theSkimm: Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego on Why Paid Family Leave is Good for Everyone

Written By Dem Mayors

Blake Lew-Merwin, theSkimm

Before she became mayor, Kate Gallego was nearly spooked out of running for office. She was newly divorced (read: unmarried). Her support system drastically changed after her mom was diagnosed with cancer. Her only income was through her job on the city council, and she questioned whether Phoenix could stomach such a young woman as mayor. Spoiler alert: she’s been mayor now for five years. Her legacy so far? Redefining what’s possible for young working moms who don’t have perfect personal lives. 

In this episode of 9 to 5ish, Mayor Gallego shares: 

  • How climate defined her childhood and early professional career

  • Why people should run for office even if their personal life isn’t perfect

  • The women in government who guided her through her own public service career

  • How she implemented a 12-week paid family leave policy for public employees, plus a surprising fact on who uses it the most 

Read the original article and listen to the episode here.

Dem Mayors
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