Women+girls (W+g)

Encouraging Women+girls to Strengthen the Spirit of Virginiae

December 16, 2024

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Director of Serve Virginia Kathy Spangler and Deputy Director of Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity Vernice Love during the W+g 2024 Wrap-up Zoom

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin present the sixth and final 2024 Spirit of Virginia Award to Mercy Chefs on November 14, 2024. Official photo by Shealah Craighead

In November, during the season of Thanksgiving, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin proudly presented the 2024 Spirit of Virginia Award to Mercy Chefs, a Portsmouth-based nonprofit dedicated to providing meals to those in crisis. Whether responding to natural disasters or supporting individuals facing food insecurity, Mercy Chefs embodies compassion and resilience.

Since its founding, this faith-based organization has served over 27 million meals worldwide, operating from hubs across the United States. By warming hearts and filling plates, Mercy Chefs exemplifies the Spirit of Virginia—serving communities in the Commonwealth and far beyond with love and generosity.

We celebrate their impactful work and extend our gratitude for their unwavering commitment to uplifting those in need.

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin with Mercy Chefs founders Gary and Ann after plating food on November 14, 2024. Official photo by Shealah Craighead

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin plating food on November 14, 2024. Official photo by Shealah Craighead

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin with Mercy Chefs founders Gary and Ann and Mercy Chefs staff after plating food on November 14, 2024. Official photo by Shealah Craighead

Engaging Hampton University College Students on the

Dangers of Fentanyl

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin talking with Hampton University Students about the Dangers of Fentanyl at Hampton University in Hampton, Va. 

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin talking with Hampton University Students about the Dangers of Fentanyl at Hampton University in Hampton, Va. 

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Ms. Myra Williams, and Dr. Linda Malone-Colon at Hampton University in Hampton, Va. 

Pictured: Hampton University Students holding up their Naloxone after a REVIVE! Training at Hampton University in Hampton, Va. 

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin visited Hampton University to engage students in an open dialogue about the dangers of fentanyl, as part of the statewide expansion of her It Only Takes One campaign. The event, held in Armstrong Hall, included an impactful REVIVE! training session, equipping students with the skills to respond to an overdose and save lives.

Joined by Hampton University faculty, health equity specialists, and opioid program coordinators, the First Lady emphasized the importance of education, prevention, and preparedness in combating the fentanyl crisis. Students studying Psychology and Criminal Justice actively participated, reflecting their commitment to addressing this pressing issue.

Hampton University, renowned for its history and academic excellence, provided the perfect setting for this meaningful conversation. The First Lady’s visit highlighted the role of young leaders in building a safer, healthier future for Virginia communities. Together, we can make a difference—because it truly only takes one.

First Lady Suzanne Youngkin Shares Critical Fentanyl Prevention Resources with Petersburg Youth Program Providers

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin talking about the dangers of fentanyl and her It Only Takes One initiative at the Petersburg YMCA on November 20th.

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Executive Director of Greater Richmond YMCA Marco Callendar, and Executive Director of VFHY Marty Kilgore at the Petersburg YMCA on November 20th.

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin with Director of Petersburg Community Corrections Nicole Loving at the Petersburg YMCA on November 20th.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin met with youth program providers in Petersburg to address fentanyl poisoning prevention, as part of her It Only Takes One initiative. Hosted by the Petersburg YMCA, the event featured candid discussions and a REVIVE! training session, equipping youth leaders with lifesaving knowledge and naloxone to respond to overdoses.

The First Lady highlighted the importance of proactive measures in combating the alarming rise in fentanyl-related deaths, particularly in communities like Petersburg, Richmond, and Hopewell, which have some of the highest overdose rates in Virginia. The REVIVE! training, led by CARITAS Director of Recovery Services Benjamin Carr, focused on recognizing and reversing fentanyl overdoses, and providing critical resources to attendees.

Youth program providers received certification and additional tools to foster safer environments for the community's young people. The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth shared information about $4,000 grants available to schools, nonprofits, and organizations working to educate youth about the dangers of fentanyl.

