Floor Statements

Madam Speaker. I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Raedeen Bigelow, who leads the MATURA Neighborhood Center in Greenfield, as our Iowan of the Week,

In September of 1974, Raedeen found herself working a brand-new job after graduating high school. She wasn't exactly sure where her career path would take her, but she was finding her footing working with Head Start, the preschool program provided by MATURA Action Corporation. Raedeen was at Head Start for two years when she saw the MATURA Outreach Center in Greenfield was looking for an aide. She applied in May of 1976, and since then. she has worked tirelessly at the Greenfield Neighborhood Center to help those in need of assistance.

MATURA is a non-profit community action agency that partners with communities in southwest Iowa to provide a multitude of comprehensive programs for individuals and families seeking assistance. It's dedicated staff provides crisis assistance to Iowans in need of food and help with utilities and rent, but services go far beyond that, MATURA also offers access to its Head Start comprehensive preschool program, thrift stores, education for pregnant women, assistance wIth programs like WIC breast feeding peer counseling and Healthy and Well Kids of Iowa, and workforce training for youth, dislocated workers, and long-term unemployed individuals. Each year MATURA provides these types of critical services to more than 10,000 individuals and 3,700 families across Adams, Adair, Madison, Ringgold, Taylor, and Union Counties, where some of the state's most rural areas are located.

This September, Raedeen will be celebrating 48 years at the Greenfield Neighborhood Center, in that time, she has helped folks get the assistance they need, no matter the challenges. But when the COVID- 19 pandemic prevented normal interactions between neighbors and changed business operations nationwide. Raedeen and the rest of the folks at MATURA faced their biggest challenge yet. With their doors closed for the first time, meeting families and others to discuss their needs and offer solutions was difficult. Raedeen's Outreach Center was getting more and more requests for assistance as the pandemic prolonged. People needed general assistance, help with housing, energy needs, maternal health service, and much more.

Knowing there was great demand for their help, each Outreach Center had to figure out what processes worked best for each individual office across its six-county footprint, such as drive-through appointments. Raedeen and her team adjusted as each Outreach Center did things their own way, working tirelessly to accommodate each person and family and get them connected with the help they needed at such a crucial time.

Today, Raedeen and the Greenfield Outreach Center are stepping up to help those in their community as our economy struggles with the burden of inflation. Rural communities are facing increased challenges as costs rise. Raedeen's work and expertise is critical while the Outreach Center yet again adjusts to meet high demand. She is now focused on connecting folks with resources like food pantries, of which the Greenfield Outreach Center has its own that's used across the area. She engages the community regularly so neighbors know when the Center is open and what services are being offered, including handing out backpacks at the beginning of August.

Assistance in rural communities can often be overlooked, and it's people like Raedeen who make these services accessible for those who need it most and during times of crisis. Raedeen is as dedicated as ever, and she's excited to soon pass the 50-year anniversary of her time at MATURA. Madam Speaker, because of her perseverance, passion, and nearly 50 years of dedicated service to her community. I am honored to recognize Raedeen Bigelow as this week's Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to name Mary Wade of Red Oak, Iowa as Iowan of the Week. Mary is a lifelong Iowan who has worked with Nishna Productions for 37 years improving the wellbeing of individuals with disabilities across Southwest Iowa. Mary's dedicated work developing life and job skills for those in need deserves recognition.

Mary began working for Nishna Productions when she was 19 years old, serving as Activity Coordinator and as direct care staff. Mary helped her Nishna Productions clients learn how to cook, clean, and manage money. Mary then became a supervisor at the group homes in Red Oak where she led the staff and continued to work in direct care with the clients. Mary's help growing the skills of her clients ensured that individuals with disabilities can retain independence and find success living in their communities.

Mary then transferred back to work as a Program Instructor with Nishna Productions. Working directly with clients, Mary began to teach classes developing important life skills. From there, Mary transferred to the vocational department to focus on the development of employable skills. Nishna Productions has its own laundry service in which clients can develop working skills, while Nishna Productions also contracts with small businesses to fulfill their basic labor needs. By supporting individuals with disabilities in a comfortable environment, Mary has helped grow confidence with those who need it the most.

