Women in Political Leadership: Interview with Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda
As part of our Women in Political Leadership series, CuriosityBased spoke with Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda about her journey into public office, the unique challenges women face in policymaking, and how curiosity fuels better decision-making.
What sparked your interest in serving in public office?
I come from a public health advocate background and have a long history in community health. The social determinants of health—things like stable housing, healthy workplaces, access to childcare, and the ability to take leave—are what truly predict whether communities thrive.
About 95% of the factors that make people healthy come from social and economic policy, not medical care. That’s why I got involved in public policy—it’s where we can create systemic change.
Related reading: How Curiosity Drives Systems Change in Leadership.
What is it like being a woman in public office?
Women in policymaking still face double standards and gender bias. When women are critical or assertive, it’s often interpreted differently than when a man behaves the same way. We’re expected to be approachable but firm—a standard that can be unfair and exhausting.
To counter that, it’s important for women to lift up one another, validate ideas, and make sure women’s voices are acknowledged. When we support and amplify each other, we create a culture where inclusion becomes the norm rather than the exception.
Explore: 7 Forms of Respect®—A Framework for Communication Across Differences.
What are the most pressing issues facing Seattle today?
The lack of affordable housing, childcare, and economic stability are the most pressing challenges. These inequities have deepened since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women—especially women of color—were disproportionately impacted because they often occupy essential but lower-wage jobs. Many had to continue working at personal risk or leave the workforce entirely to care for families.
Addressing these systemic inequities requires bold policy changes centered on care, equity, and accessibility.
What policy solutions are you most passionate about?
I’m passionate about directly supporting childcare workers—ensuring they receive living wages, union representation, and real career growth opportunities. Strengthening this sector stabilizes other industries too, since parents depend on reliable childcare to stay employed.
We’re also working to expand affordable housing by creating denser, walkable neighborhoods near workplaces, community centers, and public transit. Much of this effort is funded through Seattle’s JumpStart payroll tax, which supports local investments in housing and community development.
Read more: How Policy Shapes the Way We Work and Live.
How does curiosity influence policymaking and decision-making?
Curiosity begins with questioning the status quo. Just because a policy has always been “the rule” doesn’t mean it’s just—or that it serves everyone equally.
Early in my term, I learned about workers who couldn’t take family leave after losing a child. They were grieving while managing paperwork and finances. We asked why—why shouldn’t bereavement be included in paid leave?
That question led to the passage of Seattle’s bereavement leave policy. It’s a small but significant example of how curiosity, compassion, and lived experience drive meaningful change.
Curiosity pushes policymakers to look deeper, to ask “Why is this acceptable?” and “Who does this serve?”—questions that are essential to creating healthier, more equitable communities.
Continue reading our Women in Political Leadership Series.
- Senator Yasmin Trudeau
- Representative Debra Entenman
- Redmond Mayor Angela Birney
- Seattle Deputy Mayor Kendee Yamaguchi
- Bellevue City Councilmember Janice Zahn
Interested in learning more from women in leadership? Check out our Leadership Book List, where we have compiled 350+ books written by women in leadership.
