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.
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.
Onward Virginia Is Back for 2019
Onward Virginia, Sorensen's collaboration with Virginia FREE, is back for 2019! This year's event will look at the post-election climate in Virginia and will be a lens into 2020. Join us on Dec. 4 to hear more from our dynamic slate of pollsters, politicos, delegates, and data experts! Register Now
PLP 2019 Profile: Randy Pearson
Name: Randy Pearson
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Chester, Virginia
Where do you currently call home? Richmond, Virginia
Occupation: Lobbyist - Vice President - Two Capitols Consulting
PLP 2019 Profile: Stacey Brayboy
Name: Stacey Y. Brayboy
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: I grew up in Manning, South Carolina. The great Palmetto State.
Where do you currently call home? Alexandria, Virginia
PLP 2019 Profile: James Abrenio
Name: James S. Abrenio
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Newark, New Jersey
Where do you currently call home? Fairfax, Virginia
Occupation: Personal Injury and Criminal Defense Attorney
PLP 2019 Profile: Erin Rice
Name: Erin Rice
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Roanoke, Virginia
Where do you currently call home? Suffolk, Virginia
Occupation: Principal Consultant/Lobbyist
PLP 2019 Profile: Ronald (Ron) White
Name: Ronald (Ron) O. White
Birthplace and/or where you grew up: Born in Harlem, NYC but thankful and Blessed that my 22 years serving in the United States Army brought me to this place in my life where I now call Virginia my home.
Where do you currently call home? Midlothian, a suburb of Richmond, VA
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).