Sabrina Wooten
~ Virginia Beach, Virginia City Councilwoman ~
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine's Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
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Copa: Where are you from?
Sabrina: I was born in Stuttgart, Germany. However, I grew up in Hampton Roads and I lived in Virginia Beach for 15 years. Copa: What schools have you attended and the degrees you have acquired?
Sabrina: I attended Indian River High school. I graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science. I attended Regent University and graduated with Masters Degrees in Business Management and Public Administration. I am currently pursing my PhD in Public Administration at Walden University. Copa: What were your favorite subjects?
Sabrina: My favorite subjects are business, political science, history and science. |
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Copa: What major plans are you proposing and continuing for the people in your area of Virginia Beach?
Sabrina: Education: Supporting Teachers and Students As a member of the Parent Teacher Council for many years, I have worked with the wonderful teachers and administrators of Virginia Beach City Public Schools to develop the “Compass to 2020” strategy for our students. In the past, I served as a mentor and instructor for the Entrepreneurship and Business Academy at Kempsville High School. I understand that Virginia Beach is a lifelong learning community. Developing opportunities to learn from childhood to adulthood is essential to the growth and development of our community. For instance, providing a full day of kindergarten prepares our children to prosper, grow and compete on a global level. The next generation deserves an environment that captures their unique, innovative capabilities. It is our responsibility to prepare a workforce and environment that exceeds their expectations so they want to stay in the region. I am committed to leading the path toward a solution for this concern. As a participant of the World Education Day conference in Jinan, China, I know the importance of our children effectively competing on a global level. Empowering Local Businesses-Ignite Business Series I host the Ignite Business Series Seminar quarterly to provide education and awareness regarding resources and opportunities for small, women, minority, service disabled and local businesses. Local businesses are the lifeblood of our community and the source of vital economic development in Virginia Beach. As a member of City Council, I will continue to provide local businesses with the tools and resources they need to grow and expand. Addressing Homelessness and Poverty One in six people face hunger. This is a staggering statistic. I am proactively working to address this problem on a monthly basis. In 2018, the City of Virginia Beach celebrated the grand opening of its Housing Resource Center, which demonstrates the care and compassion our city has regarding this issue. This is a wonderful start. However, it is imperative that we create partnerships with faith-based organizations, the city government and the community to implement a comprehensive strategy to combat this serious issue. As we work together, we can help people overcome poverty. Regionalism As a graduate of the LEAD Hampton Roads Signature Class of 2018, a program that trains leaders to focus on key issues that impact our region, I witnessed the debilitating effects that occur when we fail to work together as a region. It is essential that we partner and work with leaders across the region to enhance the position of Hampton Roads on a national and global level. According to one local economist, “Regional cooperation is critical to move the economy forward.” In essence, we must remember that together we are stronger. Advocating for great neighborhoods Virginia Beach residents deserve to live in an environment that is safe and habitable. Cultivating great neighborhoods requires proven traffic-calming solutions and an expedited stormwater plan to alleviate flooding in our communities. Storm water flooding is a multifaceted conundrum. The solution encompasses partnerships, accountability, collaboration, routine maintenance and strategic planning. The 15-year plan must be modified to provide relief now. Joining the American Flood Coalition is a step in the right direction. The AFC helps Virginia Beach advocate for natural solutions to flooding and sea level rise. As a member of the AFC Advisory Board, I am committed to advocating for natural solutions for Virginia Beach. Finally, as a former Police Chaplain for the Virginia Beach Police Department. I continue to be committed to strengthening community relations with the law enforcement community. |
Copa: At what time did you discover you were a good leader and organizer?
Sabrina: This is a very interesting question for me. I have served in the community and in my local church since I was a teenager. I have a passion for outreach. I visited Uganda on a mission's trip to provide Pastors and other individuals with strategies regarding leadership in business and in ministry. I also had an opportunity to minister to orphans and visit the sick. In the past, I visited and led ministry within local senior citizen organizations teaching bible study and conducting fellowship services for over ten years. I have visited and taught in state and local corrections facilities. In addition, I served at Union Mission for several years feeding the poor and as well organizing food pantries in the local area to feed the most vulnerable populations. Currently, I served as a mentor and instructor for the Kempsville Entrepreneurial Academy. I currently serve as an Executive Mentor with business students at Regent University. I served as a Police Chaplain for the Virginia Beach Police Department. Accordingly, I have been blessed with a life of service and the service has led me to lead in different aspects of society specifically as a public servant. I am honored and blessed to serve. I look forward to serving the needs of the Virginia Beach community. 
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Copa: Are there any specific proposals that you have to help Small Businesses recover during and after the COVID -19 pandemic?
Sabrina: I host the Ignite Business Series Seminar quarterly to provide education and awareness regarding resources and opportunities for women, minority, service disabled, and local businesses. Local businesses are the lifeblood of our community and the source of vital economic development in Virginia Beach. As a member of City Council, I will continue to provide local businesses with the tools and resources they need to grow and expand. Additionally, I hosted Ignite Business Series Seminars in February and June of this year to educate business owners with regard to opportunities within the City of Virginia Beach to sustain and expand their businesses. Specifically, the Ignite Business Seminar that I hosted on June 20, 2020 was entitled “Small Business Recovery.” This series offered assistance to local businesses in the following areas: Topics: 1. BUSINESS RESOURCES: What resource programs are right for your business? 2. ENCOURAGEMENT FOR BUSINESS OWNERS: How do you stay encouraged during this tumultuous time? 3. REINVENT YOUR BUSINESS: How do I make lemonade out of lemons? 4. RESILIENCE IN CHALLENGING TIMES: Where do you go from here? In the same manner, the City of Virginia Beach received several millions of dollars from the Cares Act. Some of the funding was provided to support local businesses during the pandemic. I am working with the Economic Development Department to ensure that information regarding grant funding is distributed to business owners in need. |
Copa: What steps have you proposed to assure a seamless voting process on November 3rd?
Sabrina: As a Council member and advocate for the electoral process, I will encourage residents to vote early starting September 15th. Additionally, I will encourage voters to submit their absentee ballots early as well as mail them directly at the post office.
Sabrina: As a Council member and advocate for the electoral process, I will encourage residents to vote early starting September 15th. Additionally, I will encourage voters to submit their absentee ballots early as well as mail them directly at the post office.
Copa: What does the future hold for Sabrina Wooten and the citizens of Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Sabrina: I consider it a honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Virginia Beach. It's important to continue addressing the greatest needs of our city with hard work, dedication and continued service. My goal is to continue the work that I have started with Virginia Beach residents to continue to grow as one of the strongest cities in the world with strong leadership, collaboration, and being proactive towards solutions.
Sabrina: I consider it a honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Virginia Beach. It's important to continue addressing the greatest needs of our city with hard work, dedication and continued service. My goal is to continue the work that I have started with Virginia Beach residents to continue to grow as one of the strongest cities in the world with strong leadership, collaboration, and being proactive towards solutions.
Voting for me to continue my great work on the Virginia Beach City Council is maintaining the work that keeps our communities
and the next generation moving forward.
and the next generation moving forward.
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