Women+girls (W+g)
Encouraging Women+girls to Strengthen the Spirit of Virginiae
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Artistic Visions of Virginia | |
Pictured: The First Lady admiring "The Upperville Gallop" by Sharon Lynn Campbell. | |
The First Lady unveiled the second installment of the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion. Entitled, "Do What You Love In Virginia," this newest iteration is exclusive to the works of Virginia artists and boasts over 75 pieces of art or artifacts from 37 institutions, museums, and/or artists across the Commonwealth. Ranging from fabric displays, oil and acrylic canvas portraits, photographs, magazine covers, leather ornaments, and more, this exhibit highlights Virginia's iconic pastimes, places, and people. To see the full installation, tour the Executive Mansion in person on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:00am to 2:00pm; or visit the Mansion website. | | |
Pictured: The South Ballroom of the Executive Mansion featuring the Art Experience 2.0. | |
Pictured: The First Lady and co-chair of the Art Experience subcommittee of the Citizens Advisory Council, Judy Boland. | |
Spirit of Virginia Award: Boulder Crest Foundation | |
Pictured: The Governor and the First Lady present the Spirit of Virginia Award to Boulder Crest founders, Ken and Julia Falke. | |
The Governor and the First Lady recently presented the 4th Spirit of Virginia Award to the Boulder Crest Foundation as part of its 10th Anniversary celebration in Bluemont, Virginia. This nonprofit retreat facility serves military, veterans, first responders, and their families on a beautiful 37-acre property. Facilitating Post-traumatic Growth, conducting invaluable research, and supporting individuals through their healing, the Boulder Crest Foundation has helped over 100,000 individuals grow stronger. To learn more about the Spirit of Virginia award, please visit the First Lady's website and watch the livestream of this award on her Instagram. To find more information on the Boulder Crest Foundation click here. | |
Pictured: The First Lady and Nicole Condrey with an image of her late husband, an American hero who benefitted from Boulder Crest's practices. | |
Pictured: The Governor and the First Lady with Secretary Cole, Secretary Crenshaw, and Boulder Crest Foundation Leadership. | |
Pictured: The First Lady and Secretary Aimee Guidera at the Northern Virginia Sisterhood Reception. | |
Pictured: The First Lady speaking at the Richmond Sisterhood Reception. | |
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On the final stops of her Sisterhood tour, the First Lady visited Northern Virginia and Richmond to update Women+girls on recent activities, highlight volunteer opportunities, and foster togetherness. In addition, the First Lady interviewed Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera on the state of education in the Commonwealth. The Governor's ALL IN VA education reform plan is part of the largest investment in public education ever made in Virginia history and emphasizes the need for in-school attendance and provides funding for intensive tutoring for students to make up for learning loss. For more information on the ALL IN VA plan, click here. Additionally, to ensure parents have a voice in their child's education, the Department of Education has recently formed the Office of Parent Engagement that supports and encourages parents to get involved.
Adding to the joyous occasion, the First Lady and guests had the chance to interact with numerous female-led nonprofits that are diligently working to better the lives of individuals in Virginia. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more, check out the nonprofits the First Lady had the opportunity to interact with recently in the "W+g and Me" section below, or reach out to organizations your local area.
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Pictured: The First Lady alongside the ladies in Salsa Guy's Tradicion Dance Company. | |
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month that runs from September 15 through October 15, the Governor and First Lady hosted a Hispanic Heritage Reception at the Executive Mansion.
Dozens of Hispanic and Latino community, faith, and business leaders joined in the celebration. With a musical performance boasting heritage from Puerto Rico, Cuba, and South America, and a guest appearance from The Salsa Guy of RVA and the Tradicion Dance Company, the evening was a joy to all.
We are incredibly grateful for the immense cultural, economic, and societal contributions of Virginia's Hispanic American community! Click here to see more pictures from the event or learn more about the Executive Mansion here.
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Astrid Gámez
Founder and Executive Director of Family Services Network
| Astrid Gámez is the Founder and Executive Director of the Family Services Network. She provides parents and children of at-risk families with programs to help them succeed and develop healthy lives. Offering developmental playgroups, national violence prevention programs, bullying awareness workshops, and information around child abuse, her programs emphasizes the need to find empowering solutions before the problems effect a child’s development. To learn more about Ms. Gamez's great work, read her Spotlight here. | |
Salary Donation: Life Enrichment Center
Governor Glenn Youngkin pledged to donate the entirety of his gubernatorial salary to nonprofits in the Commonwealth. As such, he and the First Lady donated the third-quarter salary to the Life Enrichment Center (LEC) of Virginia Beach. This 20 year-old, faith-based non-profit provides literacy tutoring to students in low-income communities, while simultaneously sparking meaningful mentorships. LEC's more than 2,000 volunteers spawn from churches, law enforcement, health services, and faith-based organizations. The organization is expanding and has need for more readers. To learn more or get involved, please visit the Life Enrichment Center website.
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Pictured: The Governor and First Lady donate the Governor's third quarter salary to the Life Enrichment Center. | |
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Evangeline "Angela" Cuyno Boers
Volunteer Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician
Angela Boers is a Volunteer Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. She is walking proof that size and gender cannot stand in the way of your dreams. Standing at only 4 feet 10 inches, she and her all-female squad bring unique advantages to every fire scene. In this Sisterhood Spotlight, Angela discusses what motivated her to become a firefighter, how being a female has been advantageous in her role, the rituals of her department for 9-11, prideful experiences she has had, and her thoughts to anyone considering a career as a first responder.....read more HERE!