Currently, Mary is the lead supervisory staff member at Nishna Production's Red Oak and Shenandoah sites. While she now leads overall day to day operations, Mary still finds the most enjoyment in direct work with clients. Mary believes that each client is their own unique person and that a one size fits all approach would be ineffective. Providing unique care for each client takes a full team effort, and Mary and her team at Nishna Productions remain committed to tailoring their programming and operations to fit each individual person and the needs of the community.

I am thankful to Mary for her work empowering individuals with support and opportunity to meet their goals, and I am proud to name Mary Wade as Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Doctor Erika Hendel as Iowan of the Week. Erika is the co-chair of the Iowa Queer Communities of Color Coalition, board member of the Des Moines Pride Center, and in their free time manages to work as a veterinarian. June is Pride Month, and the purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. Erika has been a tireless advocate for the LGTBQ community and truly encapsulates the meaning of Pride Month.

Erika was a founding member and now sits as co-chair of The Iowa Queer Communities of Color Coalition (IQCC). The Iowa Queer Communities of Color's mission is to use an intersectional lens to address the inequity of services, lack of support and space, socioeconomic disparities, and institutional racism experienced by our communities through education, advocacy, intentional inclusivity, and organizing. Erika has always been involved in LGBTQ advocacy but knew that visibility is important. As Asian American. Erika has lived in Iowa for 5\1/2\ years, but it was a difficult transition coming from some of the other diverse places that they have lived. This led Erika to get even more involved in the community and become the co-chair of the IQCC. Erika found that it made the most sense of community with the diversity that they have experienced in the queer organizations in the city. Erika is looking to address the question of how to create a system of support. That is a goal that Erika is looking to work towards in Des Moines through continued advocacy.

Additionally, Erika is a board member of the Des Moines Pride Center, an organization dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their families

as well as our allies in the Greater Des Moines area. They offer a safe environment for community members to visit with a large library and free Wi-Fi. The community center also serves as a meeting place for other non-profit organizations with similar missions. It serves as a hub for information and socialization for the gender and sexual minorities in the community.

Erika is a shining example of tireless advocacy to make our community a better place and embodies what Pride Month is all about and what it means to be an Iowan. I will always fight in Congress to make Iowa a more inclusive and welcoming state right alongside Erika and the countless other advocates in our community. It is my pleasure to name Dr. Erika Hendel as Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Teresa Zilk, community advocate and founder of ``Stories to Tell My Daughter,'' as Iowan of the Week.

``Stories to Tell My Daughter (STMD),'' a series of live storytelling events that center the voices and experiences of Black women and other women of color in our communities, is a dream brought to life by Teresa. In creating a platform for women to share the trials and triumphs of their lives on stage in front of an audience, she believed the experience would facilitate a particularly powerful and cathartic moment of healing for everyone involved. It was an admirable goal, especially during a time when the country is navigating collectively traumatic circumstances, and one that has come to fruition each time the events take place.

After years of careful thought and planning, STMD officially Launched in Des Moines in March of 2018. At the time Teresa and her family were navigating their own challenges, and she found that channeling her energy and focus into an uplifting project with so much potential was a boon to her wellbeing. She knew storytelling was important and wanted to share the concept with the community, but wasn't sure if people were going to show up for the first event. To her surprise, the performance sold out and had standing room only, so she moved to a larger venue at her alma mater, Grand View University, the following year. The event has continued to grow and draw in a diverse audience. She now hosts two events each year during which women discuss everything from the birth of their children, leaving abusive relationships and situations, starting

businesses, finding themselves, spiritual awakenings, beauty and understanding it goes beyond the physical, emerging as community leaders, and more.

Representation of Black women and other women of color matters, and STMD has become a beautiful way to celebrate their lived experiences, recognize their impact, and honor their voices in Iowa. Teresa's goal is to expand STMD's platform outside of the Des Moines area and further its reach. She has already taken ``Stories to Tell My Daughter'' to Dubuque by holding a recent event at Clarke University, and I look forward to its-continued growth and success in the coming years.

