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

Before she decided to run for mayor, Kate Gallego was newly divorced with a young child. 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 a young, unmarried woman as mayor. She won the race and has led the city for five years now. As mayor, Mayor Gallego implemented one of the most generous paid family leave policies for government employees and established an office to respond to Phoenix’s rising heat. Another part of 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