For Immediate Release: December 5, 2025

We are proud to announce Patrice Smallwood as the new Chairperson of the Virginia Organizing State Governing Board. Patrice has served as a State Governing Board member since 2022, and has been a dedicated leader of the Norfolk Chapter since 2019. Patrice has been instrumental in local and statewide work.

Patrice is an IT site manager on naval bases and a minister. She works with youth at her local church and encourages church members to get involved in organizing for social justice. She says Virginia Organizing is “all about truth telling and caring about the needs of people, and we do it in such a way that it is unapologetic.”

Upon election to the position, Patrice said, “I have enjoyed my time serving on the board and I’m grateful for this new opportunity to contribute as chairperson. I am committed to do justice and empower communities, especially at a time such as this.”

We also want to express our deepest gratitude to Lily Hungarland, who served as Chairperson for the last three years. Lily joined Virginia Organizing as a high school intern, was the youngest person to be elected to the Board, and served as a dedicated chapter member of four chapters. She will continue to serve as a chapter leader of the Richmond Area Chapter.

We are thankful to the leaders who have built Virginia Organizing thus far, and we are optimistic about the future of our organization as we move into this new season of leadership.

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Virginia Organizing is a non-partisan statewide grassroots organization that brings people together to create a more just Virginia.