Additionally, Teresa has always been a strong advocate in the field of mental health. She worked as a community counselor for the American Red Cross early in her career and found it aligned with her skills and interests. She wanted to work in a field where she could make the most impact. Teresa has since worked in many different roles at various community support agencies and with many families throughout the years. She firmly believes mental health is and should be a top priority in all the work we do. As the pandemic has created even more challenges for Americans to have their basic needs met, Teresa knows how important it is to prioritize mental health as we continue to address challenges like housing, food insecurity, affordable health care, and education. All of these circumstances impact overall mental health for Iowans.

Teresa is a current graduate student at Drake University in the counseling program where she hopes to further her work in the mental health field. She looks forward to becoming a clinician and practitioner in our state, where the need for such professionals is great, and to helping Iowans lead healthier lives.

Teresa's work is inspiring, admirable, and worthy of high praise. She's helping our communities foster more empathy and understanding, heal from challenging circumstances, and move forward in a healthier mental space. It is my pleasure to recognize Teresa Zilk as Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the nearly 30 athletes from Iowa's Third Congressional District who are proudly representing our state as they compete at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando this week. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring these individuals as our Iowans of the Week.

This year's USA Games will bring together more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from across all 50 states and the Caribbean. Iowa's Special Olympics athletes are competing in 11 of the 19 Olympic-type sports offered, including track & field, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, equestrian, flag football, golf, intercollegiate unified basketball, power lifting, swimming, and tennis. Some have been competing for a few years and others have been competing for decades.

Their skills are many, their accomplishments commendable, and they've worked hard to get to this level of competition. These Iowans have many reasons to shine. In alphabetical order by last name, they are:

Brandon Baier of Atlantic--Athletics

Isaac Baldus of Indianola--Powerlifting

Dustin Burke of Des Moines--Cheerleading

Kaitlin Colwell of Waukee--Swimming

Patrick Cunningham of West Des Moines--Swimming

Daniel Custis of Des Moines--Cheerleading

Tomi DeGrado of West Des Moines--Athletics

John Flannery of West Des Moines--Athletics

Alexandria Fountain of Des Moines--Athletics

Patrick Gulbranson of Stuart--Bowling

Keen Harvey of Waukee--Swimming

Matthew Johnson of Clive--Bocce

Ian Kastner of Des Moines--Cheerleading

Abbie Kliegl of Prole--Equestrian

Tyler Leech of Des Moines--Bowling

Emily Mulder of Des Moines--Cheerleading

Leon Nguyen of Des Moines--Cheerleading

Brian Rolek of West Des Moines--Unified Golf

Jody Sheriff of Greenfield--Bowling

Jill Southworth of West Des Moines--Golf

Teddy Velman of Des Moines--Cheerleading

Jacob Whack of Des Moines--Youth Leadership Experience

Emily White of Johnston--Swimming

The athletes cited many reasons they were looking forward to the annual event. Some said they were excited to test their skills, have fun, be part of a team, go for gold, and explore Disney World. Over and over again, the athletes said they were looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends.

Since 1968, Special Olympics Iowa (SOIA) has provided quality games and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Today SOIA serves more than 16,500 athletes and Unified partners from across the state and provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 23 Olympic-type sports.

Participation in Special Olympics programs and competitions offers people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to improve their physical fitness, learn new skills, experience greater self-confidence, and a more positive self-image, foster lifelong friendships, and connect with the community. The skills they learn through these experiences help them find greater success and fulfillment in their daily lives at home, at work, at school, and beyond.

Special Olympics Iowa lifts up our neighbors through the joy of play, the transformative power of sports, the richness of connection, and the fulfillment that comes from personal growth and accomplishment. It's an important organization in our state and one deserving of recognition for the positive impact it has on so many individuals and families.

The World Health Organization states that up to three percent of the world's population have intellectual disabilities. At roughly 200 million people, that is the largest disability population in the world. Special Olympics also

reminds us, ``Intellectual disabilities know no boundaries. It cuts across the lines of racial, ethnic, education, social, and economic backgrounds, and it can occur in any family.''

