Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Wooten

Hi Sabrina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

As I reflect on my journey to becoming a Virginia Beach City Councilmember and Mayoral Candidate, I am both humbled and proud of the path that has brought me to this point. My story is one of dedication, community service, and a deep commitment to the values that define our city.
My involvement in local governance began with a simple yet profound desire to make a difference in my community. Early on, I engaged with various local organizations and initiatives, seeking to understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing our residents. From volunteering as a former Virginia Beach Police Chaplain to serving as the Vice Chair of the Minority Business Council , I immersed myself in the issues that mattered most to our city.

My professional background in Political Science, Business Management and Public Administration provided me with a strong foundation in leadership, administration, public policy and consensus building. This experience allowed me to approach local issues with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset. I applied these skills to community projects, working tirelessly to promote local businesses and entrepreneurship, preserving neighborhoods and empowering youth and young adults.

Over the years, I have built meaningful relationships with community leaders, residents, and fellow advocates. My work on various committees and boards allowed me to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and gain valuable insights into the needs and aspirations of our city. These experiences shaped my vision for a more inclusive, vibrant, and prosperous Virginia Beach.

Running for City Council was a natural extension of my commitment to serve the public. I sought to bring a fresh perspective and a collaborative approach to the council, focusing on addressing homelessness, promoting affordable housing, enhancing public safety as well as advocating for competitive wages for public safety employees and city employees. The support and encouragement from friends, family, and community members fueled my determination and strengthened my resolve.

Winning a seat on Virginia Beach City Council was both an honor and a responsibility. I am deeply grateful for the trust that was placed in me by the residents of our city. As I run for Mayor of the City of Virginia Beach I am committed to working diligently, listening to the voices of our community, and advocating for policies that reflect our shared values and aspirations.

My journey to this point has been marked by a commitment to service, a dedication to understanding our city’s needs, and a passion for making a positive impact. I look forward to continuing this journey with the same enthusiasm and dedication, striving to build a brighter future for all the residents of Virginia Beach.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Serving as a Virginia Beach City Councilmember has been a profound honor and a challenging journey. While the role provides an invaluable opportunity to contribute to the growth and well-being of our city, it also comes with its share of complexities and obstacles.

One of the primary challenges has been navigating the diverse and often conflicting interests of the community. Virginia Beach is a vibrant city with a wide range of perspectives and needs. Balancing these varying interests while striving to make decisions that benefit the entire community requires careful consideration and compromise. It has often meant engaging in thoughtful dialogue, seeking common ground, and working to build consensus among stakeholders with differing views.

Another significant challenge has been addressing the economic and budgetary constraints that impact Virginia Beach. With limited resources, prioritizing projects and allocating funds in a way that meets the most pressing needs of our residents can be a difficult task. Ensuring that we invest wisely in infrastructure, public safety, and essential services, while also planning for long-term sustainability, requires a strategic and prudent approach.

Community engagement and transparency have been central to my approach, but they also come with their own set of difficulties. Ensuring that all voices are heard and that our processes are open and inclusive requires continuous effort and dedication. It involves not only actively listening to residents but also effectively communicating the rationale behind decisions and the impact of our actions.

Despite these challenges, the resilience and dedication of our community has been a constant source of inspiration. Working alongside fellow council members, city staff, and community leaders has provided valuable support and insight. Together, we have navigated these challenges with a shared commitment to improving the quality of life in Virginia Beach.

As I continue in my role, I remain focused on addressing these challenges with integrity, transparency, and a collaborative spirit. By confronting these obstacles head-on and working diligently to find solutions, I am committed to ensuring that our city thrives and that we build a future that reflects the values and aspirations of all our residents.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

As both an Adjunct Professor and a candidate for Mayor of Virginia Beach, I am uniquely positioned to understand and address the complex needs of our community from both an academic and a civic perspective. This dual role has profoundly shaped my vision for our city and informed my approach to leadership.
In my capacity as an Adjunct Professor, I have had the privilege of engaging with students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. This role has allowed me to witness firsthand the challenges and aspirations of the next generation. My work in the classroom emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the importance of informed decision-making skills that are directly applicable to effective governance. Through my interactions with students, I have gained valuable insights into the issues that matter most to our younger residents and the innovative solutions they envision for the future.

