We recently connected with Sabrina Wooten and have shared our conversation below.
Sabrina, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I discovered purpose from the long desire and passion that I had for politics through opportunities to serve the community. The desire to serve in politics commenced when I visited the General Assembly and met Senator Louise Lucas and Senator Randy Forbes. After I met them I knew that I would serve in the political arena. Hence, I went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Political Science at Old Dominion University and Masters degrees in Public Administration and Business management. I am currently working on my PhD in Public Administration.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am currently serving as a Virginia Beach City Councilmember (last 6 years). However, I am currently running for Mayor of Virginia Beach to put the priorities citizens first and lead the city forward.
Here is my bio:
Biography: Councilmember Sabrina D. Wooten
Council Member Wooten was sworn into office on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 to fill the unexpired term of the seat Mayor Dyer vacated as the Centerville district representative in Virginia Beach. On November 3, 2020, Council member Sabrina Wooten was re-elected as the first African American to serve a second term ever on Virginia Beach City Council. She is a native of Stuttgart, Germany, but grew up in Hampton Roads and has lived in Virginia Beach for over 21 years. Her passions include combatting poverty, advocating for local businesses and homelessness and protecting our natural resources and quality of life. Sabrina brings over twenty five years of business, leadership and administrative experience in the private and non-profit sectors.
Wooten is the creator and host of the Ignite Business Series Seminar that takes place annually to support local, small, women, minority and service disabled business owners. The business series provides businesses with the resources and tools they need to grow and expand. Councilmember Wooten also created Launch Virginia Beach (LaunchVB) a website dedicated to small business, a hub where the City of Virginia Beach provides resources and support to small business owners and entreprenuers who want to start a business.
Wooten’s professional mediation firm Strategic Impact Services, LLC, provides mediation services and business management solutions to business organizations and the community. Additionally, she serves as an Adjunct Professor at Old Dominion University where she teaches Contemporary Business Management, Public Administration and Regent University where she teaches American Government.
She was appointed to the 2018 Board of Governors for the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations and Executives. Prior to the November 2018 election, Wooten was Vice chair of the City’s Minority Business Council, and Chair of the Outreach Committee. She was also a member of the Virginia Municipal League and is a member of the National Small Business Association, the National Society of Leadership and Success Honor Society and the National Association of Professional Women. Wooten is also a former Police Chaplain for the Virginia Beach Police Department.
A published author, Wooten graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. She received master’s degrees in business management and public administration from Regent University. She also earned a certificate in biblical studies from Liberty University and a certificate in practical theology from Regent University. She is a PhD candidate and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management and leadership. Wooten resides with her husband, Donald in District 7.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities, skills, areas of knowledge that had the most impact on my journey are as follows: prayer, tenacity and faith.
The advice I would give to others in their journey would be never lose hope, look at challenges as opportunities for development and enjoy the journey.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
I am working to become the first African American female mayor of the most populous city in Virginia.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wootenformayor.com
- Instagram: wootenformayor
- Facebook: Sabrina Wooten for Mayor of Virginia Beach
- Twitter: @sabrinadwooten
- Youtube: @sabrinawooten5954
Image Credits
Photography y Keith Cephus