As we celebrate the dedication and achievements of these Special Olympics athletes, let us continue in our shared efforts to build a more inclusive Iowa today and for future generations. I applaud our delegation of athletes and am proud they are representing our great state in this year's Special Olympics USA Games. I am happy to name them as Iowans of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Mira Yusef, co-founder of Monsoon Asians and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity, as our Iowan of the Week.

Mira Yusef was just 13 years old when her family immigrated here from the Philippines. Like many families who immigrate to the United States, Mira's family was fleeing an oppressive dictatorship. She witnessed first-hand the atrocities committed around her, particularly how the women around her were treated and abused. These formative memories have stayed with her, and they fuel her passion for helping and advocating for victims of gender-based violence.

When Mira's family came to the United States, they came to Iowa as her mother married an Iowan who was in the U.S. Navy. She attended Roosevelt High School, and later she decided to go out to the San Francisco Bay Area where she had relatives. There, Mira was exposed to many other immigrants fleeing the same circumstances, which caused her to get more involved in advocacy and political issues. She came back to Iowa and was involved with the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault, where she realized there weren't any Asian activists. This inspired her to start organizing specifically around issues related to Asian communities.

Mira went on to study these issues more closely, studying areas like human trafficking in multiple different counties around southeast Asia. She eventually graduated from the University of Michigan with two Master's degrees in Southeast Asian Studies and Social Work. Her experiences and dedicated work moved

her to start her own organization, which is now called Monsoon Asians and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity.

Mira's non-profit organization provides direct services to victims and survivors of gender-based violence. She started her organization out of an office in Des Moines, and now has offices in Iowa City and Dubuque with roughly 20 employees. Mira credits the success of the non- profit to the employees they've brought in. All of them are experts in their communities and are multilingual, creating a direct, accessible experience to those who are seeking help. Not only does she credit her employees with the success they've had in Iowa, but she also highlights how their work has made it possible for the organization to grow to provide more services in a broader scale. Thanks to her employee's hard work, along with federal funding, Mira was able to have their organization provide national assistance through National Asians Pacific Islanders Ending Sexual Violence (NAPIESV). They grew their assistance even further in 2019 as well, as her non-profit received funding for transnational work. Monsoon Asians and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity now serves victims in the Philippines, Indonesia, Micronesia, and Guam. The non-profit also works with the Alaya Women's Center in the Philippines focusing on sex trade issues.

Mira and her extraordinary team have built her non-profit organization from the community level to a global collaborative aimed at addressing some of the most heinous acts of violence imaginable. Their tremendous work nationally and globally is honorable, and they are just as passionate about addressing these issues at the community level, along with broader issues in the Asian and Pacific Islander community.

Mira's favorite aspect of her work is engaging the Asian youth in our own communities. She teaches them to be confident and comfortable with their identity, and she encourages them to find ways to help others through advocacy and non-profit organizations. She's even more proud after seeing youth she's worked with before grow up and do amazing things for their communities.

Mira, her team, and the non-profit they've developed do so much to better our own communities, and they work tirelessly every day to address the evilest acts committed around the globe. Mira's journey on this path is one of incredible inspiration, and her organization has more planned for the future. In 2018, her organization was gifted a house that they have renovated and plan to use as a community health clinic focusing on mental health. The house would also serve as a community office meeting space, and Mira and her team have more plans for developing further community engagement resources. I am in awe of the work Mira and her team at Monsoon Asian and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity do every day, and I am very honored to name Mira Yusef as this week's Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise to name Dr. Jennifer Black as lowan of the week. Through her work with All Care Health Center in Council Bluffs, Jennifer has committed to providing quality dental services to underserved communities.

Jennifer is a lifelong Iowan, who was born and raised in Council Bluffs. She attended Lewis Central High School, and then graduated from the University of Iowa's College of Dentistry. Following her graduation, Jennifer practiced dentistry in Red Oak where she served rural lowans who often face challenges accessing care.

