From the Desk of First Lady

Suzanne S. Youngkin

Sisterhood Monthly

May 11, 2022

The First Lady is active on Facebook and Instagram! Follow her now:

The First Lady hosts Virginia women to announce new engagement platforms.

The First Lady, Lt. Governor and artist Sukenya Best at the 2022 Black History Month Reception. Official photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

On the eve of Mother's Day, the First Lady published her first Sisterhood Spotlight feature highlighting Virginia's Lt. Governor. The Sisterhood Spotlight series focuses on impactful women in Virginia in the areas of governance, business and entrepreneurship, education, mental health, animal welfare and more. New features are published biweekly.

Page Atkinson, wife of Virginia's Attorney General Jason Miyares, gives remarks at the First Lady's sold-out Sisterhood Tea. Photo by Kathy Taylor Scott.

Consider applying to participate on one of the many boards and commissions established to serve the state. Apply via the Secretary of the Commonwealth's application portal, found on the First Lady's website and at the below link. Gubernatorial appointments are an ongoing process, with approximately 900 appointments being made throughout the year.

The First Lady visits Pocahontas State Park with Governor Glenn Youngkin on Earth Day. Official photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

On Earth Day, Governor Youngkin and the First Lady visited Pocahontas State Park, the largest of the Virginia State Parks. Virginia was the first state in the nation to establish a park system. This spring and summer, engage with our state's natural resources by visiting a park near you. 

The First Lady, Rabbi Sara Villalona, Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and Dr. Georgeanne Long at the sold-out Sisterhood Tea. Photo by Kathy Taylor Scott.

Visit the First Lady's newly launched Sisterhood web page to find resources on summer activities across Virginia on culture and the arts, COVID-19 updates, mental health resources, foster care news and information, summer school options, Virginia tourism and more.

The Governor and First Lady present awards to each STEAM-H Essay Contest winner on April 29. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

The Virginia Council on Women's Annual STEAM-H Essay Contest awards scholarships to high school junior and senior girls planning to pursue STEM careers at institutions of higher education. The essay contest is launched annually in November.

Army veteran Diana Rider (middle) gave remarks about her journey to healing at the inaugural Spirit of Virginia Award at the National Center for Healthy Veterans in March. Photo by Shealah Craighead.

Governor Glenn Youngkin recognized May 2022 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Use the Commonwealth of Virginia's mental health services locator to find care near you.

The First Lady presents the inaugural Spirit of Virginia Award to General Bob Dees at the National Center for Healthy Veterans in Altavista, VA. Photo by Shealah Craighead.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin presented the very first Spirit of Virginia Award in March to the National Center for Healthy Veterans. The award recognizes unique qualities and standout achievements across the Commonwealth and salutes Virginians for their uncommon contributions in private industries, education, culture and the arts and philanthropy. The next Spirit of Virginia Award will be awarded in May 2022.

Official photo by Rachel Leppert, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

On May 3, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the launch of the Office of the Children's Ombudsman. In addition to advocating for systemic changes in Virginia’s child welfare system, the office is authorized to receive complaints from the public regarding the actions or decisions of departments of social services in cases involving children alleged to have been abused or neglected and children who are in foster care.

The First Lady pictured with Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera (left) and Kume Goranson, Executive Director of CodeRVA Regional High School (right). Official photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

On April 19, Governor Glenn Youngkin alongside Google Vice President & Chief Internet Evangelist Vint Cerf announced that Google pledged to invest $300 million in Virginia with a total economic impact to the Commonwealth at approximately $8.8 billion.

Hearts drawn by children hang on the wall during the First Lady's visit to RVA SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now). Photo credit: Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

On April 11, the First Lady visited RVA SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) in support of First Lady Hutchison's social media campaign in Arkansas supporting child abuse victims and survivors across the nation. Child Advocacy Centers serve more than 370,000 kids each year.

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