Modeled on the theory of social capital, Lead Virginia is a nonprofit and non-partisan organization that educates proven leaders about regional differences, opportunities and challenges across the Commonwealth. Over the course of seven class sessions between April and November, each held in a different region in Virginia, participants meet with regional leaders to learn about assets and innovations unique to each region, best practices and how each region contributes to the whole of the Commonwealth. Graduates complete the program having gained a statewide perspective of Virginia’s future and a unique understanding of best practices from each region that they can use to serve the Commonwealth, its regions and communities. Importantly, alumni form relationships that span the state and invaluable business contacts. Lead Virginia continues to facilitate social capital by supporting and engaging alumni through various networking opportunities, such as its annual alumni conference, regional alumni gatherings and Conversations with Leaders series. Alumni serve their communities and their state in a number of capacities: through public and charitable service, elected office and appointments to boards and commissions; and through perspective gained as a result of their Lead Virginia participation.