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The self-proclaimed black sheep of her “honest, working-class family,” first-generation student Sarrah Denton credits her grandmother, Jessie, with setting the groundwork for her life in politics. 

The late Jessie Wakefield wore many hats in her community, not limited to work with the Cook County Circuit Court, Chicago Heights Women of the Moose, and Hazel Crest Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. However, it was Denton’s time with her grandmother in the St Anne’s Catholic Church food pantry that truly set the stage for her future. 

“As a child, I loved helping her with public service projects,” she said. “Those days helped me discover my passion for community and public service.”

When Denton arrived at ������ý��Ƶ to pursue Political Science, her love for public service grew into a familiar habit, with classes, mentors, and the community as a whole pushing her forward. Along the way, she picked up minors in Sociology, Leadership, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Within her first semester, Denton worked on the 2022 re-election campaign for ������ý��Ƶ alumna and Kansas governor Laura Kelly ’71.

“My first ������ý��Ƶ internship helped me get a firsthand perspective on why genuine servant leadership prevails over all other political methods,” Denton said. “I saw how state-level politics directly impacts people’s daily lives and learned that meaningful change starts with listening, building relationships, and encouraging community and civic involvement.”

Kelly went on to narrowly win the election, perhaps in part thanks to Denton and the other ������ý��Ƶ students who went knocking on doors to discuss issues with constituents. Denton took what she learned with Kelly and ran with it, interning for Dave Koehler’s successful 2024 re-election campaign, and expanding into a post-election internship for congresswoman Robin Kelly ’77, MA ’82, and congressman Eric Sorensen. 

“Every semester on ������ý��Ƶ’s campus, I have been immersed in experiences that reaffirm my goals of a future career in servant leadership. ​​Peoria is truly a hub for public servants to come and learn.”

Capitol Hill and What Comes Next

Last summer, Denton lived and worked in Washington D.C. as an intern for Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski through the Michel-LaHood Summer Congressional Internship Program. While on Capitol Hill, she was busy with congressional correspondence, leading tours of the capitol, and representing the office at meetings and briefings. 

“This internship didn’t just strengthen my interest in public service, it made it authentic and personal,” Denton said. “Being in D.C. every day showed me that the work happening on the Hill also affects people’s lives back home, and reminded me why representation matters so much. The experience solidified my desire to build my career in government, public service, and policy where I can genuinely serve, advocate for, and stay connected to the communities I represent and live in.”

For over a year now, Denton has been bringing all her experiences together as the executive intern for the , a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. PAWAC aims to bring the world to central Illinois by inviting world-renowned speakers to Peoria, hosting educational events, and other forms of community outreach. Though she expects leaving after she graduates in May will be bittersweet, Denton is eager to enter a career where she can continue to advocate for her community.

One thing’s for sure: Denton will have a strong support network moving forward.

“Brad McMillan, Julie Schifeling, Angela Weck, and the many professors and political leaders I learned under have challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and pursue opportunities I may not have believed I was ready for,” she explained. 

“They’ve taken the time to invest in me personally, share my story, offer honest feedback, and push me to think critically about the impact I want to make. Their mentorship has furthered my growth not only as a student but as a servant leader who feels prepared to navigate the public sector.”

—Jenevieve Rowley-Davis