My new title

Over the years, I've worn many hats and held many titles, personally and professionally. From Army brat to Managing Director, I have embraced the growth and evolution of who I am and what I do (generally not conflated, although deeply connected—the value of mission-driven work).?

Late last year, I added a new role to my resume (not literally, although why not?): mother. And I return to work after parental leave this week. I am both excited to stretch my mind in a familiar way and remind myself of the executive that I am, and nervous about closing the door on a sweet and special chapter and stepping back into my career.?

On the eve of my return-to-work transition, I wanted to share a few thoughts about this experience. Recognizing that 74% of mothers with children under the age of 18 here in the United States are working or actively seeking work, I imagine I am not alone in this often ‘internal’ conversation.?

1. Two whole people: The role of 'mom' is all-encompassing and I am unsure how to blend this person with my professional self. How can I be 100% of two people? I aspire to be the same professional I was before, only now with a bonus perspective, and I know there will be an adjustment. I am lucky to be at a company that values (and champions) belonging in the workplace, and that wants me to bring my whole self to work, rightfully seeing my new role as a benefit to our impact work.?
2. The work itself: While I recognize that I am a mom and this is a new version of myself, the term does not yet resonate with me. It feels like there is not a big enough word for my new role and this version of myself. In fact, it is so 'not big enough' that sometimes casually saying 'parent' or 'mother' feels demeaning to the emotional weight and actual labor it entails (a 2018 Welch’s study found being a mother is equivalent to 2.5 full-time jobs). While I feel this as an individual, I know this comment is reflective of a larger societal issue and structural inequity around women's rights, women's health, and parental support (and a general lack of recognition of the challenge itself).?
3. Fitting back in: Much like my 'reentry' training while working in international disaster response, I am stepping back into a role after a major life experience. I may no longer fit in the 'Sarah-shaped space' I once filled. How will that feel for me? For my team, colleagues, and partners? I will have to remember to give myself a bit of grace as I reshape that space and reenter a workforce that is not systemically mom-friendly (where will I pump?!).
4. I am lucky: I see my privilege in every aspect of this new self and this transition. I am fortunate to be able to have conceived, to have good healthcare and to be heard as a patient, to live in a state that allowed me to have necessary procedures during my journey to have a baby, to be able to afford childcare, to have state leave benefits, to not live in an unsafe place - one where I can feed and safely care for a child without violence or war or being targeted. I am grateful for a partner who truly sees parenthood as a joint venture and for a company whose leave policies allowed me to spend the fourth trimester (and some) healing, growing, and loving my newborn. I don’t take these things for granted and recognize many mothers’ (and parents’) stories are more nuanced.??

I am sitting with all of these thoughts and questions (and more) and reminded that the dichotomy of emotions and thoughts is not only okay, but encouraged; we can be excited and sad, we can be ready and nervous, we can be parents and professionals...we can hold two seemingly conflicting things at once.?

And while holding these roles and emotions, I sit in a community of others doing the same thing. Over the last few months I have found my ‘village’ of women also navigating parenthood and thank them for their emotional support, collaboration as we learn together, and guidance as they take these steps too.?(Thanks to Steph Belsky, Katie Hinman , Lynsey Sullivan , Shari Thomashow , Jackie Suiter , Kelly Rosencrans Michel , Jennifer Weidman , Rebecca Silver Fisher , Naomi P. , Diliana Deltcheva (!!) and so many more!)

As I return to the office, I am thrilled to rejoin a team that is working day in and day out on impact and equity in the workplace - work that I connect with, perhaps in an even deeper way now in my new capacity as a working mom.?

At Meteorite , and through our flagship initiative, Health Action Alliance , we recognize the critical importance of supporting women in the workforce—ensuring their health, well-being, and professional growth. I'm proud to be part of a team actively driving positive change for working mothers and beyond.?

I look forward to being deeply cognizant in my return to work, embracing the full spectrum of emotions and opportunities that come with this transition and leveraging the challenges and triumphs to inform my own perspective. I also look forward to learning from the village, including you all, as we consider elevating this important conversation about a very real and often undiscussed experience.?

Are you navigating the return to work after maternity leave? I'd love to hear about your experiences and emotions as you transition back into the workplace.