Britainy Beshear (née Colman, born July 11, 1979) is an American social worker and the first lady of Kentucky as the wife of the 63rd governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear. She advocates to help children, combat human trafficking, and support victims of domestic violence.

Britainy Beshear
Beshear in 2021
First Lady of Kentucky
Assumed role
December 10, 2019
GovernorAndy Beshear
Preceded byGlenna Bevin
Personal details
Born
Britainy Colman

(1979-07-11) July 11, 1979 (age 45)
Rancho Palos Verdes, California, U.S.
Spouse
(m. 2006)
Children2
ResidenceGovernor's Mansion

Life

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Beshear was born Britainy Colman in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, to Allan and Robin Colman.[1][2]

She is a social worker and was a volunteer at her children's school and Family Scholar House. In 2016, Beshear and her husband founded the Hope Gallery art exhibit that features works by youth assisted by Family Scholar House. From 2013 to 2019, she served on the board of directors of Maryhurst, an organization that provides social services.[3]

Beshear became first lady of Kentucky on December 10, 2019, when her husband, Andy Beshear, became the 63rd governor of Kentucky. During her first six months as the first lady, she started the Coverings for Kids campaign advocating for face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.[4] In January 2021, Beshear issued a statement against political divisiveness and called for unity in the state.[5][6] That year, she started a toy drive which collected over 20,000 toys for families impacted by the 2021 Western Kentucky tornado.[7][8] She did a drive in 2022 for children impacted by the July–August 2022 United States floods.[9][10]

In support of victims of domestic violence, Beshear works with the Shop and Share program started by former first lady Jane Beshear.[11][12] Beshear is a member of the National Coalition for the Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking.[13] Before the 2023 Kentucky Derby, she spoke to raise awareness of human trafficking.[13] On April 21, 2023, Beshear traveled to Fort Knox April 21 for Purple Up Day to honor the month of the military child.[14]

Personal life

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Beshear married Andy Beshear on April 13, 2006. They have a son and a daughter. She is a deacon at Beargrass Christian, a Disciples of Christ church in St. Matthews, Kentucky.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Crider, Barbara L. (2023-04-11). "Meet Andy Beshear Wife, Britainy Beshear - Where Is She Now?". Vizaca. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
  2. ^ Makres, Dakota (2021-07-11). "Happy Birthday First Lady Britainy Beshear!". WAVE. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
  3. ^ a b Ladd, Sarah (2019-12-15). "What to know about Kentucky's new first lady, Britainy Beshear". The Courier-Journal. pp. A12. Retrieved 2023-07-12 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Philpott, Amber (2020-09-14). "A conversation with First Lady Britainy Beshear". WKYT. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
  5. ^ "First lady takes to social media to stand by Gov. Beshear's leadership, denounce divisiveness in KY". WLKY. 2021-01-14. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
  6. ^ Aulbach, Lucas (2021-01-15). "State's first lady wants unity for children's sake". The Courier-Journal. pp. A5. Retrieved 2023-07-12 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ Anderson, Mario (December 19, 2022). "First Lady Britainy Beshear talks improving the lives of children across Ky". Spectrum News 1 Kentucky. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
  8. ^ D'Ambrosio, Dan (2021-12-16). "Ky. first lady launches toy drive for children". The Burlington Free Press. pp. A2. Retrieved 2023-07-12 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ Medina, Ana (November 30, 2022). "First Lady Britainy Beshear talks toy drive efforts for Eastern Kentucky families affected by summer floods". ABC 36 News. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
  10. ^ West, Taylor Shea (2022-07-15). "Beshears help mark 'Christmas in July' with tornado victims". The Paducah Sun. pp. A2. Retrieved 2023-07-12 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ Payne, Mark (February 7, 2023). "Kentucky First Lady asks for help gathering supplies for victims of domestic violence". LINK nky. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
  12. ^ Latek, Tom (2023-02-09). "Governor, first lady advocate for survivors of domestic violence". Interior Journal. pp. A1. Retrieved 2023-07-12 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ a b "First Lady champions human trafficking awareness, reporting ahead of Kentucky Derby". Winchester Sun. 2023-05-01. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
  14. ^ DeHann, Jenn (2023-04-24). "Kentucky First Lady celebrates Purple Up Day with military kids". The News-Enterprise. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
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