Hello everyone! My name is Hayden Sledge. I was born on Ft. Stewart military base in Georgia and grew up in Mountain Brook, Alabama. I am entering my senior year at Wheaton College (Illinois), where I am studying Political Science and Communications. I am thankful to have the opportunity to be Concerned Women for America’s Communications intern this summer.
I first heard of CWA during my Freshman year of college when one of my conservative guy friends recommended the organization. That summer, I interned for former Congresswoman Martha Roby (R-Alabama) and had the opportunity to visit CWA headquarters. I was immediately surprised and encouraged by the CWA staff’s genuine kindness and servant-hearted spirits; the group clearly lead with diligence and grace.
As I continued my college career, I sensed a deep need for Christian, conservative female voices among my generation. Compelled by this need, I started and continue to lead the Young Women for America chapter at Wheaton. Equipping young women to pray, educate, and advocate for Biblical and conservative principles is crucial. Many in the policy realm fight hard for issues but neglect prayer. I appreciate CWA’s conviction to pray and surrender their initiatives to the Lord while still working fearlessly to advocate for the unpopular values of our time.
The abortion issue, for example, seems to be one of the most controversial topics. Since Roe v. Wade, more than 61 million lives have ended due to the legalization of abortion. Many progressive thinkers claim that abortion is empowering to women, even though it ends the lives of future leaders and mothers. Protecting the unborn is necessary if we are to support women. To be pro-woman is to be pro-life.
As the Communications Department intern, I focus on developing CWA’s presence on various platforms through sharing policy and information with the public. I am especially passionate about advancing CWA’s goals by presenting complex political jargon more accessibly. Even though we need in-depth research and writings on policy, it is critical that citizens understand governmental happenings without requiring they have legislative backgrounds. Furthermore, I enjoy developing messages for the public in order to empower and encourage them to advocate for their convictions.
After this internship, I return to Wheaton College to serve as Student Body President. I am thankful for the ways CWA has equipped me both professionally and personally to address the controversial issues of our day with boldness and persistence.