Tinolang Manok

"Motherwit" is defined as "natural wit or intelligence." Whether biological or adopted, chosen or slyly reproductive*, mothers have always used their creative energies, their wisdom, and their interdependence with others to feed, heal, protect, and balance in ever more sophisticated, yet simple ways. Right now, Motherwit is a work in progress being incubated by the Purple Maiʻa Foundation.

The founder of Motherwit, Kelsey Amos is co-founder and co-CEO of Purple Maiʻa Foundation and mom of a 2-year-old. Her ancestors come from Japan, Scotland, Ireland, England, and France; She grew up in Mililani and living in Puʻunui. Aside from Motherwit, her passion project is Food+ Policy. She have a PhD in English / Cultural Studies from UH Mānoa. 

The idea for Motherwit Co. started during her own postpartum experience in the spring/summer/fall of 2020, out of an urgency to want to build a better world for her child.

*In her poem, "Sons," Haunani Kay-Trask wrote, "I am slyly / reproductive: ideas / books, history / politics, reproducing / the rope of resistance / for unborn generations.