Jennifer then moved with her husband back to her hometown of Council Bluffs, joining the staff at All Care Health Center where she has been for the past 4 years. All Care is a community health center that has been serving the Council Bluffs area for over 25 years, and they particularly focus on removing barriers to quality care for those with the greatest need. One of the elements that stands out about All Care's dental program led by Jennifer is that All Care is one of the few providers in the area that accept Iowa Medicaid, which many vulnerable Iowans are enrolled in.

While joining the All Care team as a staff dentist. she became the organization's dental director following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic providing leadership at a tenuous time. Jennifer ensured her team had PPE and put other protocols into effect to reduce the spread of the virus, while maintaining the availability of services for those in need. Jennifer's team at All Care provided critical time-sensitive dental care to patients, who otherwise may have had very limited options to receive their care. While Jennifer is now the Dental Director, she continues to also see and care for All Care patients directly.

All Care Health Center in Council Bluffs has helped ensure vulnerable populations receive the attention and care they need. As part of the All Care team, Jennifer has demonstrated her clear commitment to doing the most for those in need. I am proud to honor Dr. Jennifer Black from All Care as Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Anne Starr who is the CEO of Orchard Place in Des Moines. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I couldn't think of a better advocate and leader on mental health than Mrs. Starr.

Orchard Place works closely with children and youth who have mental health illnesses, behavioral health challenges, battle substance abuse, suffer from trauma, and more. Through early intervention and appropriate care, Orchard Place is developing strong futures for children and their families. Orchard Place offers comprehensive mental health and behavioral health services designed specifically for children and adolescents. These services are delivered by compassionate and highly trained physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, residential treatment staff, and psychologists. Our behavioral and mental health services include mental health consultation, psychiatric therapy, residential treatment, outpatient mental health therapy, school-based therapy, social skill development, and many more great services.

Anne Starr is a native Iowan, graduating from Fort Dodge High School, the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in Psychology, and from the University of Iowa with a master's in social work. She has been in the human services delivery field for more than 30 years. Her career began as a live-in direct care staff in a residential group care setting. She spent fifteen years as a mental health clinician at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Orchard Place, and in private practice. During the past 20 years, she has served in administrative roles as a Senior Vice President of Program and Policy for Mosaic with corporate headquarters in Omaha, NE; President and CEO of Buckhorn Children and Family Services, with corporate headquarters in Buckhorn, KY; and Executive Director of Hamilton County's Child Welfare Collaborative in Cincinnati, OH. Starr returned to Orchard Place as the CEO in March of 2013. She has been involved in children's mental health and disability public policy and advocacy efforts across multiple states and at the federal level.

Each year, Anne, and her team at Orchard Place work with around 8,000 children and adolescents of all ages from all over Iowa who need individual help and support. Their goal is to help develop strong futures for children suffering from mental illnesses, behavioral health challenges, substance abuse issues, severe trauma, and more. Under Anne's leadership, she and her team have changed thousands of lives and made our community stronger and helped to destigmatize mental health. I will continue to fight in Congress to support leaders like Anne and organizations like Orchard place to ensure Iowans have access to the mental health care that they need. It is my pleasure to recognize Anne Starr as Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today and ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Ann Swenson as our Iowan of the Week.

Ann Swenson is the daughter of two public school teachers who taught her the importance of empowering young people in their classrooms and standing up for educators everywhere with the local teachers' union.

After graduating from college, Ann found herself merging her personal love for music and passion for education by following in her mother's footsteps and becoming an elementary music teacher.

As an elementary music teacher in Waukee Community Schools, she spends her days connecting kids to music--helping them discover new talents, gain a new perspective, and most importantly, have fun, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ann found herself finding new and creative ways to brighten her students' days through music--whether it be over Zoom during virtual learning, or wheeling a cart of materials around so students wouldn't have to travel from classroom to classroom.

Ann's impact reaches far beyond the classroom. She also serves as copresident of the Waukee Education Association and on the executive board of the Iowa State Education Association. She works directly with educators and support staff to ensure that they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

As Ann says, ``all teachers deserve to have a voice because happy teachers help make happy kids.''

