Hey there mamas! I’m Latiffe Ghanem, but everyone calls me Lati. I’m so excited to be joining MMC and to share tips that can help make those messy and overwhelming parenting moments feel a little easier. This with the hope of reminding you that you’re not alone and that this community is here to say, “We’ve got you.”
You’ll often find me writing about the emotional side of parenting. Those moments when big feelings show up, power struggles begin, meltdowns happen, and we’re left wondering how things escalated so quickly, as this is the focus on my current coaching work.
Miami
I was born in Colombia into a family that blended the flavors and warmth of Latin culture with the traditions and values of a tight-knit Lebanese household. When I first arrived in Miami, I felt completely out of place. I missed everything my native Bogotá had to offer, from its vibrant cultural scene to meeting friends for coffee in one of the many cafés around the city to its chilly weather. I couldn’t stand the humidity, heat, and lack of accessible taxis (this was way before Uber), or how every city block felt like three, never mind trying to walk anywhere.
But Miami has a way of creeping up on you. Slowly but surely, I found my place here. I met my people and built a life in this city. Its melting pot of cultures started to feel like home. Today I’m lucky to have friends from all across Latin America from Argentina to Mexico. My own family reflects that same cultural mix. My husband is Venezuelan-Italian, so our home is its own blend of cultures, traditions, and plenty of good food, including a steady rotation of pasta variations, Lebanese dishes, Colombian empanadas and the occasional plate of tequeños.
Living in Miami has expanded my world in ways I never expected, not only through the friendships I’ve built, but through the cultures, traditions, and flavors that make this city so unique. My palate has grown right along with my community, introducing me to everything from Peruvian ceviche and Argentine asados to Indian curries. Now, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
These days, I love checking out new and tried and true restaurants, walking along Brickell, the occasional show, and, no surprise, meeting friends for coffee in one of the many places that have popped up across the city.
Mom
Currently, our family includes two Boston Terrier fur babies, Rocco and Bruno, who keep life entertaining. My husband and I hope to grow our family someday soon. Like many families, our path to parenthood hasn’t been completely straightforward, but we remain hopeful and excited for what the future holds. In the meantime, I’m a very proud aunt, which has given me a front-row seat to the love, laughter, and occasional chaos that comes with raising little humans.
Collective
Community means everything to me. Through my coaching work, I’ve seen how many women carry quiet feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt as they navigate the ups and downs of life. Having a supportive community can make all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with big emotional moments at home, figuring out summer camps, looking for something to do with the kids, or simply wanting someone who understands what you’re going through, it’s great to know you have someone to lean on.
That’s why being part of Miami Mom Collective is so exciting to me. There is real power in “we.” Knowing you have a group of women in your corner who remind you that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone no matter what season of womanhood/motherhood you’re in.
