Meet Emily Patel | Founder + President Hopeful Mama Foundation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Patel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The Hopeful Mama Foundation has been an incredible journey of hope and empathy, and one of the most important lessons I have learned is the multifaceted nature of empathy. Through my experiences with Hopeful Mama, I’ve come to understand that empathy isn’t just about understanding someone else’s pain or situation—it’s about truly connecting with them on an emotional level and offering support in whatever form they need. Empathy doesn’t mean we have all gone through the exact same experiences; rather, it’s about being able to put oneself in other’s shoes, to listen without judgment, and to offer genuine compassion and understanding.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The mission of the Hopeful Mama Foundation is truly exceptional, as we stand behind women on their infertility journey through three crucial pillars: Education, Emotional Support, and Financial Grants. What fills me with the utmost pride is that Hopeful Mama goes beyond merely offering financial assistance for fertility treatments. We are committed to equipping women with the knowledge and support necessary to advocate for themselves confidently.

As a nurse by profession and a philanthropist at heart, I’ve discovered that these two aspects of myself complement each other seamlessly. While I find fulfillment in giving back as a bedside nurse, my passion for making a difference truly ignited when I held my oldest daughter at six weeks old. It was then that I realized I never wanted another woman to miss out on such a profound moment due to financial constraints, lack of education, or support.

Launching an infertility nonprofit wasn’t without its challenges. I’ve faced closed doors and moments of doubt, but the impact our foundation has had on countless lives reaffirms my desire to persevere. Despite setbacks, I continue to push forward, seeking out new opportunities and connections that align with our mission.

Hopeful Mama Foundation isn’t just about providing financial aid for fertility treatments; it’s about fostering a resilient community that transcends monetary support. We understand that even with financial resources, the journey to parenthood can be uncertain. That’s why we’re dedicated to offering a comprehensive range of resources, support, and education to empower individuals on their path to parenthood.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in the midwest, no matter where you go, you’ll always be met with a smile and hello. Cobble Hill in Cedar Rapids, IA is no exception to this. You walk in and are immediately greeted with the most intimate, yet cozy feel. The food is beautifully designed and is always fresh and unique. Visiting the local coffee shops would definitely be on the list, as Cedar Rapids and the surrounding areas have some of the quaintest shops. We would spend time walking around Up Town Marion and NewBo City Market to visit the small businesses. Scout and Scribe are two of my favorite.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To our remarkable Hopeful Mama volunteers,Your dedication and hard work are the lifeblood of our foundation. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to make the impact we do. Thank you for your selflessness and commitment to supporting those facing infertility. You are the heart of our organization, and we’re immensely grateful for all that you do.

Website: www.hopefulmamafoundation.org

Instagram: @hopefulmamafoundation | @emilympatel

Image Credits
Thomas + Co Photography