[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING CELESTE WEINGARDT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 29, 2014

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
Celeste Weingardt, an inspiring leader and determined activist, who has 
assiduously worked on women's issues including protecting and promoting 
access to reproductive healthcare and services. For over two decades, 
Celeste has served as a beacon of empowerment for women in politics and 
community leadership in Ventura County.
  Celeste first became involved with the Women's Political Appointments 
Coalition of Ventura County in 1990. Shortly thereafter, she joined the 
Commission for Women in Ventura County, where she served as chair of 
the organization during her years of dedicated service. Celeste has 
also offered her extensive and invaluable leadership and expertise to 
organizations such as the Ventura County Reproductive Rights Network; 
the Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence; the National Women's 
Political Caucus at the city, state, and national levels; and the 
Ventura County Women's Forum Collaborative.
  Throughout her years of service, Celeste has advocated for a vast 
array of women's issues including reproductive rights and justice, 
teenage pregnancy prevention, the prevention and elimination of 
violence against women both locally and globally, as well as access to 
quality and affordable childcare. Her exemplary work has been a true 
inspiration to many women throughout our region.
  In addition, Celeste currently sits on the organizing committee of 
the Women's Political Council of Ventura County and serves on the board 
of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and 
San Luis Obispo Counties, which actively works to protect family 
planning and reproductive rights.
  It is my sincere pleasure to join the Ventura County Women's 
Political Council in recognizing Celeste Weingardt for her instrumental 
efforts and activities to engage and empower women. For her continued 
active and effective advocacy and leadership, I wholeheartedly commend 
Celeste Weingardt for her impressive career of service which she has 
selflessly given to her community.

                          ____________________