Malaak, Chris Rock's wife, Philanthropist, Mother Shares Her Journey In An Exclusive Butterfly Interview

Photography by Timothy White
As reported By Butterfly Co-Founder, Bradi Nathan

BN: My son was just a baby when 9/11 rocked our world. Although I had the desperate desire to help in some way, Jack was my priority. In turn, I sat idle, watching the events unfold on television while he peacefully drifted off for his nap. If I had known of how to “partially” help in some fashion – I would have tried to do both well.
Malaak Compton-Rock, mother of two adorable little girls, wife of comedian / actor Chris Rock and founder of the Angel Rock Project, does just that. She dedicates her life to those in need: her family and to the nonprofit world. Mastering the balance between family and volunteerism, Malaak shares her journey with fellow moms in an exclusive interview with Butterfly:

BN: What were you doing before you had children versus what you are doing now?

MCR: Before I had children I was working in the non-profit field, first at The U.S. Fund for UNICEF where I managed celebrity relations, public relations, and special events. From there, I ran my own non-profit, styleWORKS, an organization that offered comprehensive grooming services for women moving from welfare to work. I am now founder and director of The Angelrock Project, an online e-village promoting volunteerism, social responsibility, and sustainable change. The site serves as a pathway for those seeking pertinent information on how to lead a life of service. There are seven main non-profit programs that I work on full-time as a fundraiser, cause-related marketing executive and program coordinator. I also do a lot of public speaking and am writing a book on service and volunteerism.

BN: How do you divide your time?

MCR: I am very lucky, but it took me a while to figure the whole time management thing when it comes to children. I am very active in my kids’ lives and that is how I like it. Like most moms, I wake them up, get them dressed, cook breakfast and drive them to school. I do as many pick-ups in the afternoon as possible and go to most classes except for tennis with my oldest on Mondays. I do the 9:00am tennis lesson with her on Saturdays and make ballet and gymnastics as well. I also car pool one child after school since her mother works a more traditional job. So basically, once my kids are in school, I either work from my home office or my office in New York City. The office in the city is an easy commute for me and I work there at least two days a week, sometimes three. I make the decision where to work based on my kids’ schedule, what meetings I have, and if I need a lot of uninterrupted time to get something done.

BN: How has working changed you as a mother?

MCR: For me it’s changed drastically. After my second child, I had to stop offering direct services with styleWORKS because the schedule did not gel with my family life. Once I got my "sea legs" back I had to really think hard about how I wanted to live my life in terms of work/family balance. I knew that I wanted to be a hands-on mother and go to all of my children's "mommy and me" activities and drive them to school and car pool to playdates. But, I also knew that I needed to work to nourish my soul and make myself happy. I believe that “a happy mother makes for a happy family.” It was hard to let go of styleWORKS because I absolutely loved the interaction with the women I was helping, but it was also exciting to move onto something that fit into my new life as a wife and mother.

BN: How have you and your family benefited by you working?

MCR: I am happy working. It makes me a better wife and mother. When I am working, I am completely committed to what I am doing, however when I am at home with my kids and husband [Chris Rock], I am totally connected to them and enjoy my time immensely. I am not saying that is not difficult to juggle everything because it is, but I know that I would not be as happy if I were not managing my non-profit programs, mentoring children, and speaking at special events and conferences. So to answer your direct question, my family has a happy mom and wife because after a rough patch, I have finally found the right balance.

BN: What is the biggest challenge you face trying to achieve balance in your life?

MCR: Of course the answer is guilt. I feel it every day that I am away from my children. I am very lucky that when I travel I often take my children. This has been a wonderful way of showing them the world, but to also keep them with me. However, due to school or the nature of my travel, I cannot always bring them. On October 13th, I went to Ghana with Susan G. Komen to learn about breast cancer in West Africa. I was extraordinarily excited about this opportunity with such a wonderful organization and advocate which educates women here in the U.S. I missed my babies and felt very guilty that I was leaving them. It is very hard when your four year old daughter asks you to take her with you and you have to say “no.”

BN: Who or what has inspired you on your journey?

MCR: My mother and Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President of The Children's Defense Fund. I cannot believe that I sit on the board of her organization now because I grew up admiring her and think she is one of God's true angels on earth.

BN: How, if at all, has your mother influenced your life?

MCR: My mother told me that was my duty to give back. She always said that "to whom much is given, much is required." Even though I did not have the platform that I have now, I was always expected to serve by volunteering and was taught to think globally not locally or nationally.

BN: Any additional thoughts you would like to share?

MCR: “Congrats!” Malaak.

Malaak Compton-Rock enjoys public speaking and accepts a number of speaking engagements yearly that allow her to spread her core messages. Speaking topics include: Renewing the Inner Spirit, Philanthropic Giving, Finding Balance in Life, Successfully Blending a Family and Professional Life, and Raising Giving Children in a Global World. To request Malaak Compton-Rock for a speaking engagement, email info@angelrockproject.com