This Saturday, Senator Mark Warner participated in a variety of events around Richmond. From hitting the bike trail to announcing scholarships for Virginians, Senator Warner enjoyed seeing people all around RVA before opening up the 4^th Annual Virginia Women’s Conference. 

Earlier that morning, the Senator participated in the Richmond YMCA’s “Fall into Fitness” event, which promoted healthy living and the outdoors. Senator Warner came ready to cycle the Belle Isle trail along the James River, but before hitting the trail he rallied participants to engage in healthy living habits and improve the overall well-being of Richmond’s families.

Afterwards, Senator Warner dropped by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Richmond Chapter’s annual scholarship & admissions fair. The Deltas teamed up with regional universities to offer on-site admissions and scholarships for students who came prepared with transcripts, letters of recommendation, resumes, and SAT/ACT scores. The Senator visited students and representatives of Virginia colleges such as Hampton University, Virginia State University, and George Mason University, and was able to announce a $7500 scholarship for a Virginia student.

“The Deltas are doing an amazing community service by bringing information on admissions and scholarships to Richmond area high schoolers,” Senator Warner said. “I have long been a supporter of increased access to scholarships and higher education. In fact, I would not be here if it weren’t for financial aid.”

Senator Warner then welcomed attendees to the Virginia Women’s Conference and introduced keynote speaker Melody Barnes, former director of the White House’s Domestic Policy Council.

“Melody, as a leader in the Obama administration who ran the Domestic Policy Council – which is a really big deal for those of you who are unfamiliar with the group - brought the strengths that men especially in Washington these days seem to lack, including the ability to compromise and demand rationality,” said Senator Warner.

Ms. Barnes, a Richmond native, talked about growing up with strong female role models and echoed Senator Warner’s message about female leadership by saying, “This HAS to be the age of the woman.”

Ms. Barnes also encourage participants to be mentors and sponsors to other women. “Lift as you climb,” she advised.