Through a variety of programs - for high school and college leaders to first-time political candidates and influential business and community leaders - the Sorensen Institute has established itself as a powerful and effective force for restoring public confidence in our political system. At the heart of every Sorensen program are three central themes: ethics in public service, the power of bipartisanship, and a concentrated study of public policy issues.
Save The Date for our 18th Annual Spring Gala on April 10! Tickets will be available soon for this special event at the historic Altria Theater. Sponsorship opportunities are available—contact Colleen Smith at 434‑982‑4910 to start the conversation.
Meet the esteemed alumni who completed our program and continued on to improve their communities.
Our leadership development programs focus on Virginia residents interested in becoming active in public service.
Know someone who would be a good candidate for a Sorensen program? Tell us about them!
This award will be presented annually to the individuals who model the spirit and mission of Sorensen through the trust, civility and respect they have consistently shown toward others. They create sustainable efforts toward the betterment of a more decent and tolerant civic life and culture for the people of the Commonwealth.
PLP 2018 Profile: Maria Ciarrocchi
Name: Maria Ciarrocchi
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Philadelphia, PA
Where do you currently call home? Alexandria, VA
PLP 2018 Profile: Shawri King-Casey
Name: Shawri King-Casey
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Hanover County, Virginia
Where do you currently call home? Henrico, Virginia
PLP 2018 Profile: Andrew Owen
Name: Andrew Owen
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Suffolk, Virginia
Where do you currently call home? Suffolk, Virginia
Occupation: Deputy Treasurer, City of Suffolk
PLP 2018 Profile: Holly Hazard
Name: Holly Elizabeth Hazard
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: New York, Pennsylvania, Sweden and Ohio
Where do you currently call home? Falls Church
PLP 2018 Profile: Matt Banfield
Name: Matt Banfield
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Born in Westchester, NY, raised in Williamsburg, VA
Where do you currently call home? Richmond!
PLP 2018 Profile: Staci Martin
Name: Staci Martin
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Born in Pennsylvania, grew up in Texas and Wisconsin.
Where do you currently call home? Virginia Beach
Check out the Sorensen political links page to discover new insights into politics in Virginia. We seek out new informational resources and frequently update the page with new links so bookmark it for later (or set it as your homepage if you like).