WHEREAS, the 42^nd Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Winsome Earle-Sears, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, immigrated to the United States at the age of six and blazed a trail as the first female and first female veteran to hold the office; and

WHEREAS, as the first Black woman to hold statewide office, Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears’ exemplary leadership serves as a beacon of hope for the Commonwealth of Virginia, demonstrated through her selfless sacrifice, unwavering commitment to protecting life, and passion for improving our education system; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears has exemplified enduring perseverance, steadfast integrity, and an unyielding resolve for excellence through her public service; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears has served our nation in the United States Marine Corps, as a Presidential appointee to the United States Census Bureau, a distinguished member of the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and as Vice President of the Virginia State Board of Education; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears’ strength is grounded in faith, family, and community, and she is guided by the firm belief that the liberty and equality of every human being unites people through ingenuity, reason, compassion, and common sense; and

WHEREAS, through her work leading a men’s prison ministry and directing a women’s homeless shelter, Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears has transformed lives, providing hope for the homeless and offering many families a second chance; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears deserves praise for her leadership in making our Commonwealth the best place to live, work, and raise a family; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of the Commonwealth honor Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, her husband Terence, and her lovely family for their valuable contribution to strengthening the Spirit of Virginia;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize February 23, 2025, as WINSOME EARLE-SEARS DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our grateful citizens.