Women+girls (W+g)
Encouraging Women+girls to Strengthen the Spirit of Virginiae
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Women's History Month with The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association | |
Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin at the 2024 Spirit of Virginia Award Ceremony. Photo by Shaelah Craighead. | |
Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin with Regent Margaret Nichols, Vice Regent Lucia Henderson and Vice Regent Dede Petri. | |
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In honor of Women’s History Month and on the 166th anniversary of the signing of the deed for a group of female patriots to take ownership of George Washington’s Estate, the First Lady and Governor Youngkin honored the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA) with a 2024 Spirit of Virginia Award.
The MVLA is the first national historic preservation organization and is the oldest women's patriotic society in the United States. Comprised of women from across the nation committed to preserving George Washington’s Mount Vernon, MVLA has been in existence for more than 160 years living out the challenge of founder, Louisa Bird Cunningham: “if the men of the United States would not save the home of its greatest citizen, perhaps it should be the responsibility of the women.”
The Governor and First Lady will award a total of six Spirit of Virginia Awards in 2024.
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Pictured: 2024 Spirit of Virginia Award. Photo by Shaelah Craighead. | |
Women's History Month at the Executive Mansion | |
Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin with women gathered at the Executive Mansion | |
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To celebrate and honor women and the contributions they have made in Virginia and across the country, Governor and First Lady Youngkin welcomed nearly 200 women to the Executive Mansion for an evening of fellowship during Women's History Month this year.
Together, women from every corner of the Commonwealth gathered to acknowledge the extraordinary women who have paved the way for progress and inspired the legacy of our Commonwealth.
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Pictured: First Lady and Governor Youngkin listen to Lisa Hicks-Thomas give remarks at the Executive Mansion | |
Recognizing Virginia's Female Veterans | |
Pictured: First Lady and Governor Youngkin unveiling Support Women Veterans License Plate | |
Pictured: First Lady and Governor Youngkin smiling with a female veteran | |
Women veterans are the fastest-growing segment of Virginia’s veteran population and more than 109,000 women who served in our military call the Commonwealth home – the highest percentage of women veterans of any state in the nation. This week, the First Lady joined the Governor, Lieutenant Governor Sears and various members of our armed forces to celebrate Women’s Veterans Week and unveil the new Support Women Veterans license plate. The First Lady thanks all female veterans and active military for their amazing contributions to the Commonwealth. | |
Pictured: First Lady, Governor Youngkin and Lt. Governor Sears posing with Virginia service members | |
First Quarter Gubernatorial Salary Donation | |
Pictured: Governor and First Lady Youngkin giving donation checks to Keith Farmer of Straight Street and Janine Underwood of the Bradley Free Clinic | |
Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady donated a quarter of the Governor’s salary to two Roanoke-based nonprofits working to provide resources for increased wellbeing and community support in the Roanoke Valley. Straight Street, a Christian outreach ministry to support at-risk teens, and the Bradley Free Clinic’s HOPE initiative to support individuals battling substance use disorder (SUD) each received $21,875. Straight Street and the Bradley Free Clinic have partnered with the Virginia Department of Health and the First Lady’s office on ‘It Only Takes One’ — a fentanyl education and awareness initiative specific to the Roanoke region. | |
Agriculture Literacy Week at Carver Elementary | |
Pictured: The First Lady smiling with a class of students | |
Pictured: The First Lady reading Amara's Farm | |
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The First Lady was thrilled to join the Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry, the Secretary of Education and special guest Miss Virginia for this year's Virginia Agriculture Literacy Week. Supported by Virginia's Agriculture in the Classroom program, this week students from across the Commonwealth will read 'Logan's Greenhouse,' an interactive book designed to help children learn about and identify different fruits and vegetables, as well as Amara's Farm, an exploration of gardening and healthy eating for children.
