[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 197 (Tuesday, December 10, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF JENNIFER SCHLECHT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 10, 2019

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay 
tribute to Jennifer Schlecht, a beloved and internationally recognized 
public health expert. She worked tirelessly to ensure that women and 
girls--especially those living in crisis situations--had access to 
medical care, including comprehensive sexual and reproductive health 
care. Ms. Schlecht was an incredible mother and friend in addition to 
being a true leader in the reproductive health space.
  Ms. Schlecht was committed to bringing about a world where all women 
and girls could exercise control over their bodies. She worked in 
Africa before returning home to New York in 2001, where she earned a 
master's degree from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public 
Health. After graduating in 2004, she began working at Harlem Hospital. 
Later, Ms. Schlecht joined the Women's Refugee Commission; where she 
gained a reputation as both a women's health expert and as someone who 
was razor sharp, fun, and unfailingly kind. Mrs. Schlecht joined the UN 
Foundation (UNF) Family Planning 2020 team as Senior Advisor for 
Emergency Preparedness and Response and quickly became a go-to expert 
on addressing the needs of women and girls in crisis. Her leadership in 
the field was recognized by her colleagues at UNF and professionals 
from partner organizations around the world.
  Beyond her expertise, she was a treasured colleague, bringing her 
warmth and generosity to work every day. Amidst all her commitments, 
she somehow found time to also become a certified counselor, get 
married, buy a home in Harlem, and have a daughter, Abaynesh. Her 
energy and her clear-eyed drive to improve the world around her were 
boundless.
  The same warmth that engendered her commitment to women and girls 
globally was evident in her dedication to protecting and nurturing her 
much loved daughter. She worked from New York to spend more time with 
Abaynesh. This September, to Ms. Schlecht's immense pride, her daughter 
began kindergarten at Hunter College Elementary School. Abaynesh was 
the center of her life.
  On November 6th, Ms. Schlecht and Abaynesh were killed by their 
husband and father in a tragic act of domestic violence. There are no 
words to express the profound devastation faced by those who loved 
them; there is no meaning to be found in this tragedy. One out of every 
three women will experience violence in their lifetime, most likely at 
the hands of someone they know. Ms. Schlecht's courage to leave an 
abusive situation should never be forgotten. The best way to honor her 
memory is to keep fighting to realize Ms. Schlecht's dream of ensuring 
safety, dignity, and choices for all women and girls. Ms. Schlecht, her 
light, the way she cared for her daughter, and all of the things that 
made her a beautiful human being will be deeply missed. We cannot rest 
until the violence stops.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Jennifer Schlecht, remembering her deep dedication to the rights of 
women and girls around the world, and mourning the unjust and tragic 
loss of her and her daughter.

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