Abigail Denault: Elevating Community Voices and Civic Engagement
Abigail Denault, a senior at Ball State University, has dedicated herself to amplifying community voices and fostering civic engagement. Her work in journalism and democracy-building earned her the prestigious Richard J. Wood Student Community Commitment Award, recognizing her deep-rooted commitment to strengthening communities through storytelling and voter education.
Using Journalism to Strengthen Communities
As a journalism student, she believes that when people better understand each other’s experiences, they form stronger, more connected communities. One of her most impactful projects was covering Indiana’s farming community—a subject close to her heart due to her family’s background in agriculture. She recognizes that journalism is not just about reporting events but about giving a voice to those who may otherwise be overlooked.
“I want to uplift people’s voices, especially the ones that aren’t talked about as much,” Abigail explained. “When we understand each other’s stories, we can do more together.”
Championing Civic Engagement
Beyond journalism, Abigail has played an integral role in increasing voter participation as a Democracy Fellow at Ball State. Through the Cardinals Vote! initiative, she worked to ensure students had access to accurate voting information, helping them navigate registration deadlines and absentee ballots. She saw firsthand how a lack of understanding about the voting process discouraged many students from participating.
“A lot of people don’t vote because they think they don’t know enough,” Abigail said. “We helped students understand the process and see how voting has a real impact—especially at the local level.”
Her dedication to civic engagement started early. In high school, she served as a poll worker in Illinois, helping voters understand their ballots and options. That experience reinforced her belief that knowledge is power when it comes to civic responsibility.
Building Bridges Through Community Work
In addition to her journalism and voter outreach efforts, Abigail has volunteered with Awaken, an organization supporting Afghan women’s education. While she sometimes worries that her contributions aren’t as visible as traditional volunteer work, she recognizes the importance of even small acts of service. Whether through reporting, voter advocacy, or community outreach, her goal remains the same: fostering a more informed and connected society.
“I’ve realized that even small contributions matter,” she said. “If we take the time to learn about each other, we become stronger together.”
A Future Built on Service and Storytelling
As she looks ahead, Abigail is eager to continue her work. Whether through journalism or civic engagement, she is committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and that communities are empowered through knowledge and participation. Her passion and leadership serve as an inspiration for others looking to make a difference—one story, one vote, and one community at a time.