Meet Sarah Abubaker


Sarah Abubaker's journey as a community organizer and neighborhood advocate spans 17 years, during which she has become known for her care and commitment to the Richmond community. As president of the Westover Hills Neighborhood Association, she encouraged resident engagement, advocated for local businesses and supported the neighborhood school.

She is a solutions-oriented leader who seeks common ground to get the best results for our neighborhoods. This approach to governance, coupled with her background in policy and strategic communications, showcases her multifaceted expertise and dedication to community improvement. Sarah’s professional and volunteer roles, including Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, WNRN Radio and Project Yoga Richmond, reflect her commitment to the arts, education and youth development. Recognized in the "2017 Top 40 Under 40" by Style Weekly, her early career involved significant political and entrepreneurial positions before moving into the nonprofit and educational sectors. Sarah's work with both Art 180 and the Bon Air Juvenile Correction Center highlights her commitment to addressing substance use and supporting youth and community healing through compassionate engagement.

Sarah’s candidacy is backed by her belief in Richmond's potential and a desire to contribute to its ongoing progress. She is committed to listening and learning more about the district's needs and will fight in City Hall to make the city a better place for all its residents. 

Sarah grew up in Henrico County and attended Douglas S. Freeman’s Center for Leadership, Government and Global Economics, and is a graduate of James Madison University and the Thomas C. Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia. In 2013, Sarah graduated top of her class with a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. She’s currently the Director of Strategic Communications at the Collegiate School, where she serves on the Senior Administrative Leadership team. Sarah lives in Forest Hill with her partner, Nick and their son Felix. 

Sarah’s Background

  • Education

    BA, Political Science from James Madison University

    Master of Public Administration, Virginia Commonwealth University

    Sorensen Institue for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia

  • Professional

    Constituent Services and Workforce Development Policy under Governor Tim Kaine

    Campaign Manager, Betsy Carr for Delegate

    Director of Advancement Operations, University of Richmond

    Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, RPS

    Director of Strategic Communications, Collegiate School

    Adjunct Assistant Professor of Mass Communications, Virginia State University

  • Volunteer/Community

    Vice Chair, Richmond Performing Arts Alliance

    Vice President, WNRN Nonprofit Independent Radio

    Community Advisory Board Member, Bon Air Juvenile Correction Center

    President, Westover Hills Neighborhood Association

    Secretary and Mentor, ART180

    Board Member, Project Yoga Richmond