NORTHBROOK, IL — A year ago, Claire Satkiewicz received an important phone call from her mentor, Illinois State Representative Tracy Katz Muhl (D-Northbrook, 57th District). Katz-Muhl told the Glenbrook North graduate that she thought Satkiewicz would be a good fit for the Illinois delegation at the upcoming Democratic National Convention.
Satkiewicz, 19, who will serve as an alternate delegate, said she emphasized on her resume for the position the work she’s done locally through the Northfield Township Democrats.
Though Satkiewicz soon learned the entire process could be arduous and long, she submitted her resume this past winter. Eventually, Satkiewicz received another message from Katz Muhl, who she says helped the experience “feel seamless,” saying that she had been selected.
Find out what's happening in Northbrookwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“I remember calling my parents and sharing the news with some of my friends at school, overwhelmed with shock at my accomplishment,” Satkiewicz recently told Patch. “As we near the DNC, I can’t wait to share more of this amazing process.”
Following this week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, the Democratic National Convention will take place from Aug. 19 through Aug. 22 at Chicago’s United Center.
Find out what's happening in Northbrookwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Satkiewicz is currently a sophomore at Northeastern University in Boston, majoring in politics, philosophy and economics. She said she plans to go to law school and is still deciding what route to take after that, but wants to enter the “political atmosphere” after college, hoping to find what role will suit her best.
For now, Satkiewicz’s focus is on the upcoming convention.
“I’m ecstatic. This experience has been surreal, and I’m truly honored to play a key role in such a monumental moment in history,” Satkiewicz said. “The convention will be an experience to remember for the rest of my life, and I can’t wait to join thousands of other delegates in Chicago to rally around the Biden-Harris ticket.”
Satkiewicz said President Biden’s victory in 2020 marked the first time she realized just how important a current presidential election is. It began her interest in politics on “an incredibly high note.”
“It feels poetic to be a part of his nomination process four years later and voting as an adult in a presidential election for the first time in my life,” Satkiewicz said.
As an alternate delegate, Satkiewicz will be ready to step in for delegates if needed, “ensuring their constituency’s voice is always heard,” according to the Democratic National Convention Committee. Alternate delegates also play a “critical” role in the democratic process by participating in convention-related activities and help ensure the delegation is represented by Illinois’s “diverse perspectives.”
While the 2020 election made a major impression on Satkiewicz, her political roots go back to her freshman year at Glenbrook North, when she joined the school’s debate team.
“We rigorously studied the year’s national topic of domestic and foreign arms sales. As I grew to learn about the international community and the United States’ role within it, I began to do my own research and develop my own values,” Satkiewicz said.
Satkiewicz admits she has differing political opinions from her parents, but when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, she said spending more time inside with them helped sharpen her debating skills as discussions about the state of the country became the norm.
Satkiewicz began participating in protests for racial justice and women’s rights, and got involved in local politics though Katz Muhl, along with internships with other state representatives and senators.
“[I] found many strong, female role models who were fighting the good fight, and instilled a stronger faith in government within me,” Satkiewicz said of working with State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, State Sen. Laura Fine, and State Rep. Robyn Gabel. “I saw firsthand that there are many good people making a difference in politics, and ever since, I have wanted to join them.”
Satkiewicz said when she was learning about politics at GBN, she never could’ve imagined she would one day be a delegate at the national convention.
“I think youth engagement in politics is crucial, and including our next generation of leaders in today’s political atmosphere can pave the way for a brighter future,” Satkiewicz said. “I feel incredibly lucky to be able to represent my peers at the convention, and I hope that I can show other teenagers how easy it is to get involved.”
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Click Here: Portugal National Team soccer tracksuit