The First Lady's visit underscores a statewide commitment to preventing fentanyl-related tragedies and empowering communities to take action. 

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin Meets with Richmond First Responders to Hear Front-Line Experiences with Fentanyl Overdoses

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet Kelly with participants of a listening session on the dangers of fentanyl at the Richmond Ambulance Authority on December 5th.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet Kelly, and Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) CEO Chip Decker came together to address the fentanyl crisis during a visit to RAA. The group heard from paramedics on the front lines of overdose response in the Richmond region, emphasizing the critical role first responders play in saving lives and connecting individuals to recovery resources.

The visit showcased Project RECOVER, an innovative program led by RAA that embeds Certified Peer Recovery Specialists within emergency services. These specialists use their personal experiences with addiction to offer immediate support, guide individuals to recovery resources, and provide first responders with new perspectives on addiction and recovery.

Through partnerships with local agencies like Chesterfield County Fire & EMS, Henrico County Fire & EMS, and the Richmond Police Department, Peer Recovery Specialists work alongside first responders to bridge the gap between emergency care and long-term recovery.

This effort is a key component of the First Lady's It Only Takes One initiative, which focuses on saving lives by fostering conversations and connections that lead to recovery. Richmond’s rates of fentanyl-related overdoses underscore the urgent need for programs like these to combat the crisis and provide lifesaving interventions.

The Commonwealth's Ongoing Fight Against Fentanyl

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin with leaders and fentanyl family ambassadors at the Fentanyl Press Event at the Office of the Attorney General in Richmond, Va.

Governor Glenn Youngkin, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, and Attorney General Jason Miyares came together to address Virginia’s comprehensive efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis. The press conference highlighted significant achievements, including reductions in fatal opioid overdoses, expanded awareness campaigns, and increased drug seizures.

The Governor emphasized Executive Order 26, which launched a statewide fentanyl strategy under the Right Help, Right Now initiative, focusing on public safety, prevention, treatment, and education. The First Lady discussed her It Only Takes One initiative, which educates Virginians on fentanyl dangers and equips communities with lifesaving resources through REVIVE! trainings. The Lieutenant Governor spoke about the critical importance of raising awareness about fentanyl’s devastating effects and supporting recovery programs like Project Link for pregnant women. Attorney General Miyares highlighted enforcement efforts like Operation FREE, which have successfully removed large quantities of fentanyl and other drugs from communities.

With a 23% reduction in fatal overdoses over the past year, Virginia continues to make strides while reinforcing its commitment to prevention, education, and recovery.

Reclaiming Childhood Youth Mental Health Summit

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Governor Glenn Youngkin, Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet Kelly, and Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera at the Reclaiming Childhood Youth Mental Health Summit in Richmond, Va.

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera, and Brad Wilcox at the Reclaiming Childhood Youth Mental Health Summit in Richmond, Va.

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, and Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet Kelly at the Reclaiming Childhood Youth Mental Health Summit in Richmond, Va.

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera at the Reclaiming Childhood Youth Mental Health Summit in Richmond, Va.

First Lady and Governor Celebrate Historic SMU vs. UVA

Matchup with Special Reception

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin with her SMU alum at a special reception celebrating the first-ever

 matchup between SMU and UVA.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin alongside Governor Glenn Youngkin hosted a special reception celebrating the first-ever matchup between the First Lady’s alma mater, Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the University of Virginia (UVA).

The First Lady and Governor welcomed university Presidents, athletic directors, Board members, mascots and more to discuss a communal commitment to higher learning as well as the almost-identical, iconic buildings — SMU’s Dallas Hall and UVA’s Rotunda — on campuses. The event brought together Mustang and Cavalier pride under one roof and set the stage for healthy competitions and camaraderie to come!  

347th Annual Tribute Ceremony

Pictured: Governor Glenn Youngkin delivers remarks at the 347th Tribute Ceremony at the Governor's Executive Mansion on November 26, 2024. Official photo by Austin Stevens, Office of the Governor. 

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin attended the 347th annual tribute ceremony commemorating the 1677 Treaty of Middle Plantation, a historic agreement between the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Indian tribes. Held at the Executive Mansion, the event highlighted the enduring partnership established by the treaty and celebrated the cultural heritage of the tribes.

