States plans to return after 12-weeks of parental leave
SEATTLE – Council President M. Lorena González (Position 9, Citywide), Chair of the Governance & Education Committee, announced the birth of her first child, Nadia Luciana González-Williams, born on January 10, 2020. González and baby Nadia are healthy and healing well, thanks to the support of her husband, Cameron Williams, family, friends and the amazing medical staff, including SEIU 1199NW represented staff, at Swedish Hospital First Hill. González shared the following statement:
“On January 10, my husband Cameron and I welcomed the arrival of our first child, a daughter, Nadia Luciana González-Williams, into the world. We are overjoyed and want to thank everyone who has supported us through my pregnancy and transition to motherhood. Likewise, I will be eternally grateful to all of the medical staff at Swedish First Hill, especially the nurses, for taking care of us during my labor and delivery.
“In 2015, I became the first Latina elected to Seattle City Council in the City’s history. Now, I’m one of the first two mothers who were pregnant and gave birth while serving on the Council. I am also the first to serve as both Council President and a parent to a newborn. I’m proud to be part of a wave of women nationwide who are fighting every day for working families. As elected leaders, our lived experiences in parenthood help to shape solutions for our collective and most urgent needs around paid parental leave and meaningful and affordable access to childcare, prenatal care, early learning and education.
“Throughout my career, I have focused on fighting for and giving voice to the needs of others. It is my greatest honor to serve the people of Seattle. Now it is time for me to take a step back to focus on my new family by taking 12-weeks of parental leave to bond with my daughter. During my brief absence, my capable staff will continue to work on our policy priorities and serving our constituents across the City of Seattle. Team Lorena has spent months preparing for my parental leave and is ready to manage the day-to-day operations of my office and the duties related to the Council Presidency, with ongoing support of the City Clerk’s Office, Council Central Staff and our rotating Council President Pro Tems.
“During my term as Council President, this Council will continue to serve as a leader on the top issues facing our residents and that includes making Seattle work well for all families. I want to thank each of my Council colleagues and all of the Legislative Department staff for their support while I am on parental leave.”