Happenings

In celebration of the Virginia homeschooling community, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady welcomed dozens of parents, students and leaders in home education to the Executive Mansion for a festive breakfast reception. Governor Youngkin proclaimed June 2^nd as Virginia Homeschool Day, recognizing the opportunities fostered through home education. Guests were treated to music by the L.I.V.E. Quartet, a group of students from the Fredericksburg area.  

Following the 2023 Regional Virginia Teacher of the Year Awards ceremony, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady welcomed this year’s award recipients, as well as their families and sponsors, to the Executive Mansion for a reception celebrating their accomplishments. Thank you, teachers, principals, parents, superintendents, school board members and the Department of Education, led by the Honorable Aimee Guidera, for your dedication to Virginia’s next generations.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed current and former Virginia Commission for the Arts Fellows for an inaugural and celebratory gathering at the Executive Mansion. The Virginia Commission for the Arts Fellowship program is intended to recognize, support and promote Virginia artists and the Commonwealth’s thriving artistic community. Thank you to VCA’s Executive Director, Margaret Hancock and Secretary of Education, Aimee Guidera for your commitment to bolstering and nurturing art and art education in the Commonwealth.  And a hearty congratulations to VCA artist Fellows who share their artistry with Virginia. To learn more about the program, visit the Virginia Commission for the Arts website. 

After securing their third straight NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championship title, the women of the University of Virginia’s Swim and Dive team were welcomed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Secretary of Education, Aimee Guidera to the Executive Mansion for a celebratory reception. The Governor and First Lady had the chance to speak to each of the athletes about their collegiate careers and professional goals before toasting the team with a Ukrop’s Cake. Congratulations, ladies- Wahoowa!

In honor of National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin hosted VAAB (Virginia Asian Advisory Board) members, entrepreneurs as well as leaders in health, finance, academia, public service and education to the Executive Mansion for a celebratory reception. The First Family is endlessly grateful for the outpour of fellowship, support and commitment to the Commonwealth from the AAPI community. A special thank you to the Honorable Kay Coles James and the Secretariat of the Commonwealth for your leadership!  To learn more about serving on a Virginia board or commission, click here.

Happy Mother’s Day, Virginia! In observation of Foster Care Month, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin expressed her gratitude and admiration for the women who nurture and protect children in need of a temporary home by hosting a foster mother appreciation event at the Executive Mansion. While engaging in robust discussions around the women-led, Administration-backed Safe and Sound Task Force, the First Lady had the chance to learn from these mothers what it means to be a foster parent. Thank you to Virginia's mothers for your dedication to your families and the next generation of the Commonwealth's changemakers!

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed the winners, judges and sponsors of the Virginia Council on Women’s annual STEAM-H Essay Contest for a reception at the Executive Mansion celebrating high school achievers in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and healthcare. Congratulations to the Women+girls (W+g) across Virginia who serve, mentor and set their sights on remarkable work.

To celebrate a remarkable season and the FIRST National Championship title for Christopher Newport University Men’s Basketball, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed the team’s players, families, and coaches to the Executive Mansion for cake and congratulatory remarks. We are so proud of your tenacity and know this is only the first of many championship wins in your future. Go, Captains!

As a perfect leadup to Earth Day, the Governor and First Lady honored the efforts and achievements of the James River Association at the Executive Mansion's FIRST outdoor reception of 2023! Lead by President and CEO Bill Street, the James River Association acts as a guardian of the James by giving the river a voice and advocating for its conservation and the responsible stewardship of its natural resources. Thank you to the James River Association's board and staff, as well as the Secretariat of Natural and Historic Resources for making this a most special evening! To learn more about how to get involved and become a James Changer, visit the James River Association's website. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady welcomed members of the Young Presidents' Organization from the Northern Virginia and D.C. area to the Executive Mansion for a reception celebrating the achievements of Virginia changemakers and their businesses. YPO’s history is long, achievements many and trajectory ever-forward. YPO welcomes extraordinary leaders to grow stronger together to improve lives, businesses and the world. The Governor and attendees discussed economic development opportunities in the Commonwealth and raised a glass to making Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family. A special thank you to Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Honorable Caren Merrick for your leadership!

