Powers and Duties

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The Council has the powers and duties to:

1. Determine the studies and research to be conducted by the Council;
2. Collect and disseminate information regarding the status of women in the Commonwealth and the nation;
3. Advise the Governor, General Assembly and the Governor’s Secretaries on matters pertaining to women in the Commonwealth and the nation;
4. Establish and award scholarships pursuant to regulations and conditions prescribed by the Council;
5. Review and comment on all budgets, appropriation requests and grant applications concerning the Council, prior to their submission to the Secretary of Health and Human Resources or the Governor; and
6. Develop programs and projects on matters pertaining to women in the Commonwealth and the nation through public-private partnerships.

Members

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Council Members:

• Mais Abousy (term expires 6/30/2013)
• Leslie Anderson (term expires 6/30/14)
• Jeff Caruso (term expires 6/30/2013)
• Bakula Dave (term expires 6/30/2014)
• Randy Davis (term expires 6/30/2013)
• Brenda Fastabend (term expires 6/30/14)
• Camille Fleenor (term expires 6/30/2014)
• Lis Bresee (term expires 6/30/2015)
• Dawn James (term expires 6/30/2014)
• VACANT (term expires 6/30/2012)
• VACANT (term expires 6/30/12)
• Tracy Key (term expires 6/30/2013) *Chairwoman*
• VACANT (term expires 6/30/2012)
• Nicole Neily (term expires 6/30/2014)
• Theresa Preda (term expires 6/30/2012)
• Sandra Smith-Jones (term expires 6/30/2013)
• Rita Surratt (term expires 6/30/2014)
• Ruth Zajur (term expires 6/30/2013)

Council Projects

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2012 STEM Essay Contest

The Council on Women in collaboration with the Science Museum of Virginia sponsored the first ever 2012 STEM Essay Contest. First Lady Maureen McDonnell serves as Honorary Chairwoman for the contest. The purpose of the Council is to help women reach their potential and maximize their contribution to society and the Commonwealth. In so doing, the Council has initiated several projects to meet this goal; one being the annual essay contest for young women in high school. We believe opportunities offered to women early in life will help lead to their success as productive and resourceful citizens. The essay had to focus on the student’s vision for a future STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) career and why they are considering this field for an area of study or possible career path. Hundreds of essays were submitted by young ladies who were juniors or seniors in high school and hold at least a 2.5 GPA. Council members raised $10,000 from SKASKA, MeadWestvaco, NewMarket, and K. Packard Fancher to make 3 scholarship awards. The awards were given out during the Science Museum of Virginia’s "Up and Atom" Women’s Leadership Breakfast on May 16, 2012.

FLITE Initiative

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The Virginia Council on Women supports the First Lady of Virginia’s FLITE Initiative. FLITE recognizes achievement within the First Lady’s four key focus areas:

• A Commonwealth of Opportunity for Preventive Health and Wellness
• A Commonwealth of Opportunity for Economic Development, with a specific focus on the Virginia Wine, Film, and Tourism Industries
• A Commonwealth of Opportunity for Military Families
• A Commonwealth of Opportunity for Women

To learn more about FLITE please visit http://www.firstlady.governor.virginia.gov/Initiatives/FLITE/

Women’s Leadership Resources in Virginia

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The Virginia Council on Women is in the process of collecting information from organizations and institutions that offer leadership opportunities for women within the Commonwealth. Through this effort, Leadership Resources for Virginia Women is an on-going effort to provide women information and access to a variety of opportunities throughout the state. We believe that when women are afforded opportunities to gain leadership skills, they improve their lives and the lives of others in their communities. We welcome recommendations and referrals for additions to the directory and encourage organizations, educational institutions and others, to make their members, students and the public they serve, aware of this effort.

• Apply to Include Your Organization as a Leadership Resource (DOC)
• Resources (PDF)

Minutes from Past Meetings:

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• Minutes from Meeting on April 5, 2012
• Minutes from Meeting on June 7, 2012

Council Contact:

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Jennifer Aulgur
Phone: 804-225-4947

Emily Barrett
Phone: 804-692-0112

E-mail: women@governor.virginia.gov

Mailing Address:
Virginia Council on Women
Attn: Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Post Office Box 2454
Richmond, Virginia 23218-2454