At 35, Orlando-based educator and advocate Chris Pombonyo is redefining fatherhood and family on his own terms. Known nationally for his dynamic presence in the classroom and on stage, Chris was named Seminole County Public Schools’ District Teacher of the Year in 2017. He has since become a beloved figure in education circles across the country, presenting at conferences, inspiring fellow educators through social media, and bringing energy and heart to everything he touches.

Chris’s journey to fatherhood began in June 2023 when he embarked on the surrogacy process as a single dad. “Becoming a dad has always been a dream,” he shares. “I knew I wanted to be involved in every aspect of the journey from the very beginning.” Surrogacy offered him a way to be intentionally present from day one. That dream became a reality on December 22, 2024—just before Christmas—when his son Jaxon was born. “Watching his birth, hearing his first cry, cutting the cord, and holding him for the first time was easily the best moment of my life.”

To build his family, Chris partnered with Elevate for agency support and San Diego Fertility Center, where he worked closely with Dr. Said Daneshmand. From embryo creation to matching with his incredible surrogate, Kayla, Chris felt surrounded by compassion and expertise that helped bring Jaxon into the world.

As a solo parent, Chris was prepared to face the process head-on. “I spent my 20s looking for that ‘perfect person’ to build a family with, but eventually realized I didn’t want to wait anymore,” he says. “I worked my butt off, saved up, did my research, and decided I was more than capable of doing this solo.”

Still, there were challenges—especially the waiting. “There are so many variables and checkpoints in the surrogacy process, and the timeline is rarely predictable,” he explains. “Going through it as a single intended parent meant a lot of patience and persistence.” Yet the outpouring of support from family, friends, and his vast online community helped sustain him. “On embryo transfer day alone, hundreds of people posted photos of themselves eating McDonald’s fries to send good luck … [it was] the most incredible feeling to know so many people are cheering you.”

Since becoming a dad, Chris has documented his journey on social media, offering a candid and heartfelt look at solo fatherhood. “Changing others’ perspectives of what families ‘look like’ has definitely been the most rewarding part,” he says. “I wanted to break stereotypes, educate people, and hopefully inspire other future parents along the way.”

Chris brings that same spirit to his role as a mentor for GWK Academy, where he now supports other gay and queer men navigating their own family-building journeys. He’s also the Chief Marketing Officer for Families Out Loud (@families_out_loud), a family-planning event and community designed to connect and empower aspiring LGBTQ+ parents.

His advice to others, especially single men considering fatherhood: “It’s okay to be scared, but the journey is so rewarding and there are so many people here to support and guide you. Sure at times it can get lonely throughout the process doing it solo BUT the feeling of becoming a dad is like no other.”

“There is no template for what a family should look like,” he continues. “You got this!”

Follow Chris’s journey on Instagram @chrispombonyo and @dadflyingsolo.

If you’re considering a solo parenting journey, join GWK Academy for free to learn about your options.