Renton proclaims National Women’s History Month; city highlights leadership and civic academy graduates

Mayor Armando Pavoni proclaimed March 2025 as National Women’s History Month for the City of Renton at the council meeting on March 24.

"I, Armando Pavoni, Mayor of the City of Renton, do hereby proclaim March 2025 to be National Women's History Month in the City of Renton," the mayor read as part of the proclamation. Council Member Rivera moved to adopt the proclamation and Council Member Perez seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

Christy Rowland, who accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Northwest Women's Leadership Academy, described the statewide leadership program and the city's inaugural civic academy. Rowland said the Northwest Women's Leadership Academy was conceived in February 2017, launched in February 2018 and now has over 80 graduates statewide; she said Renton has supported the academy and that Renton is at approximately 31% representation of women in local leadership with the mayor's cabinet at roughly 50%.

Rowland also summarized the five-week civic academy hosted by the city. She said more than 60 applicants vied for 35 seats, and 33 participants completed roughly 15 hours each over five Thursday evenings. "Out of 33 participants each dedicated 15 hours over 5 Thursday evenings including this evening," Rowland said, noting staff from across seven departments contributed to the program. She said the city hopes to run future cohorts and encouraged council members to consider the graduates for boards and commissions.

The meeting record identifies graduates present as Amanda Free, Deb Needham and Mary Jane Van Cleave; Rowland called the graduates "unofficial ambassadors of the city." The council applauded the graduates and thanked staff for supporting the programs.

Ending

Council members used the presentation to note the importance of supporting women in leadership and to encourage future participation in the city's civic programs.