She has spent her entire career inspiring her students and fighting for educators across Iowa, and I'm so proud to name her this week's Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Turner Morgan as Iowan of the Week. Turner was born in Council Bluffs, attended Lewis Central High School, and currently lives in Council Bluffs with his wife Abby and his son JJ Murphy. Turner serves the public as the Neighborhood Coordinator for the non-profit The 712 Initiative by bringing people together and strengthening the Council Bluffs community in creative and innovative ways.

After graduating from Creighton University, Turner began working for Habitat for Humanity in Omaha. With Habitat for Humanity, he helped coordinate thousands of volunteers building affordable housing for low- income individuals. Turner remains grateful for the opportunity to help those in need, while gaining a greater understanding of the challenges involved with affordable housing.

Turner came to The 712 Initiative in Council Bluffs three years ago, serving as their Neighborhood Coordinator. Turner took the initiative to go door to door to meet people where they are and identify the needs of the Council Bluffs community. Increased social connectivity and neighborhood development were two common themes that persisted in these conversations, and so Turner began working to help improve these areas. Turner, alongside fellow 712 Initiative staff, crafted popular social engagement programming to increase community connectivity. High in popularity is their Block Party Trailer, which The 712 Initiative provides freely so that neighborhoods can put on a block party to get people out of their homes and connect with their neighbors. By removing some of the logistical barriers to community organizing, Turner and The 712 Initiative have helped people know one another better and facilitate more collaborative neighborhoods.

Turner plans to continue working with The 712 Initiative to improve housing development as well. The organization has renovated a number of properties in the Council Bluffs area in need of substantial improvements. These renovations not only directly improve the quality of those homes but also indirectly improves the quality of the homes surrounding it.

Turner Morgan has demonstrated his passion and commitment to serving the public in Council Bluffs during his time with The 712 Initiative. His service for others deserves recognition, and I am proud to be naming Turner Morgan as Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Iowa State Trooper Tyler Shiels as our Iowan of the Week.

Every day our law enforcement officers respond to unclear situations that pose varying degrees of risk. These officers never know exactly what will happen when they are presented with a situation. Whether it's responding to a distress call or handling a traffic stop, officers must rely on their training and instincts to get a full sense of what each situation is presenting them.

Back in December, then Cass County Deputy Tyler Shiels had to do just that when he made a traffic stop that turned into a possible terror threat. After Deputy Shiels made the stop and started interviewing the driver by his vehicle, Deputy Shiels noticed something was off. This did not seem like the other routine stops he had to perform in the past. Upon further inspection, Deputy Shiels discovered a firearm, ammunition, magazines, and a GPS with directions to the White House. Deputy Shiels was stunned, and even further surprised when the driver was so transparent about what they were trying to accomplish. The driver was traveling from California to Washington, D.C. with plans to harm the President of the United States. However, once Deputy Shiels stopped him and found out what the driver was doing, he quickly got in contact with Federal authorities to notify them of what was happening in rural Iowa.

On Tuesday, April 19th, now Iowa State Trooper Shiels, along with the Cass County Sheriff's Department, were recognized by the United States Department of Homeland Security at the Cass County Courthouse. Trooper Shiels was recognized for stopping a possible act of terror, and the Sheriff's department was recognized for the outstanding training and resources that they've provided their officers.

I am incredibly grateful to have officers like Trooper Tyler Shiels serving the great State of Iowa and our Third Congressional District. It's officers like him whose diligent work protects our communities and even the Nation as a whole. I am honored to name Trooper Tyler Shiels as this week's Iowan of the Week, and I am thankful for his service to Iowa and our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Nalo Johnson as Iowan of the Week. Dr. Nalo Johnson is a public health expert who works with community-based organizations, public and private entities, and everyday Iowans to improve health outcomes for all Iowans.

While growing up in Des Moines, she learned firsthand how collaboration was key to addressing issues facing her community, and that lesson drives her work to this day.

