Meet Virginia
I am proud to call Lyman home, but my journey started as an "Army brat," learning early on the values of discipline, sacrifice, and the diversity of the American experience. Those early lessons shaped my worldview and led me to a life rooted in my faith and community service. After earning my B.A. from Winthrop University and my Master’s from The Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, I returned to South Carolina to put my values into action. My faith is the compass for everything I do, teaching me that our highest calling is to care for one another and protect the inherent dignity of every person.
I serve as the Director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg. My professional life is dedicated to the growth and well-being of our children and youth, and that commitment extends directly to our public schools. As a former preschool teacher, I know that the foundation for a child's success is laid long before they reach kindergarten. I have seen firsthand how early childhood education transforms lives, giving our youngest learners the social and academic tools they need to thrive.
I am a wife and a mother to two energetic boys, who are my constant reminder of why we must fight for a better future today. I am also an artist and one of the co-founders of Spartanburg Creative Reuse Art Project, a non-profit that promotes artistic expression and environmental awareness. Much like art, I’ve always believed that leadership requires both vision and patience. That creativity is exactly what I plan to bring to Columbia: a fresh perspective and the ability to build authentic, functional solutions for our district.
