National Women's Group Applauds Greuel's Commitment to Women's Issues
Los Angeles, CA – Wendy Greuel received the endorsement of EMILY’s List today, one of the country’s leading women’s advocacy groups. The endorsement adds to Greuel’s growing coalition of support from hundreds of women leaders and volunteers, and from business, elected and community leaders and organizations across LA.
With more than 2 million members, EMILY’s List is one of the country’s largest political advocacy groups. It has helped elect hundreds of women to national, state and local political office. By having more women engaged in leadership roles, EMILY’s List hopes to bring a diverse perspective to the legislative process and a renewed focus on progressive issues like social justice, civil rights and economic reform.
"Los Angeles has an opportunity this election cycle to not only select the most qualified candidate with a proven track record for protecting the rights of the people of all of Los Angeles, but also to make history by finally electing its first female Mayor,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “In 2013, Los Angeles faces having a City with no female leadership - we cannot let that happen. Wendy has stood up for women and families time and time again - her leadership will move LA forward."
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of EMILY’s List, which has done so much to get qualified women into leadership roles,” Greuel said. “Women bring unique leadership and perspectives to governing and shaping policy. Breaking this barrier and electing the first woman mayor in LA isn’t just a historic milestone – it’s about fighting for the rights and equality of women and girls.”
Greuel also announced that she plans to launch a Council on Women and Girls in the Mayor's Office, which would reestablish and elevate the Commission on the Status of Women and would help shape dialogue at City Hall about issues important to women and girls.
Greuel said she would designate a senior adviser in the Mayor’s Office to work with these leaders and City departments and Council offices to ensure they are considering the needs of women and girls in their policy and programming decisions.
“This is a cost-neutral and easy to implement plan that will guarantee that women and girls have a voice in government and policymaking once I am Mayor. It’s about not just paying lip-service to gender equity, but giving women a role in government and the civic process.”
Greuel has been a leader on women’s issues throughout her career, and has served as a mentor to dozens of women looking to become business and government leaders.
As a Councilwoman, Greuel was a consistent advocate for the rights of women and families. She was a leader on the implementation of the City’s Equal Benefits Ordinance to provide equal treatment of all employees in the city.
As City Controller, Greuel worked with LAPD to eliminate its backlog of DNA rape kits. And she found that a city program meant to give women- and minority-owned businesses a shot at $100 million in city contracts had a two-year backlog in certifying these businesses.
Greuel has also formed a strong coalition of support among women, including the growing Women with Wendy committee that now includes more than 700 women. Greuel has also earned the support of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, the National Women’s Political Caucus, LA County, the Latina Lawyers PAC, and community and elected leaders including U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Janice Hahn, Judy Chu and Linda Sanchez, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and civil rights icon Dolores Huerta.