Understanding the importance of literacy for young students and the critical role agriculture plays in Virginia's past, present and future, the First Lady encourages all Virginians to learn more about Virginia Agriculture Literacy Week, here: https://virginia.agclassroom.org/volunteers/literacy/
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42nd Annual Conference on the Black Family at Hampton University | |
Pictured: The First Lady with female leaders including Hampton University's First Lady Myra Williams | The First Lady was honored to attend Hampton University's 42nd annual Conference on the Black Family to listen to speakers discuss the importance of strengthening families and relationships. This year's theme, Actualizing the Vision of the Beloved Community, was spoken into by Hampton University's First Lady, Myra R. Williams and Linda Malone-Colon, Dean of Hampton University's School of Liberal Arts, amongst others throughout the three-day event. The First Lady looks forward to strengthening her relationships with Virginia's network of HBCUs and remaining an advocate for supporting the nuclear and extended family. | |
The Commonwealth's Culinary Arts | |
Pictured: The First Lady at the Virginia Museum of HIstory & Culture | |
Pictured: The First Lady with Patrick O'Connell and Executive Mansion chefs | |
This month the First Lady joined members of the press corps and special guests at the unveiling of the “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” exhibit at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Following the viewing, the Governor and First Lady hosted Michelin Star chef, Patrick O’Connell, founder of the Inn at Little Washington and others for lunch at the Executive Mansion. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal created by Executive Mansion chef, Ed Gross paired with wines chosen and presented by Luca Paschina of Barboursville Vineyards while discussing the Art Experience -- the Mansion's specially curated exhibit featuring Virginia artists. Recognizing Virginia’s rich history of culinary and artistic excellence, the First Lady continues to be a stalwart advocate of the Commonwealth’s creative ecosystem. | |
Pictured: Table set for the arts luncheon at the Executive Mansion | |
The Arts License Plate Now Available | |
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The arts license plate for Virginia is now available! The majority of registration fees for this specialty plate go directly into the arts-centric grants of the Virginia Commission for the Arts, increasing the state’s investments in the arts of Virginia.
The design, introduced by the First Lady at a Celebration of the Arts events last summer showcases a vibrant expression of five colors all drawn from the Virginia state flag.
To learn more about the arts license plate, visit here. To register for your own plate, visit your local DMV or visit the arts license plate page for the DMV online.
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Pictured: The First Lady eating lunch prepared by Mercy Chefs with students at Park Place School | |
Pictured: The First Lady with Chef Gary and leadership at Mercy Chefs HQ in Portsmouth | |
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This month the First Lady had the opportunity to visit with staff and tour the Mercy Chefs Headquarters in Portsmouth, VA. Chef Gary and Ann LeBlanc founded this faith-based, non-profit disaster and humanitarian relief organization in 2006 and have since responded to over 150 disasters in 29 states with the help of over 15,000 volunteers.
Outside of their work providing restaurant-quality meals to victims, volunteers and first responders, Mercy Chefs partners with local communities to provide meals to the underserved.
After her tour, the First Lady traveled to Norfolk's Park Place School where Mercy Chefs has continued to provide hot, chef-prepared breakfasts and lunches for the staff and students for the past 7 years. Learn more about Mercy Chefs, here.
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Pictured: The First Lady distributing lunch to a student at Park Place School | |
Operation FREE Virginia
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management will begin their first of its kind educational campaign next month to talk about the dangers of fentanyl and spread awareness of the resources Virginia has invested in to provide hope and healing for those affected.
As part of Operation FREE Virginia, VDEM is doing its part by educating and training communities, local emergency managers and first responders. To learn more about this month long initiative, click here.
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Pictured: The First Lady with Startup VA leadership | |
Pictured: The First Lady speaking to Jonathan Mayo of Team Excel | |
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The First Lady joined the Startup Virginia team at their hub in Richmond to learn more about the works they are doing to foster a dynamic entrepreneurial environment in Virginia. As the region's only non-profit organization serving startup founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators at any stage, Startup Virginia helps individuals and their businesses grow while attracting investment to Central Virginia’s flourishing economy.
In 2023 Startup Virginia incubated 79 companies, with 53% being led by women, veterans and/or Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. To learn more about the impact of Startup Virginia or get your business involved, visit: https://startupvirginia.org/
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Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin with businesswomen of Startup Virginia | |
Celebrating Virginia's Businesswomen | |
Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin with businesswomen | |
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Making up 47.6% of Virginia’s workforce and owning 44.3% of businesses in our Commonwealth, women are making their mark in Virginia’s most prominent industries.
Welcoming business and industry leaders, chamber of commerce members and entrepreneurs, the First Lady and Governor raised a glass to the remarkable achievements of our Commonwealth’s businesswomen.
