Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman

Honorary Chair; Lt. Governor of Kentucky

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Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman is a rural Kentuckian, educator, basketball coach, writer, and founder of a non-profit. She is wife to Chris, biological mom to Evelynne, adoptive mom to Emma and a bonus mom to Will and Nate.

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Jacqueline was raised to offer a hand up to those in need and, as a result, she has devoted her personal and professional life to serving her community. She is a tireless advocate for public education and a strong proponent of empowering young women to pursue leadership roles. Jacqueline is passionate about women leading change, with expertise on working with grassroots changemakers to develop and deliver initiatives that address women’s equality.

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Jacqueline’s leadership doesn’t end in the classroom or on the court. Her experience as an alumna of Emerge Kentucky drove her to found her own nonprofit, Lead Kentucky, in 2013. Lead Kentucky ensures Kentucky’s college women are prepared, encouraged, and empowered to seek leadership positions on their campuses and later in their professional fields. Jacqueline is determined to strengthen women’s effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political and economic roles, and public life.

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Through her work, Jacqueline has seen the power of women coming together to achieve change and the systemic inequalities that demand action. She is determined to give a voice to those who feel shut out, but refuse to back down – to build a Kentucky that works for all of us.

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First Lady Britainy Beshear

Honorary Chair; First Lady of Kentucky

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First Lady Britainy Beshear is a long-time community volunteer and advocate for some of Kentucky’s most vulnerable children. While always a mother to Will (11) and Lila (10) first, she chooses to use her additional time to help Kentucky’s families and children. Mrs. Beshear is dedicated to giving young women a voice, and ensuring that they feel loved, valued, and heard.

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Mrs. Beshear served on the board of directors for Maryhurst from 2013 to 2019, which provides help and hope for abused and neglected young women and girls. She is an active volunteer with the Family Scholar House and works closely with the staff and clients to end the cycle of poverty and to empower single parents. Her work with these organizations led Mrs. Beshear to create the Hope Gallery, located in the Office of the Attorney General, to give a voice to Kentucky children who face adversities and to highlight art therapy programs. 

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Mrs. Beshear is also actively involved in Will and Lila’s education, and volunteers in their classrooms and after school programs. Governor and Mrs. Beshear instill a passion for volunteerism and responsibility for community in both of their children.

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Through kindness and compassion, and a commitment to public education, Mrs. Beshear strives to unlock opportunities for young women and give them the tools to go into the world and succeed. The First Lady looks forward to using her platform to improve the lives of children across the Commonwealth.

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Amanda Matthews 

Committee Member; CEO Prometheus Foundry, Artist of Nettie Depp Sculpture

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Matthews is an internationally recognized, award-winning sculptor/designer of public art, and CEO of Prometheus Foundry, LLC, a design/build firm co-owned by Matthews and her partner Brad Connell. She has received 22 professional grants for her work, and several business awards including NAWBO Business Owner of the Year STRIVE award for KY/So IN. Her work is in many notable collections including museums, public parks, government buildings, and municipalities.

 

Matthews has also been featured in 300+ media articles worldwide including The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC World News, NPR All Things Considered, C-SPAN3, USA Today, and most recently in Smithsonian Magazine where her upcoming work in New York City,  The Girl Puzzle Monument, is listed 3rd of 9 “Must-See Outdoor Art Installations of 2020” internationally.

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As an artist who strives to represent the under-represented, namely women, children, and minorities, Matthews has been greatly inspired by her two daughters, Natalie and Audrey, both students at the University of Kentucky. Matthews and her husband Brad currently reside on a horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky, also the site of their bronze foundry and studios.