By Jake Trybulski

As the Director of Talent Management, it’s part of Amy Monroe’s job to help employees take the next step in their careers.

In her role at BAE Systems, she oversees succession planning, performance management, and global high potential leadership development programs. But in November 2022, she got a life-changing promotion herself – she became a mother to a healthy baby boy.

“He’s so kind and sweet,” Amy said. “He has the Monroe family giggles, once he starts laughing he can’t stop.”

Amy’s path to motherhood began in the fall of 2021 when she began researching fertility support through one of the company’s benefits partners, WINFertility.

WINFertility works with some of the nation’s leading reproductive endocrinologists and pharmacy benefit managers to deliver effective treatment options to build families. BAE Systems employees who are enrolled in a Cigna medical plan are eligible for a lifetime amount of up to $20,000 for treatment along with corresponding prescription drugs to supplement costs.

By December 2021, Amy was set up with a case manager to go over provider and treatment options.

“Not everyone is a candidate for the same thing, so it really helped to have someone walk me through step-by-step and discuss what would be best for me,” she said.

A few months later, she officially began the process. Doctors said the chances of success were about 15%.

“I really focused on positive thinking because the process can be emotionally draining. I understood the reality that it may not work. If I was one of the lucky ones, it could take a few rounds of treatment,” Amy said.

In March 2022, a month after her first treatment, Amy’s phone started buzzing while she was on the road attending a conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

It was from her doctor – and it was good news. Amy was pregnant.

“When I found out, I felt an overwhelming sense of support,” Amy said. “There were a lot of people who encouraged me through the process.”

Amy was with her two friends and colleagues, Lil (left) and Anne (right), at a conference when she learned she was pregnant. It was a special moment for the trio who have worked together for over seven years. Anne was on the hiring panel for Amy when she was hired at BAE Systems in 2008.

From there, she described the next few months as an emotional rollercoaster as she thought about the excitement and responsibility ahead.

“For those who are truly raising children on their own, it amazes me. I’m thankful I work a hybrid schedule, and I’m really lucky my mom was willing to move in with me and offer her guidance,” Amy said.

At work, the support extended through her pregnancy, while on maternity leave, and now as her son grows. Her team threw her a baby shower, executed her transition plan while she was out of the office, and continues to encourage her to enjoy time with her son as much as possible.

Amy dawning a “mommy to be” sash as her team, friends, and colleagues celebrated the good news at her office baby shower. Her mother was also a guest of honor for the happy occasion.

“I was also fortunate to be promoted to a new role within the company a few months before my son was born that allowed me to travel less,” Amy said.

In her previous role, Amy got the opportunity to see the world leading the global high potential leadership programs for six years, frequenting places like France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and India. When traveling slowed in recent years, she began reflecting on her own life and career.

“That’s when I started mapping out my own future. What do I want my life to look like in five years? I knew I wanted a family, even if it was on my own,” Amy said. “The takeaway from my experience is to make sure you’re reflecting on what’s really important to you, and then do something about it. Life happens fast.”

Join our team

Are you looking to join a company that encourages work-life balance and supports a rewarding career? Explore our careers website today and find a job at BAE Systems that inspires you.

Visit our benefits website to discover additional information about our leave programs and resources that can help support your family, including surrogacy and adoption assistance, Milk Stork, and back-up care.