[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 77 (Tuesday, May 4, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING LAURIE SCHIPPER AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 2021

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, as Women's History Month comes to an end, I 
rise today to recognize a strong woman who is a pillar of our 
community. Laurie Schipper is retiring from her position at Iowa 
Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She was nominated by her coworkers 
because of the significant impact on their lives as a mentor and 
supervisor and has changed the lives of many Iowans and survivors of 
domestic violence.
  Laurie Schipper joined The Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence 
(ICADV) in 1993 as its only staff person. Much has changed since 1993 
and in the following 28 years, Laurie has changed her community, ICADV, 
and the state for the better. ICADV is now in strong hands with a 
diverse multigenerational staff of 12.
  Laurie received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree in 1985 
from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Laurie has worked within the 
Battered Women's Movement for nearly 40 years, prior to Ms. Schipper's 
work with the Coalition, she worked in a battered women's shelter and 
rape crisis center in Ames, Iowa for 10 years. Over the years Laurie 
provided technical assistance and training to domestic violence 
advocates and other professionals who interface with battered women and 
their children. Laurie served on the Iowa STOP Violence Against Women 
State Coordinating Council, participated in national training and 
curriculum development, and consulted on public policy as it relates to 
domestic violence.
  In thirty years of work, Laurie strengthened our domestic violence 
laws and protections, regionalized the state service delivery network, 
and made Iowa a national leader in responding to survivors' economic 
and housing needs. Laurie's leadership style at ICADV was one in which 
she surrounded herself with brilliant people and did her best to both 
challenge and support them and always had their backs when the going 
got tough. Ms. Schipper empowered and inspired the people around her to 
be the best of themselves.
  It is clear from the praise Laurie has received from her friends and 
coworkers that her work with Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence 
will continue long past her tenure with the organization, which is why 
I am proud to name her Iowan of the Week. Please join me in 
congratulating Laurie Schipper for her 40 years of service to our 
community.

                          ____________________