May 21, 2025
Girls with Pearls Graduation
In an ongoing commitment to volunteerism, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin joined the nonprofit Communities In Schools (CIS) of Petersburg volunteer mentors at Blandford Academy, and the Petersburg school district’s leadership in a program — Girls with Pearls — empowering students to grow in confidence, leadership, and connection.
Joined by contributors to the successful program, participants were recognized for their year-long commitment to personal growth and academic success at a gathering at Richmond’s Executive Mansion.
The event celebrated the power of mentorship and the promise of Petersburg’s next generation of young female leaders. After the celebration, the students continued their day in Richmond with a tour of Virginia’s Capitol Building.
May 20, 2025
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Reception
During Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin joined friends at Richmond’s Executive Mansion for powerful performances and heartfelt recognition.
The evening featured remarks by special guests including Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Gee, a performance by young dancers enrolled in the Thapasya School of Dance, and artwork by Korean American artist Grace Paik Caldwell.
The evening celebrated the contributions of the more than 700,000 Virginians whose heritage enriches the Spirit of Virginia.
May 19, 2025
Jewish American Heritage Month Reception
Governor Glenn Youngkin marked Jewish American Heritage Month with a reception at the Executive Mansion and ahead of the Combat Antisemitism Gala in Richmond.
Guests came together to celebrate more than 400 years of Jewish contributions to Virginia, and to send a clear message: antisemitism has no place in our schools, our communities, or our Commonwealth.
May 19, 2025
Governor’s EMS Awards
Governor Glenn Youngkin welcomed the recipients of the 2024 Governor’s EMS Awards to the Executive Mansion in honor of Emergency Medical Services Week.
Virginia’s emergency responders are true heroes, saving lives with courage and compassion and making our emergency care system one of the best in the nation.
Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to every EMS provider across the Commonwealth!
May 16, 2025
First Lady’s Veteran’s Breakfast
In acknowledging the more than 110 thousand female veterans in Virginia — the highest % per capita in the nation — First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin hosted female military leaders for an appreciation breakfast at the Executive Mansion.
Joining the gathering were two leading veterans, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle Sears and General Craig Crenshaw, the Governor’s Secretary of Veteran and Defense Affairs, as well as key member of their staffs.
May 15, 2025
Foster Care Awareness Month
With a goal of enhancing care for Virginia’s foster children, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin unveiled “Safe Kids, Strong Families”—a bold, statewide initiative to protect the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable.
Following the announcement, they welcomed foster families, youth, and child welfare champions from across Virginia to the Executive Mansion for a special Foster Care Awareness Reception. Guests were treated to live music from The Little Biscuit Band—a name symbolizing children, like dough, rising.
As Virginia continues its commitment to prioritize kinship care through Kin First Now and the Safe & Sound Task Force, the event recognized real progress. Since 2023, kinship placements have surged by more than 60%, giving more children the stability and love of family.
May 7, 2025
Teacher of the Year Awards
During Teacher Appreciation Week Governor Glenn Youngkin celebrated the eight standout regional Teachers of the Year who inspire students and prepare the next generation of leaders across Virginia at an Executive Mansion reception following the ceremony. Congratulations to Matthew Neale of Roanoke County Public Schools, 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year!
April 11, 2025
Easter Egg Hunt
Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed families for a joyful Easter Egg Hunt celebrating the season of renewal with laughter and a few well-hidden surprises. Colorful eggs and spring blooms greeted children and parents alike at Richmond’s Executive Mansion — the oldest continuously occupied governor’s residence in the United States.
Want to experience the magic for yourself?
Schedule a tour and explore Virginia’s history up close here.
March 31, 2025
Fire Service Awards Reception
To the brave men and women who risk their lives every day to keep Virginians safe: thank you. Governor Glenn Youngkin was honored to present the Fire Service Awards and recognize heroism, courage, and unwavering commitment to protecting our great Commonwealth.
March 20, 2025
Reception Honoring Social Workers
Recently, Governor Glenn and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed over 100 child welfare professionals to the Executive Mansion for the first-ever Child Welfare Appreciation Reception.
From caseworkers to kinship advocates, these incredible individuals work tirelessly to ensure Virginia’s children grow up safe, supported, and loved.
In partnership with Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly and Virginia Department of Social Services Commissioner James Williams, the reception recognized the frontline heroes strengthening our child welfare system every day.
Together, we’re building a Virginia where every child is protected and every family is supported.
March 19, 2025
Celebrating Women's History Month
In honor of Women’s History Month, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed Virginia’s 2024 Women in Business Awardees and Inside Business honorees to the Executive Mansion.
Special guests included Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle Sears, Poet Laureate Mattie Quesenberry Smith, Cabinet Secretaries, and Joan Johns Cobbs—sister of civil rights icon Barbara Johns.
The event also featured “HOPE,” a powerful art exhibit by women at Chesterfield County Jail.
March 14, 2025
Celebrating the "Guest of the Nation" on Marquis de Lafayette Day in the Commonwealth
Two hundred and forty-four years after a 23-year-old Marquis de Lafayette joined General George Washington to defeat the British, the Executive Mansion played host to a ‘Lafayette Day’ celebration that included the First Lady, Governor Glenn Youngkin, dignitaries, friends, and members of the American Friends of Lafayette. Acknowledging the impact of this French hero, guests were serenaded by soprano Laura Heydt with tunes admonishing his role in Virginia, and America’s, history.
As “Guest of the Nation,” Lafayette returned to Richmond on his 1824 Farewell Tour and dined at the Executive Mansion with then Governor James Pleasants. For over two centuries, the Executive Mansion has been a place of gathering, where history and hospitality meet.
February 5, 2025
Kicking off Black History Month!
The Governor and First Lady kicked off Black History Month at the Executive Mansion, featuring special performances by The Hampton University Concert Choir and Miss Virginia, Carlehr Swanson. Black history is Virginia history. We honor the past and continue the work for a brighter future.
January 13, 2025
Welcoming General Assembly Members
Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed state legislators, their families, and staff to the Executive Mansion to kick off the 2025 General Assembly session. These gatherings promote fellowship and camaraderie, offering a relaxed setting to foster shared purpose and mutual respect as lawmakers begin their work for all Virginians.
