(USATODAY)
Chelsey DeRuyter thought her job interview for a high-level post at a local nonprofit went well.
But after they started shaking hands and talking about possible next steps, she felt she had to stop them.
Nervously, DeRuyter told them she was expecting her first child. She hoped it wouldn't affect their decision, but she felt they should know.
She didn't have to worry.
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa tapped DeRuyter as its new chief development officer, welcoming her and her new daughter, Finley, to the office. The two are the first to benefit from the organization's infants-at-work policy, which was introduced in December.
"I feel really blessed to have this opportunity," said DeRuyter, 30, as tiny Finley bounced on her lap. "I feel empowered to both have a successful career and a family."
How the infant-at-work policy works
The policy allows new moms, dads and guardians to bring their infants into work full-time for up to six months or when the child begins to crawl — whichever milestone comes first.
It adds to a suite of benefits, including an eight-week parental leave plan and a five-day bereavement benefit for miscarriages. Read more