[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 16, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING DANA BRISTOL-SMITH AS CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH

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                            HON. MIKE LEVIN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 16, 2021

  Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize 
Oceanside resident and Executive Director of Leap to Success Dana 
Bristol-Smith, as my March Constituent of the Month. March is Women's 
History Month, a chance to celebrate and pay tribute to women and all 
the ways they have made profound impacts on our nation. While we use 
this opportunity to commemorate phenomenal women of the past and 
present, I am honored to include Dana in the celebrations, a woman who 
has dedicated her life to uplifting women every single day right here 
in my district.
  Dana started her Leap to Success Women's Leadership program in 2008 
after learning of the correlation between domestic violence victims' 
lack of self-confidence and their ability to avoid returning to abusive 
partners. In response to this discovery, she developed a program to 
help these women own their power and start living for themselves again. 
Her program brought immense success and joy from the participating 
women, and from then on, she made it her mission to expand Leap to 
Success to as many women as she can.
  With helpful guidance and an environment full of encouragement and 
love, Dana's goal is for women who may be in abusive situations to 
discover the courage to find their voice, own their worth, and feel 
empowered to move forward in life. Dana's community of supporters help 
women realize that their past is nothing to be ashamed of, but rather, 
an opportunity to create a brighter and healthier future. While there 
is so much more we must do to prevent domestic violence, I am grateful 
for leaders like Dana whose passion and heart creates hope and 
inspiration for women. I am honored to recognize her as my Constituent 
of the Month.

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