Meet Shelly Yehuda of California Parental Leave Advisors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Yehuda.

Hi Shelly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my business because, with my background in HR, I kept seeing working parents struggle to navigate California’s complex parental leave laws. I began helping a few clients individually, guiding them on securing their paid benefits, job protection, and leave planning. Over time, my work grew into a full business where I now support parents across industries, helping them secure benefits, plan leave strategically, and protect their jobs, all with clarity and confidence.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road! One of the biggest challenges was building trust and credibility in a niche that’s both complex and deeply personal.. parental leave is something people often feel overwhelmed or uncertain about. There were also the usual growing pains of running a business: figuring out the right systems, finding clients, and learning how to scale without losing the personal touch that makes my work effective.

But every challenge taught me something, and seeing clients gain confidence, secure their benefits, and feel supported makes it all worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of California Parental Leave Advisors. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business helps working parents, especially moms, navigate California’s complex parental leave laws so they can confidently take the leave they’re entitled to, without losing income or job protection. I specialize in personalized leave planning, maximizing state benefits, and guiding parents through employer coordination while keeping the process simple. With my HR background and hands-on experience reviewing thousands of employer policies, I’m known for creating solutions that are both practical and fully compliant. I’m most proud of helping families secure benefits, protect their jobs, and gain peace of mind during such a special time.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Yes! I draw inspiration and guidance from a few different places. I love listening to podcasts like The Mom Hour and WorkLife with Adam Grant, they mix practical advice with stories that remind me to stay human and focused. For reading, I turn to books like Radical Candor by Kim Scott for leadership insights and I Know How She Does It by Laura Vanderkam for time management as a parent. I also follow mom groups on FB and Linkedin groups on HR trends to stay sharp and up-to-date.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.parentalleaveadvisors.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californiaparentalleave/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellyyehuda/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CAParentalLeaveAdvisors
• Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gUhoWjfwnHXKYco78

Image Credits:
Shelly Yehuda