Then she welcomed Karina Garcia, who was joined by Abi Akintolayo, Tiffany Mroktek and Shukura Wells from our paid leave project, who shared her own story about her experiences postpartum, and why coming together to mark Women’s History Month is so important, before introducing the Vice President.
She told the audience: “Last year, on May 12, I gave birth to my first daughter Yohualli. Six days later, I was working. Four nights a week I worked from midnight until 8am, up when even my baby was sleeping. I had no paid leave. I had no choice. I shouldn’t have had to choose between my child, and my livelihood.
“Change is why we are here today. We are here together today to celebrate the progress we have made, but also recognize how far there is to go.
“We also are here to celebrate women who have changed—and are changing—history. There are so many women here today that I am humbled to stand alongside. None more so than our very own Vice President of the United States. Because of our Vice President, I get to tell my daughter that she too can aim for the highest office of the land.”
The event was hosted by the pool at the Vice President’s residence, and the women in attendance were encouraged by the Vice President to network with the “phenomenal group of women who are here.” She told the crowd: “This is a powerful group of people, who are national leaders, and global leaders, and I am honored to be able to welcome you all to this home.”
