Ep. 161 - Navigating Maternity Leave: Advocacy & Empowerment with Diane Gatza

On this week's episode, Katerina sits down with Diane Gatza, founder of California Maternity Leave Consulting, who shares her inspiring journey from civil engineer to passionate advocate for women navigating the complex world of maternity leave. Diane opens up about the health challenges that shaped her path, her transition into motherhood, and how those experiences ignited her mission to empower women with the knowledge they need to advocate for themselves.

Their conversation explores the often confusing and inadequate maternity leave policies in the U.S. and discuss why planning ahead—particularly for business owners in California—is so crucial. Diane also breaks down common misconceptions, the onboarding process for maternity leave clients, and how different family planning paths, including surrogacy and same-sex couples, require individualized strategies.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone thinking about starting a family, already navigating maternity leave, or supporting someone who is. With over 3,000 women helped and a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of maternity benefits, Diane offers both practical guidance and a powerful reminder that knowledge is one of the most empowering tools we have.

 

Mentioned:

https://www.californiamaternityleave.com/

Follow Diane on IG @californiamaternityleave

hello@californiamaternityleave.com