First Lady Suzanne Youngkin Hosts Statewide Events to Uplift Women and Girls

First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin recently led a series of statewide events aimed at supporting the well-being, leadership, and relationships of Virginia’s Women+Girls (W+g) initiative. The events were held in Charlottesville and Harrisonburg and focused on mental health, resilience, and building community during Suicide Awareness Month and Substance Use Awareness Month.

Pictured: First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin with Head of School at Regent School of Charlottesville Courtney Palombo, along with female students in Charlottesville, Va.

“The sisterhood we are building across Virginia is rooted in a belief that every woman and girl has a vital role to play in shaping families, communities, and our Commonwealth,” said First Lady Youngkin.

Focusing on Wellbeing and Workforce in Charlottesville

The series began in Charlottesville at the Regents School, where the First Lady gathered with students, mothers, community leaders, and mental health advocates for an event centered on resilience, grief, and hope.

Featured guests included:

• Betsy Thibaut Stephenson, author of Blackbird: A Mother’s Reflection on Grief, Loss, and Life After Suicide
• Lindsey Ronbeck, Marketing & Communications Manager for Morgan’s Message, a mental health nonprofit

“Suzanne Youngkin’s Sisterhood events have proven to be a unique and valuable program,” said Stephenson. “I’m hopeful that together, we can break down the stigma of silence around suicide.”

Ronbeck echoed the impact of the event:

“We hope our presence encourages attendees to speak up during times of struggle and support others on their mental health journey.”

A Fireside Chat in Harrisonburg Highlights Student Mental Health

In Harrisonburg, the First Lady continued the conversation with a Fireside Chat at James Madison University, joined by:

• Kimberly Schmidt, JMU First Lady
• Aimee R. Guidera, Virginia Secretary of Education
• Janet V. Kelly, Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources

The panel focused on balance, purpose, and building community—especially in the face of a growing mental health crisis. More than 1.2 million Virginians currently struggle with mental health challenges, officials noted.

“Her commitment to this issue is inspiring,” said JMU First Lady Kimberly Schmidt. “I’m honored that my first official event at JMU centers on a topic I care so deeply about.”

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

Education Secretary Aimee R. Guidera emphasized the broader impact of investing in young women:

“When we nurture and invest in women and girls, we nurture and invest in leaders who will shape our communities for generations to come.”

Secretary Kelly added that women’s health is essential to Virginia’s overall well-being: “When we prioritize mental health, we build stronger support systems and create healthier, more resilient communities for everyone.”

Continuing the Mission

Through the W+g initiative, First Lady Youngkin continues to build a statewide sisterhood focused on mental health, leadership, and service. These gatherings are part of her ongoing effort to foster hope, healing, and community connection across the Commonwealth.

To learn more about the Women+Girls initiative and upcoming events, visit FirstLady.Virginia.gov.