Al Mina

Al Mina earned an undergraduate degree from Liberty University in December 2006 and a graduate degree from American Intercontinental University in April 2011. His professional experience includes working as a market entry and global finance consultant in frontier and emerging markets. Mina served in the U.S. Peace Corps.[1]

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I would like my fellow Virginian's and Americans to know that even though the world is fast changing and modern technology is upon us, there is still plenty of room for conservative values and exercising common sense. While my background is centered in the evolution of economic development and market capacity building, I continue to observe the need for many of our traditional and conservative values to keep Americans grounded and well prepared to tackle social issues and market uncertainties. My observations and research was reflected in my first book faceconomics, which incorporated the use of the social media platform in economic development worldwide. As well as while serving in the US Peace Corps, making $200 per month for 2 years.I also, believe that the fundamental nature of US sovereignty should be our main priority as a country and protect our people and resources from those interested in destabilizing our market and country.

When I drafted my book faceconomics People Power, I come to terms that countries are only safe and secure if it's citizens promote, preserve and enforce the law of the land. With this said we are also granted the opportunity to share our land and resources with those who embraces our values and help build our resources via our common good.

A country is only a country when borders are protected and it's immigration laws are preserved. As a son of legal immigrants who waited almost a decade to be invited into the US, I adore our system.Freedom of Speech and expression is what keeps a country strong and democracy preserved. We exercise our freedom of speech when we vote as well as, when we share our opinions. I whole heartedly champion this fundamental right which may incorporate the meeting of the minds. Having seen the world and experience the dangers of silencing free speech in communist, dictatorship, authoritarian, oligarch etc. societies of this world, I praise those nations who have emerged victorious in building their countries, but this said I still see the hard influences inflicted on their decision makers by previous regimes. So silencing freedom of speech will never be a good thing ever. Society needs balance and public discourse to keep fresh ideas around.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My passion is in economic development full stop, a public policy rooted in strengthening the marketplace will be ideal in my professional background, but as the world evolves and modern technology influence hearts and minds, I believe the most sensible public policy would be those that can be incorporated in today's reality. This in short would be utilizing modern tools to efficiently support capacity building, economic development, and job creation. With this, as the author of the faceconomics concept, which is the utilization of the social media platform in economic development, I feel we can positive support a stronger society and market if we use these tools in a positive and productive ways.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Brave Heart The Giant Within

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am the son of legal immigrants to Virginia, I graduated from what was back then Lafayette Winnona Middle School and Granby High School in Norfolk, Virginia. My college alma matter is Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia and I am a former US Peace Corps representative in Romania. While serving, I focused on country building via economic development, institutional capacity building and social advancement during Romania's transition to the European Union. Prior to joining the Peace Corps, I have worked for federal government contractors in Washington DC. I have also, served as a financial analyst and auditor as a G-12 in the federal government at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

During my college career, I have served under an international trade manager for the State of Virginia, helping Virginia companies access new markets to export to and identify as a business destination. A part of my curriculum was to study in Europe and the middle east to advance my skills in international business and foreign affairs.

Currently, I am working as a market entry consultant in frontier and emerging markets and linking new countries to partner with the US in the 4th industrial revolution. I have authored books on emerging technologies and economic capacity building via new media and advancement in artificial intelligence and cloud computing to name a few.

I am a regular speaker in the international business speaker circuit worldwide.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

New ideas and concepts to solve modern day problems in the commonwealth and countryTrade and Commerce in Economic Development in the 4th Industrial RevolutionSocial awareness of key issues that could hinder progress in capacity building within the commonwealth

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Incorporating new ways of thinking in solving pre-existing or lingering public concern or stumbling blocks

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Most of the people I look up to aren't well known, because they were not a part of a fad or celebrities status, but they served people without seeking notoriety.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

faceconomics and Barbecue Markets

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe having a heart of a servant is key to public service. An elected official should be able to serve everyone regardless of race, political affiliation, gender, national origin, ethnicity, education, language nuances, cultural tendencies, ideological misgivings, and past mentalities growing up in a wealthy society.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a service oriented professional who enjoys researching advancements worldwide and incorporate them into my management strategies

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Service to country

Service to fellow Americans

Service to GOD

What legacy would you like to leave?

I have help improved the Commonwealth, the United States and World through my vision.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The September 11th attack in 2001. I was supposed to intern at the Port Authority in New York.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was working at Mc Donald's while in high school. I did for a year.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The World is Flat, Because the playing field is even out in the global market place

The Purpose Driven Life, Because I know I am not simply on this planet to take up space

The Magic of Thinking BIG, Because I like MAGIC

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Falcor from the never ending story

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Awake by Josh Groban

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Discrimination in the US labor market

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Lack of partners.

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The US Senate provides a platform to restructure the architecture of governmental management.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Not necessarily but it helps. Government management today is very different from past governing influences worldwide.

What do you think of the filibuster?

Old term with no real significant meaning in today's government management practices. Simple way to waste time and tax payers money.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees?

Their ability to advance the mission and objective of the country.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other senators?

Relationship building is crucial in all areas of a professional environment.

If you are not a current senator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Ways and Means

Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy

Intelligence Sector

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. Senate, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Managing Partner

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I am interested in creating a new model of policy making relevant to today's world.