Women+girls (W+g)
Encouraging Women+girls to Strengthen the Spirit of Virginiae
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Pictured: Flowers on a mantle at the Executive Mansion | |
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This holiday season, the Governor and First Lady welcomed hundreds of guests from across the Commonwealth to the Executive Mansion for fellowship, cheer and to see the beautiful Christmas display, 'A Commonwealth Christmas.'
'A Commonwealth Christmas' at the Executive Mansion offers contemporary twists on centuries old #homehistory Christmas traditions. Utilizing natural decorations that have remained seasonal staples from the Commonwealth’s earliest documented celebrations to today, the adornments capitalize on agrarian elements.
Read on for more details from a feature by the Virginian-Pilot.
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Pictured: Decorative railing with fruit and holly at the Executive Mansion |
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Pictured: Decorative tree with fruit and a red cardinal at the Executive Mansion |
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Pictured: The First Lady and Governor with Hanukkah reception guests | |
The First Lady and Governor were humbled to be surrounded by Jewish faith and community leaders, as well as members of the Commission to Combat Anti-Semitism and the Virginia Israel Advisory Board, at the Executive Mansion on the seventh night of Hanukkah. As we reflect on the spirit of Hanukkah, we hold tight to the goodwill, light and hope of this holiday season. | |
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Since its inception in 1935 by the Richmond-Times Dispatch, the Christmas Mother tradition has maintained a mission to let no man, woman or child feel they have been forgotten or left behind at Christmas. The First Lady was therefore thrilled to attend a brunch celebrating the 2023 Christmas Mothers of Virginia — an incredible group of women dedicated to giving to others.
Lovingly supported by community donations and volunteers and with partners like the Salvation Army, the local Christmas Mother ensures every neighbor, friend and family can enjoy the holiday season with toys for children, services for seniors, and support for those facing financial hardship.
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Pictured: The First Lady with Christmas Mothers from across the Commonwealth | |
Pictured: The First Lady reads to students at Carver Elementary School | |
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Up until fourth grade most children are learning to read. After this, they start reading to learn. Sufficient literacy skills are critical for children to flourish as adults. That's why the First Lady was thrilled to lock arms with her partners at the Kiwanis Club and special guest, 2023 Richmond Christmas Mother Jacquelin Aronson, to deliver cookies and read with the students at Carver Elementary this December.
Marking her fifth visit to the school, the First Lady is proud to support the Governor's push for high-intensity literacy tutoring and encourages all Virginians to volunteer their time to help our next generation excel in the classroom.
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Right Help, Right Now 1-year Anniversary
In honor of the one-year anniversary of the Governor’s Right Help, Right Now initiative to transform the behavioral health system, the First Lady had the opportunity to speak with families personally affected by the behavioral health crisis.
After a year of implementing critical changes in the behavioral health infrastructure, the First Lady is proud to support the Governor’s new Youth Mental Health Strategy while encouraging families and parents to get more involved.
Recognizing the role families, specifically mothers, play in the health and wellbeing of children, the First Lady looks forward to these new efforts to support our next generation of Virginians.
To read more, click here.
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Pictured: The First Lady with Lt. Governor Sears, Angela Sailor, Afrodita Foster and Wendy Watson | Pictured: The First Lady applauds after Governor Youngkin's speech | |
Spirit of Virginia Award Reception | |
Pictured: The First Lady poses with women from Cameron's Coffee & Chocolates | |
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The Spirit of Virginia Award recognizes and celebrates the organizations that work tirelessly in their communities to bring about positive change in our Commonwealth, covering vast geographies and a wide array of causes.
Alongside Spirit of Virginia Award winners, three additional nonprofits are being celebrated this holiday season by the Youngkins. In collaboration with TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), Fear 2 Freedom and James House, the Governor of Virginia and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin decorated the tree in the dining room of the Executive Mansion with ornaments, “Freedom Bears,” photos of heros lost in the line of duty and more — highlighting the missions and values of these change-making nonprofits in the true spirit of the season.
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Pictured: Christmas tree ornaments featuring the James House, TAPS and Fear 2 Freedom | |
Pictured: The First Lady and Governor Youngkin speak to guest at the Executive Mansion | |
Pictured: The First Lady helps Governor Youngkin and staff load boxes of toys into a truck | |
In order to bring the joy of Christmas to all families in Virginia, the First Lady was thrilled to support this year’s Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots initiative. Thank you to the generous staff in Richmond for contributing. To learn more about Toys for Tots or to make a donation this season, click here. | |
Pictured: The First Lady greets RAL puppy, 'Nutmeg.' | |
Pictured: The First Lady with Larry Eason and Lauren Behringer from the Richmond Animal League | |
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The First Lady was thrilled to visit the Richmond Animal League (RAL) this week to learn more about the important work they are doing for animals throughout Central Virginia.
Since 1979, RAL has been committed to saving lives by providing hope, help and homes for animals in need. By providing temporary housing and medical treatment for animals, services through their Loving Spay and Neuter Clinic and by cultivating an expansive volunteer network, RAL is a shining example of the Spirit of Virginia at work.
