Women+girls (W+g) L.I.F.E.

Encouraging Virginia's Women+girls to Love+Inquire+Flourish+Enduree

June 22, 2023

Pictured: A Father's Day celebration at the Virginia Executive Mansion.

Pictured: The very first Juneteenth celebration at the Virginia Executive Mansion.

WATCH: In June, the Governor signed 24 bills supporting his Right Help, Right Now plan.

The First Lady joined the Governor, first responders, health care workers, law enforcement professionals and Virginia families affected by behavioral health challenges at Fauquier Hospital to laud the signing of 24 different bills supporting the Governor’s Right Help, Right Now plan. The bipartisan legislation enhances the administration's emphasis on transformational change to Virginia’s behavioral health services -- reducing the burden on law enforcement and improving access to crisis care. At the bill signing, the Watsons, who tragically lost their son, Brody, to suicide, shared their story and received a flag flown over the Capitol.

The Governor and First Lady presented the inaugural Spirit of Virginia Award to the National Center for Healthy Veterans in March 2022 for their mission to "Return Healthy Veterans to America." Official photo by Shealah Craighead.

Last week, the Governor commemorated the five-year anniversary of the Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) at the Mansion, which is led in Virginia by Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw and Secretary of Health and Human Resources John Littel as part of continued commitment to veteran and behavioral Wellbeing.

The First Lady hosted a discussion with members of the Alzheimer's Association at the Mansion.

During Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, the First Lady sat down with a variety of voices for Alzheimer's treatment and care. Click below to learn more about the Alzheimer's Association and its myriad of services available to Virginians.

Pictured: The First Lady at the VHC Health ribbon cutting in Arlington.

The Governor and First Lady marked the momentous inauguration of the new VHC Health outpatient center in Arlington, VA, a significant stride towards the expansion of behavioral health services in the Commonwealth. The Governor and First Lady continue to support leaders in the health space and celebrate advancements in improving the Wellbeing of Virginians.

The Governor and First Lady celebrated the establishment of the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement.

The First Lady joined the Governor, Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater, Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera and Virginia workers and business leaders to celebrate the establishment of the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement. Signing House Bill 2195 and Senate Bill 1470, the Governor created the new department, which will support and transform Virginia's workforce by consolidating its workforce programs and data into the single entity.

Barbara Riggs (far left), recipient of the 2023 Spirit of the Horse Award.

The Governor and First Lady returned to the Upperville Colt & Horse Show and presented the second annual Spirit of the Horse Award to Barbara Riggs. The award was established by the First Lady in 2022 and recognizes a stand-out, female leader in Virginia’s flourishing agriculture and equine industry. Cheers to Barbara for her hard work on behalf of nonprofits, the community and for being the first woman to serve as Deputy Director of the Secret Service in its 139-year history.

The First Lady and Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick (far right) at the opening celebration.

The First Lady joined the Governor, Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick to commemorate the grand opening of Metropolitan Park, phase one of Amazon's HQ2 in Arlington, VA, and to celebrate Amazon's commitment to economic growth in Virginia. Click below for photos from inside Met Park.

The First Lady spoke at Wolf Trap's Early Childhood Arts Symposium hosted at Norfolk State University.

Wolf Trap's Early Childhood Arts Symposium addressed early childhood arts integration and celebrated how the arts engage children in meaningful and skill-developing experiences. Thank you, Wolf Trap and symposium attendees, for your commitment to Virginia's children and families.

Pictured: Tequisha Stiles.

Tequisha Stiles is a passionate eighth-grade English teacher in Brunswick County, VA who was recently named Regional Teacher of the Year. In this Sisterhood Spotlight, read about Tequisha’s experiences as a mother, mentor, servant leader and educator.

Pictured: Jean Case.

Jean Case is a businesswoman, investor and philanthropist. She is the Chairman of National Geographic and CEO of the Case Impact Network. In this Sisterhood Spotlight, read about her impact in technology, accomplishments in environmentalism and advice she has for Women+girls.

The First Lady with members of the U.S. Park Police Horse Mounted Patrol.

The First Lady joined for the official opening of the new facility for one of the nation's oldest law enforcement units, representing the Virginians who have contributed to the proper care of these four-footed protectors and to educating the public about this piece of history. Kudos to philanthropist and advocate Sheila Johnson, who is deeply committed to this cause.

Watcher By the Rail, painted by Barclay Sheaks.

Virginia artist Barclay Sheaks, inspired by his home in the Chesapeake Bay, painted his wife Edna looking out over the water as part of a thematic series entitled “Watchers.” Perfectly complementing the start of summer, this painting now hangs in the Ladies’ Parlor as part of the Art Experience and is on loan from the VMFA.

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