Meet Sanofi’s 2024 Working Parents of the Year

Ayelet Mosaffi Hutson

North America Total Wellbeing Director & Global Projects

With over 20 years at Sanofi, I have experienced many professional and personal life changes. Most importantly, I became a mom first to my son Jonathan (17 years old) and then Daniel (12 years old).

Becoming a mom is no small feat, and the term “it takes a village” is definitely true. I quickly started to realize that other Sanofi parents were seeking members of their village in a work setting. That is what led me and a few other Sanofians to form one of our company’s first Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in the U.S. – Parents Connect.

Parents Connect is an Affinity Group – a type of Sanofi ERG – open to all working parents and guardians to provide a support network and resources at any stage of parenting, including a focus on parents of children with special needs. We created this group more than 10 years ago as an opportunity to meet and learn from other parents. Being involved in this group has also had a significant connection with my day job as I help implement benefits, programs, and policies to support employees at different stages of their life.

While I’m thankful for Parents Connect, a new program that launched this year has made a big impression on me and my family at this stage of my life.

Earlier this year, my husband, Jeff, was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. We were devastated and in shock. For those that have been impacted by cancer know that it’s a long and difficult journey. He had three surgeries this year and is on immunotherapy. One of the hardest things we had to do was tell our boys about the diagnosis and be strong for them and our whole family. Thankfully, today my husband is doing better.  

At the time my husband was going through his surgeries and treatment, Sanofi launched Cancer & Work: Acting Together. This program provides social and emotional support, as well as secures the job, salary, and benefits of any employee for up to twelve months, no matter the role or geographical location. What is even more amazing about this program is that it doesn’t only support employees impacted by cancer and critical illness – it also supports caregivers. I am truly grateful to work for a company like Sanofi that develops life changing treatments and has programs like Cancer & Work to support our employees.

If this year’s rollercoaster of emotions has left me with anything, it’s this: Make sure to take care of yourself and cherish every moment you have with your kids and loved ones.

Arthi Nagaraj

Head of Analytics, Serialization, and Strategic Projects

As a parent of a neurodiverse child, I deeply understand the importance of raising awareness and advocating for the neurodiverse community. This personal experience fuels my passion to create a workplace that not only supports but actively empowers individuals from all backgrounds and abilities.

When I joined Sanofi, I learned about their Capable and Able Network (CAN) Employee Resource Group (ERG), a group consisting of individuals with disabilities and/or advocates that foster a workplace inclusive to all. However, since joining the ERG, I have learned that this group does so much more.

CAN provides support and resources to differently abled people so that they can thrive and display their full potential. In addition, the group is dedicated to developing a culture in Sanofi that fosters acceptance and challenges stigmas around all forms of disability (inclusive of physical, mental & intellectual). This includes ensuring our work environments serve our employees’ needs, providing mentorship opportunities, uniting to advance Sanofi’s Inclusion & Diversity ambitions, and more.

As the CAN Communications Co-Lead, I help develop content and amplify the group’s mission to foster a more inclusive workplace. Our company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion became especially evident when I had the privilege of co-leading an Autism Awareness Coffee Talk. Supported by the company's culture of openness, I shared a deeply personal story about my journey as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum. What stood out most during that conversation was not just the opportunity to share my story, but the overwhelming response from colleagues who felt comfortable discussing their own experiences. It was a testament to the supportive environment our company fosters, allowing us to talk openly about the challenges of late diagnoses, the struggles we face daily, and the victories – big and small – that we celebrate together. This experience reinforced for me how much our company values creating a space where employees feel heard and supported.

As I reflect on the honor Sanofi has given me, I’m reminded of the pressure working parents often feel to juggle everything perfectly. But perfection isn’t the goal – connection is. I try to remind fellow parents that it’s okay to let go of the expectation to ‘do it all.’ Sometimes, ordering takeout or simplifying your plans is exactly what’s needed to create space for those moments of connection after a challenging day. Achieving balance is vital not only for your family’s well-being but for your own mental and emotional health.

Of course, it’s easier said than done. I, too, find myself caught up in the day-to-day rush. But I remain committed to creating those meaningful moments with my two children, Pranav (17) and Prerna (20). Our upcoming family trip to Gujarat in India is a testament to that commitment – a chance for us to step away from our busy lives, disconnect, and reconnect with our roots and heritage.