Happenings

The First Lady and Governor hosted the Executive Mansion’s annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Virginia Egg Board, Virginia Egg Council, Virginia Poultry Federation and the Virginia 
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 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. To celebrate this amazing contribution, 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 hidden eggs throughout the mansion took place.

To celebrate and honor women and the contributions they have made in Virginia and across the country, Governor Glenn and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed nearly 200 women to the Executive Mansion for an evening of fellowship during Women’s History Month. 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. Amongst these women was former Secretary of Administration, State Deputy Attorney General and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, Lisa Hicks-Thomas, who kindly shared her experience serving on the Virginia Women’s Monument Commission and the integral role she played in the monument’s planning and execution.

Making up 47.6% of Virgnia’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. A special thank you to Vanitha Khera and Ellen Victoria Luckey for sharing your professional journeys and sage advice, Kelly Phillips of KP Kake Pops and Erin Kennedy of OMG OCPs for the sweet treats and Renee Hall for providing beautiful music!

Referred to as “the Pope of American cuisine,” award-winning Chef Patrick O’Connell has been the heart and soul of The Inn at Little Washington since its 1978 inception. A self-taught sole proprietor, Chef O’Connell established roots in Little Washington, Virginia through resourceful partnerships with local farmers and artisans, making #homehistory as the Inn evolved into Virginia’s first and only restaurant to receive three Michelin stars.

Following an exclusive look at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s limited time exhibition, ‘Julia Child: A Recipe for Life,’ The Governor and First Lady were honored to welcome Chef O’Connell, also featured in the exhibit and a dear friend to Child, back to the Executive Mansion for lunch. Opening March 16^th, the exhibition explores Child’s culinary and personal journeys, emphasizing her undeniable authenticity, curiosity, and zest for life.

With bright smiles and even brighter futures, the 2024 Class of House and Senate Pages have spent the last 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. The Governor and First Lady had the chance to welcome this year's House and Senate Pages to the Executive Mansion for a reception in celebration of a wonderful session and learn about their accomplishments and goals.

Thank you to the legislative, executive and administrative assistants of this year’s General Assembly session! The First Lady and Governor were thrilled to welcome the teams that keep the offices of Virginia’s legislators running and intact to the Executive Mansion last week in appreciation of their vital role in our legislative process. Your work is admired and revered by all!

The Governor and First Lady were honored to welcome members and friends of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission to the Executive Mansion following a wonderful day of activity in the Commonwealth's capital. Virginia’s history is the nation’s history, and through the leadership of partners like Carly Fiorina, Virginia’s National Honorary Chairperson, the First Lady and Governor Youngkin are committed to showcasing the unparalleled contributions Virginia made to the cause of liberty. To learn more about Virginia's involvement in the national commemoration, visit the VA 250 website. 

Virginia’s legislators rely on the support, love and partnership of those they hold dear to navigate the months during session and beyond. The First Lady cherished time spent over lunch at the Executive Mansion with the ‘Better Halves’ of Virginia’s legislators and was honored to learn more about their lives and experiences.

This Black History Month hundreds from across the Commonwealth will gather in Virginia’s executive home. The Governor and First Lady welcomed community, faith, and business leaders, educators, creatives and change-makers to the Executive Mansion as guests reflected on the incessant strength and resilience of Black Americans. Thank you especially to the students of Norfolk State University's Gospel Choir for sharing your talent and grace!

And so it begins! The First Lady and Governor are overjoyed to have Virginia’s home filled with legislators again as they hosted a reception following the Governor's State of the Commonwealth Address. As we toast to our amazing Commonwealth, we are reminded of the invaluable opportunity to come together and serve its people.

Held for over 55 years on the morning of the first day of the Virginia General Assembly Legislative Session, the Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast provides legislators, constituents, and Virginians an opportunity to come together in bipartisan and nondenominational fellowship and pray over the legislative session and year ahead. ‘The Night Before,’ The First Lady and Governor welcomed those involved in the planning of this decades long tradition to the Executive Mansion in appreciation of their commitment to our Commonwealth.