During the ceremony, Mattaponi Chief Mark Custalow and Pamunkey Chief Robert Gray presented traditional gifts of wild game as part of their annual tribute.

This exchange, rooted in centuries-old tradition, symbolizes respect and mutual commitment to the treaty. Chiefs and representatives from other recognized Virginia tribes, including the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway), Rappahannock, and Upper Mattaponi, were also in attendance, showcasing the unity and pride of Virginia’s Native communities.

The event emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of Virginia’s Indigenous peoples and their contributions to the Commonwealth. As part of the ceremony, Hunters for the Hungry received the wild game donations, which will be processed to help feed those in need, continuing the spirit of giving at the heart of this tradition.

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin at the 347th Tribute Ceremony at the Governor's Executive Mansion on November 26, 2024. Official photo by Austin Stevens, Office of the Governor.

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin meets with Little Miss Chickahominy at the 347th Tribute Ceremony at the Governor's Executive Mansion on November 26, 2024. Official photo by Austin Stevens, Office of the Governor.

Pictured: Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin pose with Chief Mark "Falling Star" Custalow and Chief Robert Gray at the Governor's Executive Mansion on November 26, 2024. Official photo by Austin Stevens, Office of the Governor.

Empowering Women + girls Throughout the Commonwealth

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin with an attendee of the Women + girls Reception in Reston, Va.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin joined the Women + Girls Reception in Northern Virginia, hosted by the Hunter Mill Republican Women’s Club and supported by the Loudoun County Republican Women’s Club. The event welcomed over 125 attendees, including sponsors and representatives from various local organizations.



The First Lady was accompanied by special guests Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick and Analise Gammel from Serve Virginia. The program featured a dynamic Q&A session with each guest, moderated by the First Lady, where they discussed community engagement, leadership, and service opportunities across Virginia. Attendees also had the chance to participate in an interactive Q&A with the panel, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas.

This reception reinforced the First Lady’s commitment to supporting women in leadership and promoting civic engagement across the Commonwealth.

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin delivering remarks at the Women + girls Reception in Reston, Va.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin Celebrates Virginia Cider Week at Saucy's Bar.B.Q. in Petersburg, Virginia

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin celebrates Virginia Cider Week at Saucy's Bar.B.Q. in Petersburg, Va.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin visited Saucy’s Bar.B.Q. in Petersburg to celebrate Virginia Cider Week, enjoying a locally crafted cider and highlighting the importance of this growing industry. Virginia Cider Week showcases the dedication of local cideries to using Virginia-grown apples, blending agricultural tradition with innovative craftsmanship to create world-class ciders.

The annual celebration honors the Commonwealth’s rich cider-making heritage, dating back to its earliest days, while supporting the orchards and communities that make it possible. The First Lady’s visit emphasized how cider-making not only preserves an agricultural legacy but also contributes to the vibrancy of Virginia’s local economy.

Even though Cider Week has passed, the First Lady encourages Virginians to continue supporting local cideries and enjoying the unique flavors they bring to the table year-round. From special occasions to everyday moments, Virginia cider is always worth celebrating.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin Promotes Literacy at George Carver Elementary School in Richmond, Virginia

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin at George Carver Elementary School in Richmond, Va.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin returned to George Carver Elementary School in Richmond to read with kindergarten and first-grade students. The visit was part of her ongoing commitment to literacy and community engagement. The First Lady visited multiple classrooms and delivered holiday cookies to the entire student body. She was warmly welcomed by Carver Elementary’s leadership, including Principal Teresa Anderson, Assistant Principal Rubi Cousins, Assistant Principal Candice Smith, and Literacy Coach Chante Hunt, along with Bob Rogers of the nonprofit Kiwanis of Greater Richmond and Rally Virginia volunteers.

