Press Releases

Rep. Don Beyer announced today that Tanya J. Bradsher will receive the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award during his Seventh Annual Women’s Conference on November 4. Bradsher was nominated by President Biden to serve as the 10th Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, confirmed by the U.S. Senate on September 14, 2023, and sworn in on September 20, 2023. She is the first woman confirmed to serve as Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the first woman of color to hold the post in either an acting or a confirmed capacity.

Tanya Bradsher is a combat Veteran who served for 20 years in the United States Army, including service on the Korean peninsula and at the Pentagon on 9/11. A native of Arlington, she previously became Rep. Beyer’s second Chief of Staff, before departing in 2021 to serve in the Biden-Harris Administration, where she became Chief of Staff for Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough. 

“Tanya is a courageous and conscientious person whose 20-year military service, time in the U.S. House of Representatives as my Chief of Staff, and leadership in the Biden-Harris Administration are truly exceptional,” said Rep. Beyer. “As Secretary McDonough said when Tanya became the highest-ranking woman in the history of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Tanya has dedicated her life to fighting for her country and her fellow veterans. Tanya's service is an inspiration to us all, and I’m proud to recognize her outstanding contributions to our country and our community.”

Rep. Beyer created the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award while Ambassador to Switzerland in 2011. It is named after his grandmother, who is credited with convincing the Roosevelt Administration to appoint Frances Perkins, the first female Cabinet Secretary in the United States. Clara Beyer served as Secretary Perkins’ right hand, working on child labor issues. She was the first woman appointed as US Representative to the International Labor Organization in Geneva. 

The award is given annually to recognize exceptional work to empower women. Previous awardees include Dr. Tahera Ahmadi, journalist Marie Ridder, gun violence prevention advocate Naomi Wadler, rock climber Sasha DiGiulian, diplomat Betty King, PeaceWomen founder Ruth Gaby Vermot, journalist Lisa Feldmann, Arlington community activist Portia Clark, and immigration advocate Ofelia Calderón.

This year's conference will be held at George Mason University’s Arlington Campus on the morning of Saturday, November 4. Registration and additional information are available here.