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Christmas Wreaths and Tree Delivery | |
Pictured: The First Lady and Governor Youngkin with the Houston and Grove Families | |
The Governor and First Lady were recently honored to meet the growers behind this year’s winning Christmas tree and wreath as recognized by the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association. We laud the Houston and Grove families for their evergreen thumbs and are so grateful for the magic their craft brings to Virginia’s home in Richmond and Virginia’s homes across the Commonwealth. | |
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Building Blocks for Virginia Families
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The First Lady is excited to support the Governor in his efforts to bolster early learning and childcare in Virginia. Recognizing that family is the bedrock of society, the First Lady prioritizes supporting Virginia’s children while empowering their parents to stay in the workplace.
To read more about the Governor’s Building Blocks for Virginia Families Plan, read on.
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Pictured: The First Lady and Governor pictured with local school children and teachers. | |
Virginia Management Fellows | |
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The First Lady was pleased to host the 6th cohort of the Virginia Management Fellows at the Executive Mansion this fall.
The Virginia Management Fellows program, established in 2017 by the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) and Virginia Tech, offers continuing education and experiences to foster growth and a path to management and leadership succession in Virginia's state agencies.
Employed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and interested in applying for Cohort 7? Use this link to learn more.
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Pictured: The First Lady with the Virginia Management Fellows | |
Virginia Tech Jane and Stephen Hale Equine Performance Evaluation Center and the Paul J. Goodness Podiatry Clinic Dedication | |
Pictured: The First Lady cuts a ribbon at the Virginia Tech Jane and Stephen Hale Equine Performance Evaluation Center and the Paul J. Goodness Podiatry Clinic dedication ceremony | |
Bound by their shared love of equines, the First Lady joined an amazing group of veterinarians, volunteers, community, government and business leaders this month to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Virginia Tech’s Jane and Stephen Hale Equine Performance Evaluation Center and the Paul J. Goodness Podiatry Clinic Dedication. The new facility will provide high-end medical and surgical treatment for horses while providing ample opportunities for veterinary medical students, residents, and interns to engage in experiential learning. | |
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. | |
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Owner of cater613
Combining her love of art, food, family and faith, Shari Berman has made a name for herself in the Tidewater region for her Kosher catering service. For the past 8 years, cater613 has impressed kosher and non-kosher guests alike, bringing individuals and communities together in their shared love of a delicious meal. As a proud mother and active member of the Jewish community in Norfolk, Shari has mastered the art of “fusing food and service.” In this Sisterhood Spotlight, we reflect on the recent Hanukkah holiday and learn more about a homegrown Virginian doing wonderful things.... read more, here.
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Marketing and Community Relations Specialist
By cultivating her God-given talents and affinity for serving others, Sara Moncrieff is a shining example of the far-reaching impact Virginia's women + girls can have in the workforce and beyond. Over the past 17 years of her career with Puritan Cleaners, Sara has been a leader in the social impact sector, now leading various community initiatives to serve families throughout Central Virginia... read more about Sara in this Sisterhood Spotlight, here.
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Pictured: The First Lady posing with a Girls with Pearls student | Pictured: Girls with Pearls student decorating a holiday cookie | |
First Lady Focus on the Partnership for Petersburg | |
To close out the school semester, the First Lady joined educators, volunteers, Communities in Schools (CIS) personnel, members of the Petersburg Women’s Club and sixth grade girls participating in the Girls with Pearls (GwP) program at Blandford Academy in Petersburg.
Attendees, alongside student mentors and family members, heard from Cameron Foundation President, Nadine Marsh-Carter as they shared a holiday meal and decorated cookies. As the program embarks on its second semester in 2024, the First Lady encourages women to volunteer in their communities as they are able — there is nothing greater than giving back and the bond between Women+girls (W+g)!
Interested in Richmond-area volunteer opportunities? Reach out to the First Lady at: FirstLady@governor.virginia.gov
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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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Fairview Housing: Mended Women Lifestyle Recovery Home | |
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Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom | |
Pictured: The First Lady on horseback | |
The First Lady was thrilled to come alongside the Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) in a video to shine light on one of God's most wonderful creatures, the horse.
Celebrating Virginia's rich and vibrant agricultural industry and acknowledging the critical role equines play in it is one of the First Lady's top priorities.
By providing 12 jobs for every one horse in Virginia, fostering our equine industry will pay dividends for Virginia's growing labor market.
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Pictured: 2023 Virginia State Capitol ornament | |
This year’s Virginia State Capitol Ornament appropriately features the newly opened, General Assembly Building (GAB) – a reminder of the current era of public architecture in Richmond.
The new GAB is Virginia’s first, purpose-built building for state legislature and is finally complete after 5 years of construction.
Thank you, Charlie Seilheimer and the team at Virginia Capitol Foundation for your work on this beautiful project!
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A New Year's Message from the Office of the First Lady | |
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"As we approach the new year, the First Lady’s office sends all Women+girls (W+g) and their communities wishes for new beginnings and novel blessings.
It will be a joy to engage in ’24 to continue our efforts to make Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family..."
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Pictured: Office of the First Lady and Executive Mansion Staff | |
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