S9E8. Embryo Donation as a Choice for Solo Moms with Jen and Maya of Empower with Moxi

Embryo donation can be a beautiful and deeply layered way to build a family, but it’s also a topic surrounded by questions, emotion, and a lot of unknowns. In this episode, I’m joined by Maya Grobel, a licensed clinical social worker, recipient parent, and documentary filmmaker, along with Jen Vesbit, a nationally certified counselor and donor parent. Together with their partner Gina Davis, they co-founded Empower with Moxi and the Moxi Matching platform, where they provide guidance, support, and education for embryo donors and recipients.

We talk about what motivates donors and recipients, the emotional complexity on both sides, and the importance of feeling truly ready while also making space for grief. We also discuss how relationships between families can evolve over time. Maya and Jen share the personal experiences that led them to this work, including Maya building her family through embryo donation and Jen donating her remaining embryo to a single mother by choice. They also explain why more solo moms are beginning to consider embryo donation as part of their path to parenthood today.

If you’re curious about embryo donation for yourself, or wondering what to do with remaining embryos, this conversation will help you better understand the logistics, the community, and most importantly, what it can look like to reimagine your own vision of family.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The emotional journey of embryo donation from both donor and recipient perspectives
• The practical steps and timeline for directed, open embryo donation
• The unique ways single parents are welcomed and supported in the Moxi Matching process
• How to navigate family conversations, decision-making, and the “when is my family complete?” question
• The importance of community and support for solo moms considering this path
• Supporting children (and donor families) in talking about genetic connections and expanded family
• Why choice, inclusivity, and agency are at the heart of building families through embryo donation

Resources:

• EM•POWER with Moxi
• Instagram: @empowerwithmoxi
• Maya's website
• One More Shot
• Maya's Podcast: Never Thought We'd Be Here
• Jen on Instagram: @embryodonationsupport

👩‍👧‍👦 The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids.

💌 Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here<< at the bottom of the page.

✍️ Reach out to Katie over at [email protected].

ℹ️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Single Greatest Choice or its host, Katie Bryan. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, mental health, or professional advice. Every fertility, donor conception, and parenting journey is unique, and listeners are encouraged to use discernment and consult appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances. By listening, you acknowledge responsibility for your own decisions, interpretations, and actions.