Press Releases

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) hosted his Eighth Annual Women’s Conference: The Time Is Now yesterday evening, September 26, at George Mason University’s Arlington Campus. He awarded the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award to Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and participated in a conversation with Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), moderated by Alexandria community leader Heather Peeler, on how we can all do our part to secure an equal future where women can realize their full potential.

“Jennifer’s progressive supranuclear palsy diagnosis affected her mobility, hearing, and ability to speak but it has not affected her strength, compassion, and impact as a leader. She was instrumental in the enactment of the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act, the most significant action Congress has taken in decades to combat Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “It was my honor to award Jennifer for her commitment to helping Virginians and Americans, and I’m thankful for Abigail’s thoughtful insight regarding the importance of finding common ground to move forward policies to level the playing field and protect women’s rights.”

“It means so much to be included among such prestigious previous awardees, who have done outstanding work in our community and for our country,” said Rep. Jennifer Wexton, using a model of her voice generated by artificial intelligence to speak for her. “I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to see this event grow and become a staple in our community over the years – in many ways reflective of how women in public service have achieved progress in recent years here in Virginia.”

“I was excited to join my friend and colleague, Representative Don Beyer, to discuss some of the issues that are top of mind for women across our Commonwealth and our country — like codifying Roe v. Wade, ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, and expanding the Child Tax Credit,” said Rep. Abigail Spanberger. “I was also honored to celebrate our dear friend and fearless advocate, Representative Jennifer Wexton, for her work to empower women, protect children, and serve her fellow Virginians. I want to thank Representative Beyer for inviting me to take part in such a wonderful tradition, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to level the playing field for all Virginians and protect women's fundamental rights.”

Beyer’s Women’s Conference is an annual event that convenes local stakeholders and experts to discuss a wide array of issues and how they impact women.

Beyer created the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award while serving as Ambassador to Switzerland in 2011 under President Obama.  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.