Girls with Pearls: Cultivating Leadership, Gratitude

and Connection in Petersburg

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin posing for a picture along with a few mentors and mentees during November's Girls with Pearls visit at Blandford Academy in Petersburg, Va

In November, Girls with Pearls at Petersburg’s Blandford Academy embraced the spirit of giving, learning, and togetherness. A partnership between Communities in Schools (CIS), the Petersburg Women’s Club, and the First Lady’s office, Girls with Pearls brings sixth-grade learners together with mentors for monthly gatherings that focus on leadership, life skills, and sisterhood. In honor of the Thanksgiving season, Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth Jenna Moon led discussions on hospitality, dining etiquette, and the importance of thoughtfulness toward others.

The girls also applied their new skills in holiday-themed activities, from creating beautifully set tables to engaging in meaningful conversations. These small but powerful gestures not only teach etiquette but also encourage kindness and connection—values that resonate during the holiday season.



As we reflect on the joys of this time of year, we celebrate programs like Girls with Pearls that inspire young leaders to embrace their potential and foster gratitude and community spirit.

Fatherhood Focus

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin loading up toys for The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program at the Patrick Henry Building in Richmond, Va

The holiday season is a special time for fathers to create cherished memories with their children, and programs like Angel Tree make that possible for families across Virginia. Through the gift pick-up initiative, fathers are empowered to bring smiles and joy to their children's faces, embodying the spirit of generosity and love that defines the season.

For many dads, Angel Tree provides a unique opportunity to strengthen their bond with their kids, ensuring they feel valued and celebrated.

Whether it's helping wrap gifts, assembling toys, or simply sharing in the excitement of the holidays, fathers play a vital role in building traditions and fostering a sense of belonging for their families.

This holiday season, we celebrate fathers who make the magic happen, and programs like Angel Tree that remind us of the power of community and giving.

#HomeHistory

This year, the Executive Mansion’s Christmas trees shine with a special touch of #homehistory: handmade angels crafted from upholstery and curtain fabric remnants that were salvaged from the 1988 renovation.



These delicate ornaments first adorned the tree after the most extensive restoration in the mansion’s 200-year history, led by former First Lady Roxane Gatling Gilmore. After decades in storage, the angels return to their rightful place, symbolizing more than just holiday cheer; they honor Mrs. Gilmore’s legacy of preservation and connect us to the generations who shaped the mansion’s story.

Boards and Commissions Openings

To explore and apply for opportunities to serve on one of Virginia's Boards or Commissions, please visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website.

Sisterhood Spotlight

Ann LeBlanc

Co-Founder and President of Mercy Chefs

Ann LeBlanc, a dedicated servant leader with over 18 years of experience and 200 disaster deployments with Mercy Chefs, combines compassion and executive expertise to bring hope and hot meals to those in need.

With a background in leadership at The Christian Broadcasting Network and Regent University, she has amplified Mercy Chefs' impact, while her heartfelt advocacy ensures every individual she serves feels seen, valued, and cared for.

Learn more about Ann, here

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!

Creatures + Creations

Creature Corner

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin recognizes Virginia Day of the Horse by presenting a proclamation in Scottsville, Va.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin marked Virginia Day of the Horse by presenting a proclamation to a Scottsville equine facility. Issued by Governor Glenn Youngkin, the proclamation highlights the vital contributions horses have made to Virginia’s history, culture, and economy, including a $1.3 billion economic impact and 29,000 jobs.

From their role in early agriculture and transportation to their therapeutic benefits today, horses remain an enduring symbol of Virginia’s heritage. Home to Secretariat and 600,000 acres of horse-related land, Virginia’s equestrian tradition is unparalleled.

On the Wall

Pictured: Citizens' Advisory Council on Furnishing and Interpreting the Executive Mansion Art Experience Committee Co-Chairs Ann Goettman and Judy Boland pose alongside First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Sacred Sisterhood. 

Richmond-based artist Amanda Tucker's Sacred Sisterhood shines a special light in the Ladies' Parlor this holiday season, complementing The Executive Mansion's Christmas decor theme of 'A Heavenly Holiday.' In a time filled with immense excitement and joy, moments of stress are bound to creep in—Amanda Tucker's painting offers visitors to the Executive Mansion a peaceful escape for reflection amidst the season’s bustle.

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