*Photo: Lauren Youngdahl Snyder joined by husband, Blake, and three children.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 70 percent of the labor force is comprised of mothers with children under age 18. Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience and a mom of three, is part of the growing number of women pursuing both motherhood and their careers.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, we caught up with Lauren to learn more about her experience as a working mom and tips she picked up along the way.

A ROBUST CAREER: I’ve been with Consumers Energy my entire career. I joined our marketing department in 2004. Since then, I’ve held leadership positions in regulatory affairs, brand equity, customer care, meter operations, smart energy and digital customer experience before becoming vice president of customer experience in 2017.

A GROWING FAMILY: Fun fact: I met my husband, Blake, on a blind date. In 2012, we wed in my hometown of Jackson, Mich. and welcomed our first daughter, now five years old, a year later. We’ve since added two more pint-sized members to the family: our son, now three, and, our second daughter, three months.

A SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYER: Whether it’s taking care of a sick child or attending a school function, I am grateful for Consumers Energy’s support of working parents when they need to be present with their families.

Our company culture is family-oriented. It includes a paid-leave policy for both moms and dads and accommodations at all work locations for nursing mothers.

Consumers Energy continues to raise the bar in helping to ensure working mothers thrive – at work and at home.

MY TIPS FOR SUCCESS: I wish I could say I have the perfect formula for navigating motherhood and a career. Like many others, I’m a work in progress. Helpful tips I’ve picked up along the way include:

  • Setting priorities and boundaries. Focus on your priorities and learn how to say “no” unapologetically. Set boundaries so that when you’re with your family, you’re not consumed or distracted by work.
  • Finding supporters. Discuss your wins and challenges as a working mom with others. You’ll likely find you’re not alone. A circle of support can be a powerful tool that helps you and others in our community.
  • Simplifying your life. Whenever feasible, take advantage of new solutions. For example, online grocery delivery and meal delivery services enable spending more time with your loved ones.

Learn how Consumers Energy is creating an inclusive culture for ALL employees: http://bit.ly/2VaOCGe.