A local mother of four is in the running to win the title of “Super Mom” — and the $20,000 prize that goes along with it.

Elizabeth Severson was recently nominated as a contestant in NewBeauty Magazine’s 2026 Super Mom contest. What she thought was an interview for a Mother’s Day project for her child’s classroom, ended up being an entry into the contest that highlights mothers and motherhood.

“I think there’s a lot of other moms more deserving…but I’m flattered that I was considered and someone decided to submit my name,” she said.

Severson has an 8-year-old son, a 5-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son. She is also the mother of Sienna, her daughter who was stillborn in 2017.

As part of the contest, Severson was asked what is the most rewarding part of being a mom.

“I dreamt of being a mom since I was a kid myself. Having four babies, after being told I couldn’t have any, is a gift I don't take for granted. Seeing the beauty and wonder of life through their eyes is priceless. Sharing a love for Christ, family and culture is something I cherish beyond words.”

Severson stated that the biggest lesson motherhood has taught her is “having a sense of humor. Life has a way of wearing you down if you don't. You can’t get caught up over the spilled milk, long nights or rough mornings, just go with it; it's not worth fretting over.”

If she is named the “Super Mom” of 2026, Severson said she will use the prize money for something fun for the whole family, like a swimming pool, and to help her nonprofit Sienna’s Sunset.

For the past nine years, Severson has been an advocate for families affected by miscarriage or stillbirth. What started as a Facebook page to connect with other families going through the same thing, led to a blog and then an event where people could come together for support. In 2018 Sienna’s Walk was founded, and in 2024, Severson decided instead of a walk to host a community event named Sienna’s Sunset.

“I strongly believe that moms don’t feel comfortable talking about their losses, even though it’s a major part of their life. And so having this event allows for moms and families to not only be able to remember their babies, celebrate their babies, but also find others who have gone through those same experiences and just connect with them,” she said.

Severson is also a supporter of rights for families of stillborn death. In 2023, she shared her story with California legislators in an effort to garner support for AB 1697, a bill that would have given tax credits for a resident who paid for unreimbursed medical and burial or cremation costs for a still born child. It was authored by Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) and co-sponsored by Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Chico). However, the bill died in committee.

Severson’s newest effort is a ministry that helps local families plan a funeral for stillborn death in the catholic church.

“We have created miscarriage boxes so that if a mom suffers a miscarriage at home, she has all the supplies and materials needed, and also the resources to plan a burial,” she said.

Severson also creates care bags for families of stillborn death to take home from the hospital and sponsors scholarships for local high school seniors.

This year’s Sienna’s Sunset event is set for Oct. 3 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 2602 S. Walnut Rd. in Turlock.

To vote for Severson to be the 2026 “Super Mom,” go to: https://thesupermom.org/2026/elizabeth-severson