Emily Westerfield

For Emily Westerfield, helping people build families is more than a profession. It is a mission shaped by firsthand experience, personal sacrifice and an understanding of the emotional complexities surrounding fertility and surrogacy.

After having three children of her own, Emily became a gestational carrier and ultimately carried and delivered nine surrogate babies for five families, including two sets of twins and multiple sibling journeys. Through those experiences, she developed a deep understanding of the medical, emotional and logistical realities of third-party reproduction. Having also experienced miscarriage and pregnancy loss, she understands the uncertainty and vulnerability that can accompany the desire to become a parent.

As more people began seeking her guidance, Emily recognized that while she could not physically carry a baby for every family, she could use her experiences to help many more people. That realization inspired her to establish Carrying Dreams, a full-service surrogacy and egg donation agency.

Today, Carrying Dreams supports intended parents, gestational carriers and egg donors throughout the United States and internationally. The agency provides education, screening, matching, coordination and ongoing support, with an emphasis on transparent communication, thoughtful relationships and individualized care.

Emily has personally helped hundreds of intended parents and surrogates navigate their journeys. Under her leadership, Carrying Dreams has also developed an egg donor program featuring more than 110 donors.

Her work has generated national and international media interest, with reported coverage or mentions associated with outlets including TODAY, NBC News, People, Newsweek, Women's Health, Yahoo Life, HuffPost and The Independent.

Emily's leadership philosophy centers on accountability, honesty and recognizing the human beings behind every decision. She believes successful family building requires more than efficient systems. It requires compassion, realistic expectations and a willingness to support people through difficult moments.

As she continues expanding Carrying Dreams, Emily remains committed to helping more families while preserving the personal approach that inspired her to begin.