Whitney Caldwell

I started to resign myself to the idea that I would not be able to have my own biological child. My husband and I had started to come to terms with it after two years of heartbreak and negative pregnancy tests.

At the time, we were spending nearly every waking hour of the day either working —or commuting to and from work. My stress levels were through the roof and I felt defeated. While I loved the impact I was making and was grateful for what I had learned something had to give. I knew it was time to start looking for another job where I felt that I could grow my career while still maintaining my mental and physical health. I jumped on an opportunity to join Deloitte and immediately felt like I had found my place.

Deloitte empowered me to focus on my well-being, both physical and mental. It was something I’d never experienced at work before. In this new environment, I saw my physical health improve. I felt supported by my leaders and my coach. I felt like I got to be my best self again. I lost over 10 pounds in the months after I joined. I had more time back and felt peace knowing that my team and our leaders supported me and my work. And, yes, then it happened—a positive pregnancy test. Our daughter was born in the summer of 2022. I truly believe she’s here thanks in part to the focus I was encouraged and able to put on my well-being at Deloitte.

I think our daughter knew we’d been waiting to meet her and came six weeks early, well before I had planned to take my leave. This early start to a months-long leave could be stressful, but Deloitte couldn’t have made it easier for me. With a quick phone call, I was able to start my leave and focus on my healthy baby girl. I don’t feel alone. I've felt supported through every step of this process. I feel empowered as an employee, and as a mom.

I was afraid that this beautiful moment I looked forward to for so long would have a negative impact on my career, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I felt that my team lifted me up, helped connect me to other moms at the organization and even helped support me as I earned a promotion.

Deloitte is a place where I have felt supported at each step of my journey to motherhood, both at work and at home.