By Chase DiFeliciantonio, San Francisco Chronicle reporter
Lily Marquez was working in administration at Samuel Merritt University six years ago when she had her first child. She continued to work part-time at the Oakland school until a daughter came along unexpectedly 11 months later, forcing Marquez, her husband and their children to move into her in-laws’ apartment in San Francisco to save money.
Marquez is one of thousands of women who want to go back to work as job openings increase as a result of widespread coronavirus vaccinations. But she, like many others, can’t because of obligations like childcare.
“I look forward to the day I’m back in the workforce and I’m helping contribute to my family,” Marquez said, regarding their finances.