VPW is a diverse organization of professional communicators in Virginia that is open to women and men. We work for newspapers, magazines, radio, television stations, schools, colleges, government, corporations, non-profit agencies, communications businesses, and a variety of organizations and associations.

Virginia Press Women Inc. was founded in 1958 and incorporated in 1973. It is affiliated with the National Federation of Press Women. Both organizations promote the highest ethical standards, foster exchanges of journalistic ideas and experiences, offer continuing education opportunities to members and serve the public's right-to-know.

As of September 2010, we have 115 members. Our statewide membership is a collection of four districts.

Mission

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote the highest ideals in journalism, to provide exchange of journalistic ideas and experiences, to offer continuing educational opportunities to members, and to serve the public's right to know.
— The Bylaws

Founding

VPW was founded in Richmond in 1958 as an organization for newspaper editors and writers. The constitution was amended one year later to extend membership to "any writer actively engaged in journalistic services for remuneration." In 1973, membership was opened to men who support the mission of VPW.

Charter members included Norma Lugar, Agnes Cooke and Lib Wiley.