Like a Wave We Break: A Conversation with Jane Chen

This month, our CEO, Melody Westen, sat down with Jane Chen, co-founder of Embrace, to discuss her forthcoming memoir, Like a Wave We Break.

In their conversation, Jane reflected on her journey of healing and transformation, both personally and as a leader. She shared how life’s waves—the challenges, losses, and unexpected turns—shaped her understanding of resilience. “I used to think strength meant holding it all together,” Jane reflected. “But I’ve learned that true strength comes from allowing ourselves to break, and then finding the courage to rebuild.”

Melody and Jane spoke about the role of vulnerability in leadership, and how her time building Embrace shaped her own path. “Leading Embrace showed me how intertwined hope and heartbreak can be. You can be surrounded by so much suffering, and still choose to act with love and optimism,” Jane shared.

They also explored the importance of listening inward. “There were moments when everything felt uncertain personally and professionally. What carried me through was learning to trust that small, quiet voice within,” Jane said.

As the conversation unfolded, Melody reflected on how Jane’s insights mirror the heart of Embrace today: courage in the face of adversity, the power of purpose, and the importance of caring for others while also caring for oneself. Just as Embrace’s incubators provide warmth and safety for the most fragile newborns, Jane’s story reminds us of the human capacity to find light, even in the darkest seasons.

We are so grateful for Jane’s vision and leadership in co-founding Embrace, and for her continued willingness to share her story with the world. Like a Wave We Break offers not just a memoir, but an invitation to embrace vulnerability, to rise after hardship, and to find meaning in service to others.

Learn more details about Like a Wave We Break here.

Watch the full interview below: