Photo of Angela Garbes by Elizabeth Rudge. Award ceremony open to the public
Media contact: Sage Leibenson, sage.leibenson@seattle.gov, (206) 233-5156
This press release is shared by the Office for Civil Rights on behalf of the Seattle Women’s Commission.
SEATTLE (June 10) – The Seattle Women’s Commission will present the 2024 Jeanette Williams award to Seattle-based author, Angela Garbes, in honor of her leadership and advocacy for women’s causes.
Angela Garbes’ writing, including “Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change” and “Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy”, uplifts important women’s issues through an intersectional lens and inspires readers to think creatively about a more just and equitable future. Her work has earned awards from NPR and the New Yorker, and has appeared in the New York Times, The Nation, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and NPR’s Fresh Air.
“The work and leadership of women in both private and public life are often unseen and taken for granted,” said Angela Garbes. “It’s an honor to be recognized by other Seattle women who dedicate their time and energy, day in and day out, to improving our communities.”
The Jeanette Williams Award was created as part of the 2003 Seattle Women’s Summit to honor individuals demonstrating significant leadership and advocacy for women’s causes in Seattle. Jeanette Williams was a tireless advocate for women’s issues and served as Seattle City Councilmember from 1969 to 1989, where she was instrumental in establishing the nation’s first Seattle Women’s Commission and Office of Women’s Rights with paid staff. Prior to serving on Seattle City Council, she overcame gender stereotypes to become the first woman elected as County Chairperson for the King County Democratic Central Committee. Jeanette Williams also established the first shelter for battered and abused women in Seattle, helped create the City’s Division on Aging, developed policies to address early childhood education, and sponsored critical legislation prohibited discrimination in housing and employment in the City of Seattle.
“The Seattle Women’s Commission is deeply honored to present the 2024 Jeanette Williams award to Angela Garbes. Her impactful contributions to healthcare, birth work, mothering, and dismantling systems of patriarchy and capitalism resonate in Seattle and beyond,” said Krystal Guerrero, Co-Chair, Seattle Women’s Commission. “Angela embodies the purpose and spirit of this award, and we are thrilled to host a community event where everyone can gather, celebrate, and connect in person!”
Seattle Women’s Commission Community Night: Honoring Angela Garbes
Members of the public are invited to attend the award ceremony to celebrate women who are making a difference in Seattle, network, build community, and learn more about the Seattle Women’s Commission. The ceremony will take place on Friday, June 21 from 6:00-7:30pm in the Bertha Knight Landes room at Seattle City Hall. The doors will open at 5:30 pm and light refreshments will be served. Visit the City Hall website for additional directions and access information.
The Seattle Women’s Commission advises the Mayor, City Council and City departments on issues that impact women in Seattle. The Commission recommends policy and legislation, provides feedback and opinion on issues of city and state budget, and acts as a liaison between the women of Seattle and City government. seattle.gov/womenscommission
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