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Gabriela Chambers
Fourth Grade Teacher at Gilbert Linkous Elementary School
Gabriela Chambers Is a fourth-grade teacher at Gilbert Linkous Elementary School in Blacksburg, Virginia. She ensures that young Virginians are being provided with a high-quality education and are on track to graduate high school. She aims to spark a love of learning early on, so the students remain engaged and interested in the topics covered in class. In this Sisterhood Spotlight, Gabriela discusses teacher qualifications, how we can support our educators, the impact of Covid-19 on education, parent involvement, and resources that families can use to help their children grow as students....read more HERE!
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The First Lady routinely engages with nonprofits serving the needs of Virginians across the Commonwealth. Check out some of the organizations she has connected with recently!
If you are interested in volunteering to serve others, or would like more information on how these nonprofits might be able to provide you with assistance, click on their logos to learn more!
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Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (T.A.P.S.) |
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Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth
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National Child Identification Program
(Partnership with VA Office of the Attorney General)
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Children's Home Society of Virginia |
Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (Initiative with the VA Office of the Attorney General) | |
Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) |
Crossover Healthcare Ministry | |
Right Help, Right Now (Governor's Office Resource)
| Victim Notification Program (Initiated by the Virginia Office of the Attorney General) | |
Foundation First Workforce and Early Childhood Education Luncheon | |
In an effort to strengthen early childhood development and education, the First Lady had the opportunity to speak to business and community leaders, educators and teachers, and many others at the Foundation First Luncheon. Life preparedness begins early by ensuring children receive a solid foundation of love, support, and educational encouragement before entering grade school.
To learn more about Foundation First and the work that they do to improve the Commonwealth, visit their website.
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Pictured: The First Lady speaking at the luncheon.
Photo by: Tom Manning
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Nanci Hardwick
Chief Executive Officer of MELD Manufacturing
In recognition of National Manufacturing Day on October 6, the First Lady highlighted Nanci Hardwick, the Chief Executive Officer of MELD® Manufacturing and Aeroprobe Corporation since 2018. She and her company have revolutionized the metal additive manufacturing business with its solid-state printing process. Nanci discusses her role and company, her success, the importance of the S.T.E.M. fields, the future of manufacturing, and resources for women interested in manufacturing. Visit the website to learn more about Nanci Hardwick and the other Sisterhood Spotlights!
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Cornus Virginicus Edition II | |
Pictured: Cornus Virginicus Edition II
Photo by: Anna Anderson
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On the eve of October's National Wine Month, the First Lady unveiled her newest edition of the Cornus Virginicus. A Latin term meaning "Flowering tree of Virginia," its name and label pay tribute to the Dogwood, Virginia's state flower and tree.
All proceeds of this wine will be donated to Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom, a nonprofit that that provides resources to educators who can meaningfully connect children to agriculture.
This limited-edition Virginia wine consists of 67% Petit Verdot and 33% Merlot, and is now available for purchase through Virginia ABC stores and Cana Vineyards & Winery. Click here to learn more about this blend.
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Pictured: The First Lady with Secretary Lohr and winemaker, Melanie Natoli.
Photo by: Anna Anderson
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Boards and Commission Openings | |
To explore and apply for these and other opportunities, please check out the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website. |
- Board of Trustees of the Science Museum of Virginia
- State Historical Records Advisory Board
- Veterans Services Foundation
- Cave Board
- Virginia Foundation for the Humanities and Public Policy
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Pictured: The Governor and First Lady read to students at Pleasants Lane Elementary School. | Pictured: The First Lady talking to a student at Pleasants Lane Elementary School. | |
First Lady Focus on the Partnership for Petersburg
COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS
The Governor and First Lady had the distinct privilege of partnering with Communities in Schools for a visit to Pleasants Lane Elementary School. They had the chance to interact with the students, answer questions about government, and read a fan favorite, "The Story of Ferdinand," to all in attendance.
Emphasizing the importance of reading and literacy, the Governor also had the chance to speak on his ALL IN VA education plan. Aiming to revitalize Virginia's education system, this plan focuses on increasing student attendance and providing the necessary tutoring for reading and math.
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Pictured: The First Lady with an equine assisted therapy horse and young rider. | The Cloverleaf Equine Center takes great care of both horses and people alike. With a mission to provide healing through horsemanship to veterans and service members, children and adults with disabilities, and others in need, the nonprofit offers therapeutic riding, physical and occupational therapy, and equine-related services that support the health and wellness of so many deserving individuals. With a growing family of almost 20 horses and nearly 10 programs, services, and camps, Clifton, Virginia's Cloverleaf is special. | |
Pictured: "Composition #148, 2023" by Diego Sanchez. | Diego Sánchez nació en Bogotá, Colombia, América del Sur, y más tarde obtuvo una Licenciatura en Bellas Artes y una Maestría en Bellas Artes del Departamento de Pintura y Grabado de la Universidad de Virginia Commonwealth. El primer ganador del Premio Theresa Pollak a la Excelencia en las Artes, y ganador del Premio de la Comisión de las Artes de Virginia 50 por 50 Artistas en 2017, Sánchez es ahora el Jefe del Departamento de Arte en la Escuela de St Catherine. Actualmente también es miembro de la junta directiva del Centro de Artes Visuales de Richmond. Para obtener más información sobre Diego Sánchez y los otros artistas que aparecen en la Mansión Ejecutiva, visite el sitio web. | |
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