[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 82 (Thursday, May 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E868]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING TERESA C. YOUNGER FOR HER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE 
                          STATE OF CONNECTICUT

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 29, 2014

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest pride that I rise 
today to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have 
gathered in celebration of Teresa C. Younger, former Executive Director 
of the Connecticut Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, who has 
left that post to begin her new position as President/CEO of the MS. 
Foundation for Women. Though certainly a loss for Connecticut, it is an 
extraordinary opportunity for this remarkable woman.
  Teresa is among the most genuine, committed and talented people that 
I have had the pleasure of working with. I first met her thirteen years 
ago when she served as, not only the first woman, but the first African 
American Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of 
Connecticut. I was immediately struck by her wealth of knowledge and 
seemingly boundless energy. Since that time she has continued to build 
an impeccable reputation among all of those fortunate enough to work 
with her.
  Over the course of the last decade, I have worked closely with Teresa 
in her role as the Executive Director of Connecticut's Permanent 
Commission on the Status of Women, the largest women's non-partisan 
public policy legislative commission in the country. She has led the 
battle and given voice to women on policies critical to leveling the 
playing field. From pay equity, minimum wage, protections for sexual 
assault victims, and securing earned paid sick leave to access to 
quality, affordable health care, supports for working families 
including child care, education and job training programs, her 
leadership has helped to make Connecticut a leader in the nation on 
those issues that most impact women and their families. She is a 
bastion of knowledge and a wealth of energy--never backing away from 
the right fight.
  Teresa has not only been a partner but a friend. I cannot count the 
number of times I have reached out to her to coordinate efforts on a 
variety of issues and educational platforms--and she has delivered 
every time. Teresa is also the volunteer president of the board of the 
Girl Scouts of Connecticut, a member of the board of the Women's 
Campaign School at Yale University as well as the Hunt Alternative 
Fund's national Political Parity Leadership Team. In 2010, she was one 
of eight women selected from Connecticut to travel to Saudi Arabia as 
part of the Global Women's Leadership Institute and in 2009 she was 
chosen to participate in the National Council of State Legislatures 
Legislative Management Institute. Quite simply, she is everywhere, all 
the time--respected and trusted by all.
  Teresa's daily presence will be missed and though her professional 
career will take her from Connecticut, I have no doubt that she will 
continue to make a difference in our state and in our communities. 
Teresa C. Younger is an exceptional leader, advocate, friend, and 
mentor and I consider myself fortunate to call her my friend. I wish 
her and her husband, Ronald Preston, all the best as she begins this 
new endeavor. With her extraordinary passion, unique vision, and 
unparalleled commitment, I have no doubt she will enjoy great success.

                          ____________________