She got her start in public health while earning her Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Minnesota, where she focused on learning about the economic, social, and environmental barriers to health. At the same time, her husband attended dental school and shared literature on public health issues that furthered her interest in the topic. After she concluded the program, she knew that her life's mission was to break down those barriers and create healthier communities.

She later joined the Division Director of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention at the Iowa Department of Public Health. There, she worked on the Title V Community-Based Doula Project for African American Families. This project included a collaborative team of Black maternal health experts that had 3 goals--to improve maternal health outcomes and decrease the disparity between Black mothers and white mothers, diversify the prenatal workforce by having doula and lactation certifications, and advocate for a systems change to use the program's data for health insurance reimbursement--including Medicaid-- for using doula services. The project is now concluding its first year of work.

She now serves as the President and CEO of the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, where she partners with leading organizations and stakeholders to view public health challenges through an equity lens and tackle those same challenges in a culturally-competent and effective manner.

Dr. Nalo Johnson says that one of the best parts of her job is building relationships with local leaders, funding partners, and public health systems to bring everyone to the table to address the unique needs of communities and is excited about the new resources available to do just that in her new role.

She is grateful for the support of her family--her husband and two children--for always being supportive and proud of the work she does.

Dr. Nalo Johnson is a stellar example of someone who fights for ALL Iowans, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Her work is critical to the well-being of Iowans, and I am so proud to honor Dr. Nalo Johnson as the Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Jeff Raines, President of the Iowa Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association, as Iowan of the Week. April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, so there is no better time to recognize the amazing work Jeff and his team are doing to help Iowans living with this disease.

The American Parkinson Disease Association is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson's disease, with local chapters across the county. The organization works tirelessly to help the approximately one million people in the United States that struggle with Parkinson's disease to live their life to the fullest in the face of a chronic neurological disorder.

The American Parkinson Disease Association has raised and invested more than $226 million to provide outstanding patient services, educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to solve the mysteries of Parkinson's disease, with the ultimate goal of putting an end to the illness.

Jeff has been a tireless advocate for combating Parkinson's disease, educating the community about the illness, and a community advocate for seniors for over 12 years. Jeff believes that with the right research and development, Parkinson's disease can be a treatable disease that we are able to subside as a community. His day-to-day efforts are helping local families navigate challenging circumstances and moving the needle on an issue that affects Iowans across the state.

I admire Jeff's mission to educate his neighbors, use his voice to advocate for those in need, and his goal to ultimately cure Parkinson's disease. His leadership and determination are helping to create a future without Parkinson's disease, a goal we can all get behind. It is my pleasure to name him Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Jenn Riggs, founder of Wander Women Iowa, as Iowan of the Week.

Jenn was born and raised in Iowa in a family with a real love of the outdoors. As a child, her family would take day trips to explore Iowa's many parks and recreational areas. Her grandmother worked at a state- run rest area educating visitors about Iowa's outdoor spaces and tourism opportunities, and Jenn would join her on the job. All of these experiences bestowed in Jenn a deep appreciation of Iowa's natural beauty and a drive to spend more time outside.

Prior to founding Wander Women, Jenn worked as a sustainability coordinator at the Des Moines Area Community College's Urban Campus in Des Moines and helped students set up various sustainability efforts. One of her favorite projects was the establishment of a half-acre food forest on campus in the heart of Iowa's largest metro area. She and the students involved learned about permaculture as the project developed, and today the half-acre forest boasts fruitful apple trees, different perennial food sources, and more.

The idea for Wander Women was years in the making. After many conversations with friends and community members and receiving a plethora of good guidance, Jenn officially made the leap into small business ownership when she founded the company in 2018. It's only grown since then.

Wander Women Iowa connects, guides, and empowers women through all- inclusive camping and hiking trips throughout Iowa. The goal of the business is to help women find community in the natural world and with one another in lasting, meaningful forms, It also empowers women by building confidence and learning important skills from other women within the outdoor recreation world, which is typically very male- dominated. Jenn also hopes bestowing a love of Iowa's natural wonders and outdoor recreation will help retain more young families in the state.

