MOMumental is a podcast hosted by Emmy nominated talk show host and gender focused venture capitalist Jesse Draper. ‘MOMumental: A Journey' will explore the world of childcare, education, foster care, parenting and anything pertaining to our children’s future. Draper will be discussing solutions to childcare challenges with entrepreneurs, celebrities, politicians and most importantly Moms (and Dads).
Giselle Hale is a working mother, businesswoman and the Mayor of Redwood City.
Giselle is the current Mayor of Redwood City and was a recent candidate for State Assembly AD21. Hales priorities include improving access to mental health and healthcare services, increasing childcare affordability and availability, improving the quality of local schools and continuing her leadership work on improving housing affordability. Hale is also a small business owner and advocate and climate leader who brings fresh ideas to our challenges.
Hale entered service in Redwood City volunteering for ballot measures with the Redwood City Education Foundation. Inspired to build a better world for her daughter, Hale joined the planning commission in 2014 when her oldest daughter was just 6 months old and gave birth to her second daughter while serving her first term. She was elected to the Redwood City Council in 2018. Hale has focused on housing, transportation and children and youth and worked to solidify these priorities as part of the City’s strategic plan.
During her time on the City Council Hale has been called in the words of the San Jose Mercury “a strong advocate for local families and marginalized communities.” While serving locally, Hale also worked nationally to secure paid sick days and family leave with the National Partnership for Women and Families. Hale was on the team that drove the San Mateo County Covid Childcare Relief Fund that raised $5M in public and private dollars that kept 340 childcare providers' doors open during the Covid19 pandemic. As Mayor, Hale led the creation of a Countywide “Mayors Mental Health Initiative” which has helped secure $200,000 in funding for a Mental Health First Aid program. On homelessness, Hale worked on the ad hoc committee that led to the creation of the largest safe parking program in the County and the passage of AB 2553, a law that allows 24x7 safe parking in situations of crisis shelter.
In addition to her work with the City, Hale is on the Executive Board of Peninsula Clean Energy and the Association of Bay Area Governments which work regionally on clean energy, housing and transportation solutions. She holds a Masters of Business Administration from Thunderbird School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to her work in government, Hale was COO of a civic technology software firm and had a 15 year career in technology.