Leading the Change: Shaping a Sustainable Future this Women’s History
Published on March 25, 2026
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the generations of women who have contributed to our history, society, and culture.
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation for National Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, which recognized March as Women’s History Month as we know it today.
This year, the theme designated by the National Women’s History Alliance is “Leading the Change: Shaping a Sustainable Future”. The theme highlights “financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and intergenerational equity”.
Proclamation accepted by representatives from YWCA Seattle, King County, and Snohomish County
During Monday's city council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated March as Women’s History Month in Renton. The proclamation was accepted by YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish’s
- Director of Health and Safety, Arnell Wilkerson-King
- Survivors FIRST Legal Advocates, Angelique Rodriguez
- Sexual Assault Community Advocate, Cameron Claytor
Wilkerson-King highlighted a variety of programs the YWCA offers to meet clients where they are, including housing, support groups, a legal team, and advocates. She emphasized that YWCA’s domestic violence services are more than programs — they are lifelines. She concluded, “Healing begins when someone is believed, and change begins the moment we refuse to be silent.”
YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish is a multi-issue social service nonprofit that has served women and families and improved the health of communities since 1894. The YWCA operates its Renton location in downtown Renton nonprofit on 2nd Ave, near the Renton Library.
Women’s History Month in Renton
In Renton, we are honored to be led by women who serve as Council President, department administrators, judges, and more. Today, four of the city’s nine administrators are women as are four of the city’s seven councilmembers.
This leadership reflects over a century of progress since 1910, when Washington State became one of the earliest the nation to grant women the right to vote paving the way for greater representation and influence in civic life.
Learn more about prominent Renton women on the Women’s History Online Exhibit.