First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin Hosts Fourth Spirit of Sisterhood in Virginia Beach

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – On Wednesday, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin hosted her fourth Spirit of Sisterhood gathering this year with more than 250 Virginia women and girls in Virginia Beach. Secretary of the Commonwealth Kay Coles James also shared remarks. Other participants included Susan Allen, former First Lady of Virginia; Lisa Robertson, an author, speaker and founder of Changing Seasons, an outreach ministry which helps women discover and grow deeper in faith; Shannon Kendrick, a public speaker and specialist in government and community relations; and Harriet Vanderpool, a minister, teacher and worship leader at Christian Way Ministries.

“It was an honor to be surrounded by so many women and girls dedicated to lifting one another up. It is inspirational to travel across the Commonwealth and witness Virginia’s Spirit of Sisterhood truly come alive,” said the First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin.

“Sisterhood is so powerful in uniting women across the Commonwealth. At this event, the women supported, encouraged, and prayed for one another. My hope is for this unity to include all women of Virginia, regardless of political affiliation,” said Secretary Kay Coles James.

“The First Lady has done a wonderful job of uniting women across the state with her Spirit of Sisterhood events. It was inspiring to witness more than 250 women and girls come together to share their stories and learn about Virginia’s resources. This initiative is about selfless love and sisterhood among the women of Virginia,” said former First Lady Susan Allen.

“We are so lucky in Virginia to have a First Lady who deeply cares for women and girls. Her Spirit of Sisterhood initiative is an especially wonderful way to lift up the business, nonprofit and other leaders who are propelling our Commonwealth,” said Bruce Thompson, Gold Key | PHR CEO and 2021 Virginia Business Person of the Year, who hosted the event at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

For each Sisterhood gathering, the First Lady invites women-influenced businesses to help put on the events. In Virginia Beach, Nicole Turkenkopf, owner of The Wandering Petal flower shop, and Stephanie Hall, complex director of catering and convention services at Gold Key | PHR, and Kristin Lake, Thompson’s executive assistant, supported the event. Kisha Moore, owner of Norfolk’s Hummingbird Macarons and Desserts, and her staff were also in attendance.

The First Lady promoted her online platforms for engaging with women across the Commonwealth and spoke about the resources available to women, the recently passed Virginia State Budget and progress on other key issues.

The First Lady’s engagement platforms include her social media pages, Sisterhood website portal at firstlady.virginia.gov and Sisterhood Monthly newsletter that includes information and resources pertinent to Virginia’s women and families.

 

Former First Lady Susan Allen, Secretary of the Commonwealth Kay Coles James, author and speaker Lisa Robertson, Shannon Kendrick and Harriet Vanderpool participated in the program at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Photo by Kathy Taylor Scott.

 

Attendees listen to speakers delivering remarks at the Spirit of Sisterhood event in Virginia Beach on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Photo by Kathy Taylor Scott.

 

Attendees listen to speakers delivering remarks at the Spirit of Sisterhood event in Virginia Beach on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Photo by Kathy Taylor Scott.

 

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin hugs a guest at the Spirit of Sisterhood event in Virginia Beach on Wednesday, July 13, 2022.

 

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin delivers remarks at the Spirit of Sisterhood event in Virginia Beach on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Photo by Kathy Taylor Scott.

Attendees pose for a photo at the Spirit of Sisterhood event in Virginia Beach on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Photo by Kathy Taylor Scott.

 

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