About Us
About Us
Mother America is more than a clothing brand—it’s a movement built on community, creativity, and service. Founded by a student who wanted to honor the quiet courage of our nation’s veterans, we design and sell apparel with one goal in mind: to give back. Every design is created collaboratively by teams of volunteers, voted on democratically, and sold online and at community events. 100% of proceeds support the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, directly aiding veterans facing health challenges, housing insecurity, and reintegration struggles.
Our Story
Mother America was founded in memory of “Papa Jo,” a Vietnam veteran who declined a Purple Heart after saving his fellow soldiers. His lesson—that courage isn’t measured in medals but in acts of service—shaped everything we stand for. After he passed away from Agent Orange–induced cancer, his granddaughter launched Mother America as a way to carry his legacy forward.
What began as a student project grew into a thriving community: volunteers learning design through Apliiq, meeting monthly to share ideas, and democratically voting on which pieces to produce. Soon, designs were sold through a Shopify store and showcased at local markets and vendors. Today, that grassroots spirit remains at our core as Mother America plans to expand through chapters and partnerships nationwide.
Meet the Founder
Mother America was founded by Samantha Leff, a student, artist, and social entrepreneur inspired by her late grandfather, a Vietnam veteran who embodied quiet acts of service over recognition. When Samantha lost him to Agent Orange–induced cancer, she channeled her grief into action by creating an organization that honored his legacy of selflessness while uplifting today’s veterans.
From designing apparel to building the website, Samantha started Mother America with a belief that teamwork and creativity could fuel meaningful impact. She mobilized her peers into a student-led community where volunteers design apparel together, vote on the final collections, and see their work transformed into fundraising campaigns. Every dollar raised goes directly to the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, ensuring that the work of her generation supports veterans living with long-term physical and mental health challenges.
Beyond her work with Mother America, Samantha has immersed herself in nonprofit advocacy, real estate finance internships, and campus leadership. But at the heart of it all is her conviction—instilled by her grandfather—that true courage is not measured in accolades, but in service. Through Mother America, Samantha hopes to empower other students and communities to carry forward that same legacy: turning creativity into compassion, and compassion into change.
Our Mission
We exist to unite communities in support of those who have sacrificed for us. By combining team-based design, youth-led leadership, and grassroots organizing, Mother America transforms creativity into tangible impact. Our mission is simple: empower students and volunteers to use art, entrepreneurship, and service as tools to honor veterans and strengthen communities.
Our Impact
Every purchase from Mother America is more than apparel—it’s direct support for veterans. Since our founding, we’ve:
- Donated 100% of proceeds to the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation.
- Hosted workshops and meet-ups that bring students and communities together around veteran advocacy.
- Built a model for youth-led social enterprise that turns creativity into action.
By wearing Mother America, you’re not just buying clothes—you’re carrying forward a legacy of service, resilience, and impact.
Get Involved
Mother America thrives because of people like you. There are three ways to join the movement:
1. Start a Local Chapter – Bring Mother America to your school, campus, or community. We’ll provide the tools, resources, and mentorship to help you launch and grow.
2. Join the Design Team – Collaborate with peers to create apparel, pitch ideas, and vote on the next release. No design experience required—just passion and creativity.
3. Support Veterans – Every purchase fuels our mission, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation.
Together, we can transform community creativity into real change for those who served.
Contact Us
Have questions or want to get involved? You can reach me at Motheramerica.co@gmail.com or follow us on instagram @Motheramerica.co.