Seattle’s Child is proud to partner with the state Department of Children, Youth and Families Strengthening Families Washington to honor outstanding caregivers doing important work on behalf of children. Throughout February, we’ll introduce you to Unsung Heroes from around the state. Enjoy their stories.
Sol González, Hoquiam
I am honored to nominate Sol Gonzalez as an Unsung Hero for her unwavering dedication to education, advocacy, and service to working families in rural Washington.
Sol is a bilingual early childhood educator with more than 15 years of experience, serving students and families in the Aberdeen School District. She was recently hired by South Sound Parent to Parent, where she plays a critical role connecting Spanish-speaking families of children with disabilities to essential services, resources, and advocacy support. Sol has excelled in shaping this role to meet families where they are, bringing services into the community rather than expecting families to navigate complex systems on their own. Bringing her own lived experiences with navigating systems as a child of immigrant parents, her commitment to authentic community engagement sets her apart.
As a single mother of three daughters, Sol leads with empathy, cultural understanding and tireless dedication. Her children are often by her side, reflecting the deeply personal nature of her work and her belief that advocacy is a family commitment.
Sol is also a courageous advocate at the state and national levels. She has traveled to Washington, D.C., to elevate the voices of working families and, this fall, shared firsthand with her visiting congresswoman the barriers to health care access in rural communities, particularly in Grays Harbor County, sharing stories from families she works with every day.
Last March, Sol testified at the Washington State Capitol. She shared about the devastating impact of unknowingly purchasing a home that was severely infested with bed bugs, resulting in the loss of nearly all her belongings and significant damage to her family’s health, finances, and emotional well-being. When resources were scarce, she chose to speak out to highlight gaps in housing protections and emergency assistance. Advocacy that was vital to the passage of rent stabilization legislation capping rent increases at 7% for families statewide.
A steadfast advocate for immigrant and Latino communities, Sol continues to serve with resilience, courage, and heart. Sol Gonzalez is an Unsung Hero because she uplifts families, even while navigating her own challenges.
— April Messenger
NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.
