Occupation ▪ Owner of NRK Construction
Husband ▪ Carlos
Daughter ▪ Kennedy, 21 months
Hobbies ▪ Traveling, reading, wine tasting, and volunteering
As a wife, mother, business owner, and president of the Junior League of Baton Rouge, Norisha Kirts Glover wears a lot of hats. For her, finding the perfect balance between being a working mom and volunteering is challenging, but it’s also rewarding.
Norisha is authentic and transparent, and she has a heart for people. With everyone she meets, she provides a space for them to be who they are. Norisha’s a real mom who isn’t afraid to admit to loving a good binge-watching session of her favorite television show every now and then, which is something we can all relate to.
How would you describe raising your daughter?
N: One of the most challenging and rewarding things that I have ever done. It’s challenging because I want to do all the right things. I’m a working mom and a lot of my time is dedicated to working, and I’m the president of Junior League and a lot of my time in the evening is dedicated to Junior League, so finding that balance is tough, but I think that balance is what every mother tries to make.
What are things you like to do as a family?
N: We like to drive around, walk our neighborhood, and go to the zoo. We like to cook out in our yard. Carlos is a phenomenal griller, so we enjoy just hanging out with people at home.
What’s the greatest thing about being a mom?
N: Ever since she was a baby, I saw myself in Kennedy, and to see a reflection of yourself–both the good and the bad–that’s awesome.
What was your latest mom win?
N: We have a bedtime routine and we’ll read and say our prayers. It cracks me up because she’ll get on her knees, put her hands together, and say, “Our Father, our Father, our Father. Amen.” I love that she’s trying to say the Lord’s Prayer.
How has parenthood changed you?
N: I’m more sympathetic. I think that’s important, especially being a leader of an organization that is dedicated to women. We need to recognize that everyone balances everything differently.
What do you love most about your job?
N: I really like being able to deliver what my clients asked, and to do that on schedule and on budget, those are big wins for me.
What has your job taught you about parenting?
N: It’s okay to make mistakes because it builds character. You have to be flexible and adjust because you want to parent based on the child, and the same thing works in business. You don’t approach every employee the same way. You have to meet them where they are.
How do you make time to relax?
N: Sometimes it comes in the evening or on the weekends and it’s either because I am walking in my neighborhood or binge-watching the Hallmark channel.
What’s your favorite date night?
N: Stab’s in Central, sitting on their second floor. We haven’t done that as much, but I will tell you, he can be a romantic guy. He loves experimenting with recipes and we have different palates, but he will randomly cook for my palate as opposed to his palate and that’s really sweet.
What kind of mom are you?
N: It’s very important to me to make sure that I raise an independent daughter. I want my daughter to have a better life than I have, so often my thoughts are about the things that I need to be doing to set her up for success without being overbearing.
What’s something you hope to instill in her?
N: I want her to be confident in who she is and not swayed by the rest of the world. I want her to be an independent thinker and I want her to be kind. I want her to be someone whose spirituality helps guide her life.
Best parenting advice you have received?
N: Mothers have to do what works for them. Who cares how someone else is doing? They have to do what works for their family, you have to do what works for you.
Do you have any advice for other parents?
N: Tell your children that you love them and don’t assume they know. Cultivate their interests , not yours. Allow them to build character through learning from their mistakes when they fail. ■
Q&A
The parenting item I couldn’t live without…Nosefrida.
In my fridge, you will always find…bottled water.
Favorite movie growing up…The Little Mermaid.
My guilty pleasure is…sitting on my couch, eating all the worst snacks, and watching Hallmark movies.
Music I’m loving…I get really excited when “Savage” comes on.
I feel my best when I…have had enough sleep.
My favorite television show is…The Golden Girls and This is Us.
