Women+girls (W+g)
Encouraging Women+girls to Strengthen the Spirit of Virginiae
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Spirit of Virginia Award: God's Pit Crew | |
Pictured: The First Lady and Governor present Randy and Terri Johnson of God's Pit Crew with the Spirit of Virginia Award. | |
In November, the Governor and First Lady donated the sixth Spirit of Virginia Award of 2023 to God’s Pit Crew, a nonprofit, faith-based crisis response organization serving victims of natural disasters and communities lacking essential resources. God’s Pit Crew was established by Danville residents Randy and Terri Johnson who were motivated by their faith to serve communities devastated by tornadoes in Oklahoma. Today, God’s Pit Crew has expanded to a national, volunteer-backed operation combatting humanitarian crises caused by wildfires, hurricanes and other disasters. In 2022, the organization distributed over 3.4 million pounds of food, water and essential products to individuals and families across the United States, as well as over 30,000 survival kits colloquially known as “Blessing Buckets.” | |
Pictured: The Governor and First Lady pose with Randy and Terri Johnson at the Spirit of Virginia Award Ceremony |
Pictured: The First Lady gives remarks at the Spirit of Virginia Award ceremony. | |
Pictured: The Governor and First Lady pack a "Blessing Bucket" at the Spirit of Virginia Award Ceremony. |
Pictured: The Governor and First Lady present Randy and Terri Johnson with the Spirit of Virginia Award | |
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the Doorways
Between Healing & Home
The First Lady recently visited the Doorways, a place for healing and home for families in need of care and support while battling illness and hospital stays. In the words of previous guests, the Doorways is “a place to come to rest,” where “the staff have become family... a home away from home.”
This holiday season, the First Lady is grateful for the Doorways community and all organizations working hard to serve and uplift our most vulnerable Virginians.
To volunteer or get involved, visit: www.thedoorways.org/support-our-mission/
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Pictured: The First Lady and members of the Doorways leadership | Pictured: The First Lady and Doorways resident | |
20th Anniversary of the National Donor Memorial at UNOS | |
Pictured: The First Lady visits the UNOS Memorial in Richmond | |
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The First Lady was honored to participate in the 20th anniversary ceremony of the National Donor Memorial’s inauguration at UNOS in Richmond. Together, men and women from across the Commonwealth and throughout the Nation gathered to celebrate the lives saved through organ donation while remembering those gone before us who gave that treasured gift of life.
For further details on UNOS and organ donation, visit: unos.org/transplant/facts/
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Pictured: The First Lady shakes hands with UNOS staff in Richmond | |
Pictured: The First Lady visits the UNOS Memorial in Richmond | |
Pictured: The First Lady and Governor Youngkin at the Canine Companions Salary Donation. | |
2023 Fourth Quarter Gubernatorial Salary Donation | |
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Governor Glenn Youngkin committed to donating the entirety of his gubernatorial salary to deserving organizations. In celebration of this philanthropy, and in an eighth quarterly salary donation, the First Lady was thrilled to come alongside Canine Companions for the placement of a facility dog in Petersburg, Virginia.
With an initial canine being placed with the Petersburg Police Department, the First Lady hopes to place more support canines throughout the Commonwealth to facilitate bridge-building and improved emotional health across communities. Whether in hospitals, schools, professional institutions, homes for veterans and the elderly, or even criminal justice settings, interacting with animals is a proven way to ease tension and bring people closer together.
Read more about the Governor and First Lady’s donation, here.
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Pictured: The First Lady viewing artifacts with a Jamestown archaeologist | |
The First Lady enjoyed an insightful trip to Historic Jamestowne last week to learn more about the settlement's rich history and what the teams of dedicated archaeologists are doing through research, excavation and conservation to preserve this treasured piece of Virginia. Through the works of partners at Preservation Virginia, the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and the National Park Services, Virginians can see history come to life and "rediscover Jamestown" at one of our Nation's most beloved and important historical sites.
To learn more, click here.
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Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center Ribbon Cutting | Pictured: The First Lady and Governor giving the pledge of allegiance alongside the Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center leadership. | |
Former Director of the United States Office of War Information during WWII, Elmer Davis, once said, “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” Virginia is committed to caring for the more than 700,000 courageous veterans that call the Commonwealth home. This Veterans Day, the First Lady had the opportunity to serve lunch to our heroic men and women in uniform and join in a ribbon cutting for the new Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center in Virginia Beach. This facility will offer a variety of amenities to Virginia’s veterans, including nursing and memory care, rehabilitation care, a pharmacy, barbershop, activity rooms, and dining areas.
Thank you to all United States servicemen and women who have committed their lives to defending and protecting our great freedoms.
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Governor's Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism Reception | |
Pictured: The Governor and First Lady speak to members of the board. | |
Pictured: The Governor and First Lady pose with members of the board. | |
The First Lady was proud to welcome the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism to the Executive Mansion for their yearly award ceremony spotlighting individuals, businesses and groups that dedicate thousands of hours of service to their communities. This year’s eleven honorees embody selflessness and generosity — serving as an inspiration to all Virginians to give back. The First Lady is committed to rallying women to volunteer in their communities and will announce opportunities to get involved in the new year. | |
346th Annual Tax Tribute Ceremony | |
Pictured: The First Lady with women of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Tribes, as well as Virginia community members. | |
In this 346-year-old tradition, the First Lady was privileged to participate in the annual payment of tribute by Virginia’s Indian tribes to the Governor of the Commonwealth. This longstanding agreement between communities represents the peace and mutual understanding that the Commonwealth of Virginia continues to seek between all persons and communities. The First Lady was joined by Chief Mark Custalow and the Mattaponi Tribe, Councilman Atkinson and the Pamunkey Tribe, as well as many tribal and community members for this beautiful tribute ceremony. | |
Pictured: First Lady with dancers from the Richmond Ballet | |
In honor of last summer’s masterful production of the Carmina Burana as part of a broader “Celebration of Virginia Arts at Wolf Trap for the Performing Arts”, talented players, dancers and singers from the Richmond Symphony, Richmond Ballet, and City Choir of Washington came together in the Executive Mansion to toast the arts in Virginia. Virginia is most decidedly for Lovers of Art! | |
2023 Capitol Square Christmas Tree Lighting | |
Pictured: The First Lady and Governor at the Capitol Square Christmas Tree Lighting accompanied by the Fork Union Military Academy Marching Band | |
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The holidays are underway in Richmond!