Jenn believes there is power and magic when women gather, and is dedicated to creating a path to the outdoor world for everyone. The ladies participating in Wander Women trips come from all walks of life, gather in the woods without technology or preconceived notions, and can simply be themselves while fully immersing in nature and the experience. It's been transformative for participants, many of whom have since become involved in other initiatives like volunteering and advocacy, have stayed connected to other women in the group, and have taken their friends and family members to these wild spaces to share their joy and appreciation.

The success of Wander Women is remarkable. The small business started with nine trips its first year, and has since grown to 44 trips planned for this year between backpacking trips, paddling trips, and educational courses across the state. Jenn brought on a co-owner, Kerri Sorrell, and they now have 14 female trip guides and a new, part-time employee.

When she's not working on trips and initiatives through Wander Women, Jenn remains passionately involved in environmental issues and advocacy. She also keeps busy caring for her two young kids and enjoys sharing her love of Iowa's outdoor spaces with her children. Her daughter, already a brave outdoor adventurer, has even asked about taking over Wander Women someday.

As we collectively breathe a sigh of relief at the coming of spring and Women's History Month draws to a close, I am happy to honor this strong, adventurous woman who dreamt of connecting more women with Iowa's wild spaces and then made that dream a reality. In sharing her love and knowledge of Iowa's natural heritage, Jenn is bringing a community of women together to help preserve these spaces and pass along the appreciation to future generations. I'm inspired by Jenn and the brave ladies of Wander Women Iowa and am proud to name her Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Trisha Niceswanger, a teacher and Speech & Debate coach at Atlantic High School, as our Iowan of the Week.

Speech & Debate teams provide high school students with incredible skills that can be applied everywhere in the real world, like public speaking, speech writing, performance, and self-confidence. It also teaches students how to build perspective, prepare formal remarks, and think critically about how they portray themselves and their message. These life skills and abilities have never been more crucial than they are today, and it takes someone truly special to be able to successfully show our students what they are capable of. That is why, today, I am so proud to be honoring Trisha Niceswanger for her work and dedication as the Speech & Debate coach for Atlantic High School.

Trisha has been at Atlantic High School for 8 years. She not only serves as the Speech & Debate coach, but she also serves Atlantic High School as a Spanish teacher. No matter the capacity she is working in, she is always finding ways to teach and inspire our future generations to realize their own potential. Trisha co-coaches the Speech & Debate team, with her primary focus being on coaching the Individual and Large Group Speech teams. This year, during the Individual Speech season, 28 of Trisha's students received Division 1 ratings at the District Speech competition. This rating automatically advanced those students to the State Speech competition. Of those 28 students, 8 were freshmen. Ultimately, this year Trisha coached 3 students, I freshman and 2 juniors, who were nominated for the All-State Speech competition taking

place on March 28th at the University of Northern Iowa.

Trisha's clear leadership in her role as the Speech & Debate coach has not only produced outstanding results, but she's also notable because of the impact she makes on her students. Trisha participated in Speech & Debate when she was in high school, and it showed her that these competitions are much more than standing up and talking. She coaches her students through the performance of speech, and how every category within the competition caters to unique strengths we all have within us. Review or Spontaneous Speaking can be for students who thrive in analytical or argumentative settings, while Poetry or Prose allows students to tap into illustrations and emotions through words. Trisha helps guide these students to find the strengths they carry as people, and when students realize these strengths, she sees the impact it has on every one of them.

Trisha says the most fulfilling aspect of the work she does is seeing students try something new and come out of their shell. Speech & Debate can be a daunting activity for students to try out. It puts the student in the spotlight, especially for Individual Speech, where students perform solo. But as Trisha helps her students find their voice in an area that sparks their passion, she sees them gain more and more confidence in themselves as she coaches them through a particular piece.

The work Trisha does is not just about performing well at a competition. She genuinely cares about her students as people and wants to see them thrive after they graduate high school. Trisha teaches her students so much about themselves and the impact they can have on people using Speech & Debate. Her dedication to the students of her community is truly inspiring, and it is why I am honored to name Trisha Niceswanger as this week's Iowan of the Week.