May 2, 2025

Sarah Hayden '25 Awarded the 2025 George and Katrina Woolverton Public Service Award

Raised in the Los Angeles area, Sarah Hayden has long been attuned to the city’s evolving challenges—particularly the widening crisis in housing and homelessness. At Southwestern, that awareness transformed into action. Through hands-on advocacy, leadership, and tireless service, Sarah has built a career path grounded in public interest law and driven by a vision of justice for those who too often go unheard.

This spring, Sarah was selected as the recipient of the 2025 George and Katrina Woolverton Public Service Award, given annually to one graduating student in recognition of extraordinary dedication to public interest work. The award, made possible by alumni George Woolverton ’75 and Katrina Woolverton ’02, honors a student whose impact reflects the very heart of Southwestern’s mission.

A Legal Advocate in Action

From her earliest days in law school, Sarah pursued opportunities to support underserved communities through legal service. She clerked with organizations including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – Legal Unit, BASTA! Universal, and the Preventing and Ending Homelessness Unit at Inner City Law Center, where she saw firsthand the critical role legal aid plays in protecting housing rights.

She also volunteered with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and Bet Tzedek Legal Services, deepening her understanding of the systemic barriers facing low-income Angelenos.

“Public service often brings together individuals who may have different perspectives and backgrounds, but they share a common goal: commitment to making a meaningful impact,” Sarah shared. “It demonstrates the power of teamwork, community, and dedication to the greater good.”

On campus, Sarah held leadership roles that further strengthened her voice as an advocate. She served as Co-Chair of the Public Interest Law Committee, Student Advisor to the Homelessness Prevention Law Project, and a Judge Harry Pregerson Public Service Fellow—all while offering mentorship and support to fellow students following similar paths.

Moments That Matter

Of all her experiences, Sarah recalls one in particular that underscored her commitment to public interest work: her time in Southwestern’s Asylum Law Clinic.

“Being able to advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals fleeing persecution in their home countries has been a profound experience,” she said. “The opportunity to provide legal support to those seeking safety and a new beginning has deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Knowing our efforts can help change the trajectory of someone’s life is something I do not take lightly.”

Looking Ahead

After the bar exam, Sarah will return to the Inner City Law Center—this time as a postgraduate fellow with the Tenant Defense Project. It’s a continuation of the mission she’s already made her own: using the law to fight displacement, defend dignity, and protect the right to housing.

Her advice to future students? “Make your law school journey your own. Only you know what works best for you and how to achieve balance—but whatever your goals may be, make sure you put 100% into it. And do your outlining slowly throughout the semester—you’ll thank yourself during reading period!”

With Gratitude

“This has been one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys I’ve ever taken—and I didn’t do it alone.”

Sarah’s commitment to public service has been shaped not only by her clients and coursework, but by a community that encouraged her growth every step of the way.

“I am deeply grateful to George and Katrina Woolverton for this amazing honor and their commitment to empowering Southwestern community members dedicated to creating meaningful change. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to Michelle Takagishi-Almeida, Andrea Ramos, and the PILC Faculty Committee for their guidance and steadfast dedication to public interest work.

Additionally, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Professor Kaimi Wenger, Professor Tess Feldman, Professor Danielle Hart, and Professor Meera Deo for their dedication to teaching courses that promote social justice and wellness in the legal profession. Taking these courses has profoundly enriched my experience at Southwestern, and I am grateful for all that I have learned from these individuals.

To Omar, Tiffany, Alborz, Alex, Danny, Karen, and Bryon: thank you! You have all provided endless support and advice throughout my law school career; you have allowed me to vent, cry, and laugh until I’m crying, and I will hold the memories I’ve made with you at Southwestern near and dear to my heart.

I would also like to thank the previous and current boards of PILC and HPLP, as well as my Judge Harry Pregerson cohorts. I am inspired by your passion for public interest work and I am proud to call you fellow advocates.

To my parents: thank you for all your support. I am so lucky to have you both by my side, cheering me on every step of the way.

And last—but certainly not least—I want to thank my husband, Mack. He has shared every emotion with me, both the highs and the lows, throughout my law school journey. His encouragement has been a constant source of strength, and I truly don’t think I would have made it across the finish line without him.”

The George and Katrina Woolverton Public Service Award recognizes Sarah’s extraordinary contributions, but it also signals the beginning of a career defined by purpose. As she steps into her role at the Inner City Law Center, Sarah carries the skills, values, and relationships that shaped her at Southwestern—ready to keep fighting for housing justice and the communities that need it most.

Congratulations, Sarah, on this outstanding achievement!