If you are not familiar with your Councilwoman Lydia Assefa-Dawson, it is likely on account of her humility and servanthood. She does not seek attention or prestige; she pursues opportunities to support everyone else.

If you do not see her on stage, it is because she is pleased to welcome you at the registration table. Please do not be too easily distracted by her being out of sight. Our community needs a leader who positions herself for service rather than status.

Lydia is a woman who will work tirelessly and namelessly for what she believes in. In fact, there have been many weeknights when I have to wait around the phone to learn of her whereabouts, because she commutes through the county, engaging in more committees and projects than she remembers to tell me. So when you see her on stage, know that it is because others want to acknowledge her for her contributions. And when you see her at the registration table, recognize that it is also her radical humility that bears witness to her greatness.

Lydia enthusiastically supports me without needing to be asked and does so as much as I welcome. But I am no exception; it is her nature. When she sees an opportunity, she will investigate and initiate. She is what I understand to be the manifestation of generosity. This is special, because you likely have met people in positions of authority who will only get their hands dirty when asked or in desperate cases, who otherwise only mind their personal agenda.

With your Councilwoman Assefa-Dawson, do not be surprised if you feel like telling her to do less. Please let her know when she can stop for her sake, because Lydia will invest everything she is for and with others. Lydia is characterized by uncommon generosity and an exceptional standard of service. She is pleased with making personal sacrifices for the wellbeing of others.

In case you have not had the opportunity work with her, know that Lydia always rises to the occasion. Lydia is a finisher, and you can rely on that. She is the sort of person that is asked to return as a volunteer for her former employers, projects, trainees and the schools of her sons, because she executes with excellence.

I am often impressed with the range and depth of her expertise and the series of corresponding acknowledgements that my mom receives. I regularly feel like her parent having to ask about her report card of awards and recognitions, because Lydia is connected, contributing and celebrated in so many spheres of influence. The insider scoop is that she is not only wholehearted in her work but easily underrated professionally. There is no reasonable measurement of her impact, but those who know her are by no means surprised by her impressive civic contributions.

One of Lydia’s greatest strengths is her insightfulness, which I pray I have inherited and intentionally develop. Stemming from personal experiences and genuine compassion for others, she is able to navigate various perspectives without losing sight of her personal convictions. Lydia listens well, understands and then engages. She has a strong sense of self, and honors the process of collaboration. Lydia is a leader that is attentive and challenges the “why” beneath day-to-day operations to ensure that the team is not limited by short-term, small-minded, or exclusive thinking.

To those who appreciate any of her three sons, to those who believe that public officials should be characterized by public service, to those who value excellence and insightfulness: you have only encountered the tip of the iceberg.

I would like to formally introduce you to my mother and role model, Councilwoman Lydia Assefa-Dawson, and I invite you to get to know her for yourself. Then vote for Lydia in the general election, so she can continue to serve from the honorable position of the Federal Way City Council. You too will be impressed, but not surprised.

Caleb Dawson, Lydia’s son