more insight into the entertainment field, and convinced the founder of FLM to create a new creative coordinator position in the Acquisitions department. Anthony felt that too many films were slipping beneath the radar due to lack of manpower to be able seek these Independent projects.

In 2002, Anthony was blessed to meet Muhammad Ali and his oldest daughter May May Ali. Anthony and May May connected spiritually, morally and shared the same goals within the entertainment field. Less then 6 months later, they started their own production company, Cinemore Entertainment Ventures (CEV). Since then, CEV has created and written over 14 reality/game show concepts. Anthony currently has two motion pictures and two TV sitcoms in development. His excellence and determination to see projects to fruition are some of his most distinctive qualities.

Victoria M.
Mom Contributor