About the First Lady
As First Lady of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin prioritizes listening to the needs of Virginians and celebrating the many good works happening across the Commonwealth.
By always aspiring to Strengthen the Spirit of Women+girls (W+g), the First Lady works on a variety of initiatives to uplift and support women and families. Her efforts largely focus on behavioral health, wellbeing, and workforce preparedness. Mrs. Youngkin works to connect people with resources and organizations that can provide the tools and information required to support, heal, and enable growth and flourishing.
Mrs. Youngkin is committed to exposing the unprecedented rise in substance use, human trafficking, and suicide. She works alongside various organizations and families to expose the dangers of fentanyl poisoning. The First Lady also lends her voice and platform to destigmatize addiction, anxiety, and depression.
Motivated by the ever-present Spirit of Virginia, Mrs. Youngkin seeks out compassionate Virginians who are making a difference in their communities. She created the Spirit of Virginia Award to recognize and give thanks to the persons and organizations exemplifying works of goodwill. The award is a testament of the greater good that runs deep and is found in every corner of the Commonwealth.
In 2022, Mrs. Youngkin opened the decades-old Virginia Executive Mansion for the first time in more than two years after closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, guests are greeted by a first-of-its-kind art exhibit that celebrates and promotes Virginia artists. Working with museums, art institutions, and living artists from across the state, Mrs. Youngkin curated the “Art Experience” highlighting original works and artifacts of vast natural beauty and highly diverse content.
Mrs. Youngkin promotes engagement in Petersburg, VA through the Partnership for Petersburg — the Governor’s comprehensive approach to uplift a vulnerable community. The First Lady is also actively volunteering in Richmond-area schools and churches. Each quarter, the Youngkins donate the gubernatorial salary to a Virginia nonprofit organization that is making great strides in areas of need.
The First Lady serves as an honorary member on many boards including the State Ballet of Virginia, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Council, and the Wolf Trap Associates Board. She is President of the Phos Foundation, manages the affairs of a small equine farm in Northern Virginia, continues to engage in array of philanthropic activities, and is a mom to four incredible children.
Governor and Mrs. Youngkin are enjoying 29 years of marriage. They are the co-founders of VA Ready — a nonprofit established to reskill Virginians for sustainable work — and founding and active members of Holy Trinity Church (HTC) in McLean, Virginia.