Highlighting Women in Politics here in the valley for International Women’s Day
In light of International Women's Day, we highlight some of the valley's women political leaders. They share issues that matter to them and how they plan to advocate for various issues we all face.
Mayor Linda Evans met us and ran into some women celebrating International Women's Day in the La Quinta Civic Center Park. Evans says she has never felt like being a woman was a barrier; she says, "being a woman gives her the power to try harder and take on challenges," "I always like to say go chick power. So, it's our day for us, and every day is really our day. We are the wind beneath the wings and the eagle that flies, and deep down, the men know it." Her focus is to empower women to get their education.
In Palm Springs, Christie Holstege shares her experience going through I-V-F while on the Palm Springs city council. She stresses the importance of reproductive health care services. "I became mayor of the city of Palm Springs when my son was seven weeks old, just a newborn," says Christie Holstege. "So I know firsthand the challenges that women, especially those of us parenting young children, face when we're running for office."
In Coachella, Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Virgen talks about women helping women. Virgen is focused on a Coachella women's summit on March 30th and is working to advance education services. "I have recently brought forward to our council and to our city manager my desire to open up an early childhood education center that focuses on education and childcare at the same time," says Virgen.
In Palm Desert, Mayor Karina Quintanilla promotes health services for all based on her struggles. "The California Care Force is here to offer free medical, dental, and vision care," says Quintanilla. I've walked around; I mean, they have an oral surgery center, and they have triage. I am just amazed!"
According to the Center for American Women and Politics, the first women's rights convention in the U.S. occurred in Seneca Falls, New York 1848. The women who hosted this meeting were Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and others active in the anti-slavery movement. A declaration of demands included a variety of rights for women, including suffrage.
In 2024, The women politicians of the valley have issues they advocate for and want to see positive impacts in the country and locally. Council member Linda Evans says for International Women's Day, "My platform would be education-focused to encourage women to learn and succeed." Council member Christie Holstege wants to highlight issues of what she calls "attacks on IVF by Republican-controlled states and legislatures,"