In partnership with Communities in Schools of Petersburg, The First Lady welcomed middle and high school students to the Executive Mansion for a tour and picnic with food donated by Chick-Fil-A and buses provided by Virginia State University. The students learned about the history of the Executive Mansion, got civics lesson and visit from the Governor and Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera and met first dogs, Bo and Belle. A special thank you to Wanda Stewart, President and CEO of CIS Petersburg, for your dedication to these amazing students and your community!

Spring has sprung at the Executive Mansion! In celebration of the change of seasons and Easter holiday, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady invited the children and families of VCU Children's Hospital employees and the guests of Doorways Richmond to the Mansion for an Easter egg hunt. Uncle Dave's Kettle Korn, Kona Ice and beautiful weather made for a special afternoon. The First Family and Executive Mansion team are incredibly grateful for our Virginia healthcare workers and are sending love, light and healing to everyone this Easter!

In 1973, then-Governor Holton welcomed Virginia's Vietnam War POWs to the Executive Mansion in celebration of their safe return home. 50 years later, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady had the privilege and honor to invite these brave men and their families back to the Mansion for another reception. The First Family was humbled to have the opportunity to meet these veterans, listen to their stories and visit with their families, and are immensely grateful for their service and safe return. A special thank you to Secretary General Craig Crenshaw and his team in the Secretariat of Veterans and Defense Affairs for helping make this event possible!

In the final week of Women's History Month, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Governor Glenn Youngkin and Secretary of the Commonwealth, The Honorable Kay Coles James, welcomed over 100 women to the Executive Mansion in celebration of the contributions of Virginia's women. Artist Sukenya Best's portrait of Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears was unveiled and will join the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion, hanging in the Ladies' Parlor. In appreciation for those serving in government as well as on commissions and advisory boards, female entertainers and vintners added special touches to this month's gatherings, including performances by pianist Kay Willett, the University of Richmond Women's Chorale and their accompanist, Dr. Mary Beth Bennett. 

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin welcomed more than 125 women who are leading Virginia businesses and nonprofits, both large and small, to the Executive Mansion for a workforce-centric gathering during Women’s History Month. The event recognized and celebrated the talents and dedication of these women who are coming together to make the Commonwealth the best place to live work and raise a family. Click here to watch a video from the reception commending the women in Virginia's workforce who are integral to the Commonwealth's past, present and future.  

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady invited the legislative and administrative assistants of the 2023 General Assembly Legislative Session to the Executive Mansion for a reception celebrating their critical work. By maintaining order in the Pocahontas Building, scheduling engagements with their legislator's constituents, and providing support to our elected officials, these individuals are the backbone of session. Thank you for all that you do!

In honor of their hard work and commitment to the Commonwealth's legislative session, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady hosted this year's General Assembly pages. The House and Senate Page Programs have served Virginia's legislature since at least 1850, inviting select 13- and 14-year-olds to learn about their state government while developing professional characteristics. Interested in becoming a Senate or House Page, or think you might know someone who is? Applications for admission to the class of 2024 will be available mid-summer 2023 and visit Capitol Classroom to learn more. 

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed the spouses of our Virginia legislators to lunch on Thursday while they spent the day in the Capitol. The First Lady enjoyed meeting the partners of our senators and delegates and telling them about the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion with the help of Citizen’s Advisory Council member, Judy Boland. Thank you, spouses for your loving support of our legislators in sickness and in health, in session and in life!

In honor of the critical work of the Virginia Association of Recovery Residencies and their partners, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady hosted a breakfast at the Executive Mansion marking VARR’s First Annual Recovery Day in Virginia. Senators, delegates, cabinet members and leaders from organizations dedicated to making addiction recovery resources available, affordable and exceptional came together to celebrate the progress being made in the recovery community and discuss ways to improve accessibility and advocacy. Thank you, Dr. Sarah Scarbrough and the folks at Real Life Program for your work in organizing such an important day!

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady were honored to host a reception at the Executive Mansion in honor of Black History Month. The Governor and First Lady were joined by HBCU presidents, faith leaders, health care professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders in recognizing the accomplishments of three incredible black owned businesses, listening to the inspiring and original poetry of two young women and a musical performance from Virginia State University’s Gospel Choir. Thank you to Chief Martin Brown, the Office of Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion and Virginia State University for your hands in making this evening so special.