[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 1, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H1382-H1383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING SHANNON GOODRICH

  (Mr. Garcia of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we close Women's History 
Month, I rise to honor a few great women in my district, women like 
Shannon Goodrich, a leader of the Elmhurst chapter of Moms Demand 
Action.
  Shannon joined the group after attending a fireside chat about school 
safety in her community. Like all parents, she was concerned about what 
local leaders were doing to keep children safe from the tragic epidemic 
of school shootings. Shannon saw that she could play an important role 
as a mom and as a member of her community.

[[Page H1383]]

  Over the past 6 years, Shannon has written thousands of postcards, 
knocked on thousands of doors, made thousands of phone calls, and sent 
thousands of texts all in the name of gun violence prevention.
  Shannon's passion for this work has only grown as she has met and 
become friends with local survivors of gun violence. Shannon works in 
their name and hopes to inspire many others to do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Shannon for her dedication and commitment to 
keeping all children safe.


                        Honoring Dafne Henriquez

  Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, Dafne Henriquez is a great 
example of what happens when we invest and encourage young women to 
pursue STEM careers.
  Dafne was born in Mexico and is a proud graduate of Triton College 
and the University of Illinois Chicago, where she received a bachelor 
of science in civil engineering.
  While at Triton College, Dafne demonstrated strong leadership as 
president of the Triton College Student Association and was elected 
student trustee, serving alongside the Triton Board of Trustees from 
2017 to 2018.
  Dafne was interested in merging her passions for public service and 
infrastructure. After a decade of serving in State and local 
government, she now serves as the assistant village engineer for the 
village of Franklin Park. As a civil engineer, Dafne's work ensures 
that the roadways and other infrastructure projects built in Franklin 
Park keep communities safe and connected.
  Dafne is committed to giving back to her community by leveraging her 
engineering expertise to develop infrastructure that enhances safety, 
efficiency, and quality of life. Beyond her professional career, she 
has also managed to mentor and build a strong coalition of young women 
in the northwest suburbs committed to improving their communities.
  Mr. Speaker, we thank Dafne for the work that she does for our 
district and for her partnership.


                      Recognizing Ioana Fernandez

  Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Ioana 
Fernandez, a relentless activist for kids, gun safety, inclusion, and 
public education.
  Ioana immigrated to the U.S. from her native Romania as a young woman 
and settled in Chicago where she has developed a successful career in 
public relations and communications and where she is raising her 
family.
  As a community activist, she actively participates in organizing and 
advocating for a future in which children don't have to fear for their 
lives when they go to school.
  As a communicator, her work is inclusive and reflective of the 
diversity of our country.
  As an advocate, Ioana is committed to uplifting working families and 
ensuring that elected officials are accountable to the people they 
represent.
  Ioana is an organizer and a changemaker. Ioana's impact can be felt 
across DuPage County.
  Thanks to her efforts, more people are engaged, informed, and ready 
to stand up for what is right.
  Mr. Speaker, she leads with her heart and never backs down, and we 
thank her for all the work that she does.

                          ____________________