As a candidate for Mayor, I am driven by a commitment to apply these insights to the broader context of our city. Virginia Beach stands at a crossroads where thoughtful leadership and a forward-thinking approach are essential. My academic experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of policy analysis, strategic planning, and the importance of evidence-based decision-making. These skills will be crucial in addressing the pressing issues facing our community, from economic development and educational excellence to environmental sustainability and public safety.

The intersection of education and public service offers a unique vantage point. I recognize the importance of fostering a city that not only supports economic growth but also invests in the education and development of its residents. By leveraging my academic background, I aim to promote initiatives that enhance educational opportunities, support innovation, and encourage lifelong learning.

My vision for Virginia Beach is one of inclusivity, progress, and resilience. I am committed to listening to the diverse voices of our community, engaging in open dialogue, and working collaboratively to develop solutions that reflect our shared values and aspirations. As Mayor, I will prioritize transparency, accountability, and a data-driven approach to ensure that our city thrives and meets the needs of all its residents.

The role of Adjunct Professor has reinforced my belief in the power of education to drive change and inspire future leaders. I carry with me the lessons learned from academia and a steadfast dedication to serving the people of Virginia Beach with integrity and vision. I am excited about the opportunity to lead our city with a blend of academic rigor and practical experience. look forward to working together to build a vibrant, prosperous, and inclusive future for Virginia Beach.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

As I reflect on my journey to becoming an Adjunct Professor and a candidate for Mayor of Virginia Beach, I am deeply grateful for the invaluable lessons that have shaped my path and guided my approach to leadership and service.

1. The Power of Listening: One of the most profound lessons I have learned is the importance of truly listening to others. Whether in the classroom or in civic engagement, understanding diverse perspectives and experiences has been essential in making informed and empathetic decisions. Listening with intent fosters collaboration, builds trust, and ensures that all voices are heard and valued.

2. The value of resilience: The journey has taught me the significance of resilience in the face of challenges. Whether navigating complex issues in academia or tackling community concerns as a councilmember, perseverance and adaptability are crucial. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine strategies, reinforcing the importance of staying focused on long-term goals while remaining flexible in the approach.

3. The impact of education: My experience as an Adjunct Professor has underscored the transformative power of education. Education not only equips individuals with knowledge and skills but also empowers them to effect positive change. I have seen firsthand how fostering a learning environment can inspire innovation and drive progress, reinforcing commitment to supporting educational initiatives as a key component of community development.

4. The importance of integrity: Integrity has been a guiding principle throughout my journey. Upholding transparency, honesty, and ethical standards in all endeavors builds credibility and fosters a positive and productive environment. As I seek to lead Virginia Beach, maintaining integrity will be central to earning and sustaining the trust of the community.

5. The strength of collaboration: Successful outcomes are often the result of collective effort. Working alongside colleagues, students, and community members has highlighted the strength of collaboration. Embracing diverse viewpoints and working together towards common goals enhances problem-solving and drives more effective and inclusive solutions.

6. The need for vision: A clear and compelling vision is essential for driving progress and inspiring others. My journey has taught me that setting a vision provides direction and purpose, guiding efforts and motivating stakeholders. Crafting a shared vision for Virginia Beach involves understanding the needs of our community and aligning efforts to create a future that reflects our collective aspirations.

7. The role of empathy: Empathy has been a cornerstone of my approach to both teaching and public service. Recognizing and addressing the needs and concerns of others with compassion and understanding fosters stronger relationships and more effective solutions. Leading with empathy ensures that policies and initiatives are inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of the community.

As I continue on this journey, these lessons will remain at the heart of my approach to leadership and service. They have shaped my understanding, informed my decisions, and guided my commitment to making a positive impact. I look forward to applying these insights to build a stronger, more vibrant Virginia Beach and to serve our community with dedication and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.WootenforMayor..com
• Instagram: wootenformayor
• Facebook: Sabrina Wooten for Mayor of Virginia Beach
• Twitter: @sabrinadwooten
• Youtube: @sabrinawooten5954

Image Credits

Troy Shelton, photographer