March 12, 2021

Rep. Mike Levin Honors Creator of Leap to Success for His Constituent of the Month

Dana Bristol

Dana Bristol-Smith is Rep. Levin’s Constituent of the Month.

Oceanside, CA – Today, in celebration of Women’s History Month, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) announced Oceanside resident and Executive Director of Leap to Success Dana Bristol-Smith is the March Constituent of the Month, honoring her work in helping women overcome trauma and abuse.

See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Dana Bristol-Smith in the Congressional Record:

“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.”

Representative Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County Residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and make the country stronger. Levin’s Constituent of the Month for February was North San Diego County NAACP President Satia Austin for her activism with young adults in the District. His January Constituent of the Mont was Syndee Wood, who in response to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, found a way to support both our essential workers and local businesses by delivering food to nurses in the ICU unit.

To nominate a resident of the 49th District to be the Constituent of the Month, fill out this nomination form.

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