This month the First Lady and Governor welcomed hundreds of Virginians and visitors to the Executive Mansion after the annual Capitol Square Christmas Tree Lighting.
In the next issue of W+g, expect to read all about the seasonal decorations, activities and celebration happening around the Commonwealth.
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Pictured: The First Lady and Governor with Mason from the Fork Union Military Academy Marching Band | |
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Petersburg Job and Resource Fair
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In an inspirational visit to the Job and Resource Fair at the Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Petersburg for returning citizens, the First Lady was privileged to share a few words of encouragement on the value and dignity of work. Partnering with the Office of the Attorney General and the Petersburg Sherriff’s Department, returning Virginians were connected with 40 nonprofits and employers to find a new job.
For more information and resources on employment in Virginia, click here.
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Pictured: The First Lady pictured with returning citizens at the Petersburg Job and Resource Fair | |
Women's Entrepreneur Day Virtual Celebration | Pictured: The First Lady with a group of female entrepreneurs from Peterburg's Urban Baby Beginnings. | |
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On November 19th, Women's Entrepreneur Day, the First Lady was honored to speak to women from across the Commonwealth about growth and funding support resources for female-led small businesses and start-ups.
Alongside eight other female speakers, the First Lady spoke about the lessons learned from her path to success, as well as what Virginia is doing to pave a way for women in the workplace.
To find out more, read on.
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Virginia Cider Week Reception | |
During Virginia Cider Week, the First Lady welcomed members of the Virginia Cider Association, leaders from Virginia’s agriculture industry, as well as cidery owners and staff to the Executive Mansion. Virginia’s popular cider industry is historic, innovative and fast-growing — evolving the Commonwealth’s centuries-old tradition of cidermaking into production of today’s diverse offerings. Whether eclectic or classic, cider continues to be a major part of Virginia’s rich and vibrant agricultural industry. | |
Pictured: The First Lady with the women of Virginia's Cider and Agriculture industries | |
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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Olivia Bailey
Director of Marketing for Friends of Southwest Virginia
As the Director of Marketing for Friends of Southwest Virginia, Olivia Bailey utilizes her connections from her past career in journalism to better draw attention to the Southwest region of Virginia. She helps to increase tourism, residential interest, and business prospects to further contribute to growth in the region. In this Sisterhood Spotlight, Olivia discusses changes from throughout SW Virginia, her role as Director of Marketing, and her favorite activities and holiday traditions throughout the region... read more, here.
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Melanie Protti-Lawrence
President of Lawrence Brothers, Inc.
As a Southwest Virginia native, Melanie’s conviction to return to her roots and carry on her family business’ legacy has resulted in some of the most prosperous years to date for Lawrence Brothers, Inc. Lawrence Brothers Inc. is a champion for workforce development, spearheading programs to engage youth in the Tazewell County region and collaborate with community partners to bridge the knowledge and skillset gap between employers, K-12, and career and technical educational institutions. In this Sisterhood Spotlight, Melanie Protti-Lawrence discusses her role as the president of a major manufacturing company, advice for women and girls breaking into the workforce, how to develop the skills necessary for a successful career, and her favorite holiday traditions... read more, here.
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Pictured: Girls with Pearls student signing her name. | Pictured: The First Lady with Girls with Pearls mentors at Blandford Academy. | |
First Lady Focus on the Partnership for Petersburg | |
In the spirit of Thanksgiving and supported by the themes of sisterhood, fellowship and growth, Girls With Pearls at Blandford Academy in Petersburg, VA was launched. The First Lady, joined by leaders of the Petersburg Women’s Club and Communities In Schools (CIS) as well as other volunteer mentors, embarked on a learning journey with Blandford's sixth grade girls to hone etiquette and table manners as well as discuss best practices for nutrition and maintaining healthy habits.
With new life skills that will carry our girls forward with confidence, the First Lady is grateful to the Girls with Pearls program for coming alongside these most precious Virginians to make them feel "treasured, valued and empowered."
Click here to learn more and get involved.
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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 | |
The Wildlife Foundation of Virginia | |
Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom | |
Pictured: The First Lady with Canine Companions Dogs | At the fourth quarter gubernatorial salary donation to Canine Companions, the First Lady was thrilled to meet various service, facility and therapy dogs with their handlers. Canine Companion dogs are trained in various capacities to help their handler at home, in the workplace or throughout the community. Hobbes, pictured here, works alongside Corporal Laura Kay from the Chesterfield Police Department to offer therapy services to children and families who have undergone traumatic events. | |
Pictured: Jamestown from Twelve Views of Virginia series, 2012-14 | |
In recognition of the importance of the Jamestown settlement to Virginia and the Nation, the Executive Mansion features various artworks representing its past, present and future.
This piece is part of the VMFA's "Twelve Views of Virginia" exhibit, a commission of artist the Miwako Nishizawa.
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