There’s no doubt that moms have earned a special gift this year as the pandemic has challenged our strength and resilience. Mothers have endured heightened sacrifice, not the least of which included pivoting to homeschooling. Moms of color, especially, had to put dreams on hold to care for parents and children alike over the last year.

Today, El Pollo Loco is launching the #StrongLikeAMadre campaign, a three-week-long Instagram contest to award special grants to deserving moms who are “Strong Like a Madre.” Each grant will help a mom in the Southern California area regain her momentum and get back to pursuing her ambitions. The three grant categories include the Dream Gig (to help mom be her own boss), the Dream Relaunch (to help mom break back into her industry) and the Dream Escape (to provide mom a much-needed break).

Twelve Madreship grants will be awarded to winners selected from the pool of nomination submissions according to the flame broiled chicken chain.

• The Dream Gig – For the mom who’s always dreamed of being her own boss or pursuing an unrealized passion, the Dream Gig offers a $5,000 check to mom so she may pursue opportunities for scholarships, mentorship, industry conventions and funding to get her business off the ground.
• The Dream Relaunch – For the mom who had to take time off from work this year or was laid off, the Dream Relaunch will help her break back into her industry with a $5,000 check to pursue resources such as: interview coaching, resume services, networking communities and more.
• The Dream Escape – For the mom who, more than anything, needs a breather from burnout, the Dream Escape will give her a $5,000 check for a much-needed weekend getaway, childcare coverage, luxurious accommodations, premium subscriptions, or whatever mom needs to recharge.

El Pollo Loco has also commissioned urban art group Lapiztola to paint a special Strong Like A Madre Mother’s Day mural at the 5800 S. Vermont Ave. El Pollo Loco location to honor the strength and resilience of mothers everywhere. The artists are traveling from their home in Oaxaca, Mexico to create the piece. For official rules and more information about El Pollo Loco’s Strong Like A Madre contest, including additional details around Madreship grant themes, visit StrongLikeAMadre.com.

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