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Virginia Food & Beverage Expo | |
Pictured: The First Lady and Governor Youngkin sampling catfish with Virginia seafood sellers | |
The First Lady joined Governor Youngkin and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr at the 2024 Virginia Food & Beverage Expo in Richmond this month. With over 200 vendors and 1,200 buyers registered for the event, Virginia's specialty food and beverage industry partners gained exposure for their products and access to a powerful platform for industry connections. Since 1992 the Expo has been an invaluable asset to growing Virginia's food and beverage industry. | |
An Evening with the House and Senate Pages | |
Pictured: The First Lady and Governor Youngkin with a 2024 page | |
Pictured: The First Lady talking to a group of 2024 pages | |
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With bright smiles and even brighter futures, the 2024 Class of House and Senate Pages spent eight weeks garnering leadership skills, civic knowledge and invaluable experiences. Serving the house and senate chambers for over 150 years, this program is open to 13- and 14-year-olds from across the Commonwealth and offers hands-on involvement in Virginia’s legislative process.
To learn more about this unique opportunity, click here.
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Pictured: The First Lady and Governor Youngkin with a 2024 page | |
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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Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center in Petersburg, VA
As the Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Petersburg’s Southside Medical Center, Dr. Octavia Reed Wynn, a “nurse’s nurse”, and graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University is a standout leader for Women+girls in the healthcare profession.
Inspired by her mother and motivated by her family to make a difference, Dr. Octavia Reed Wynn is a shining example of the spirit of Virginia at work.
Learn more about Octavia, here.
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Mother of a child with a developmental disability
A former public affairs specialist at The Internet & Television Association and graduate of Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, Allison Shelton began a new journey when she and her husband Brandon welcomed their son Declan to their family in 2012. When Declan was diagnosed with the rare Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS), Allison began her new role as stay-at-home super mom to a child with a developmental disability.
Read more about Allison and her family, here.
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Secretary of the Commonwealth
As a long time public servant and standout leader in government, policy development and the legislative process, Kelly Gee was appointed by Governor Youngkin as Secretary of the Commonwealth to move Virginia forward. Using her breadth of knowledge, experience and commitment to serving her community, Kelly Gee is making an incredible impact in Richmond and throughout the Commonwealth.
This week we honored the close of Women’s History Month by celebrating an exceptional woman working hard to make Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family. Read more about Kelly, here.
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First Lady Focus on Petersburg
This month the First Lady was thrilled to join the 6th grade girls of Petersburg’s Girls with Pearls program at Blandford Academy. Together, the First Lady, mentors and mentees discussed best practice study habits and created vision boards for their 2024 dreams and aspirations. Embarking on their journey in the fall of 2023, this class of Girls with Pearls mentors and mentees have grown together, sharing and inspiring each other to reach their fullest potential. The Girls with Pearls program is a partnership between the Petersburg Women’s Club, Communities in Schools and the First Lady’s Office designed to foster engagement and support for Petersburg’s Women + girls.
| Pictured: The First Lady talking to a Girls with Pearls mentor and mentee | | | |
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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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Pictured: Easter Bunny at the Mansion | |
This year the Easter Bunny joined the Governor and First Lady at their annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Executive Mansion, sponsored by the Virginia Egg Board, Virginia Egg Council, Virginia Poultry Federation and the Virginia
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Children and their families from the Massey Cancer Center and the Children's Hospital at VCU joined in an afternoon of fun and conversation with the Governor and First Lady as the hunt for eggs hidden throughout the mansion took place.
This year, the Egg Farmers from Virginia's Egg Council donated 7,200 eggs for distribution to families in need throughout Richmond via the Central Virginia Food Bank's Feed More.
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Pictured: Commemorative quilled egg | |
Created by Cecilia Glembocki, Executive Director of the Egg Council, the Governor and First Lady were presented with a handmade quilled egg featuring Virginia's state bird, the red cardinal, and state flower, the dogwood.
Cecilia has been involved in the White House Easter Egg Roll for over 40 years and has dedicated 42 years of service to the Commonwealth's agricultural ecosystem.
To see the Commonwealth-inspired quilled egg at the Executive Mansion, plan your visit and learn more at www.executivemansion.virginia.gov
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