Each month we will feature a member of our alumni (the League of Knights) to highlight their accomplishments after graduating from IC Catholic Prep. This month, we spoke to alumnae, Sabey Abraham, class of 1997. Sabey attended Knox College in Galesburg and double-majored in International Relations and French. She then went on to attend American University’s Washington College of Law in DC for her Juris Doctorate degree.
ICCP: What was your favorite subject in school?
Sabey: My favorite subject was easily French. I had two extremely qualified, fun, and encouraging teachers in Ms. Petrini-Poli and Ms. Cagney. The language came naturally to me, and it was a thrill to attempt to master it. Being a child of immigrants, I was in no way sheltered, but studying French opened up a different world to me. I went on to get a Bachelor’s degree in French language and literature, studied in France, and made lifelong friendships with the amazing people I met while living there.
ICCP: What is your best memory from your time at IC?
Sabey: I loved my English classes with Mr. Schram! His courses were thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable.
ICCP: What are some highlights from your career?
Sabey: The early part of my career was distinctly influenced by the events of September 11th. I was in my first year of law school in Washington when the attacks occurred. In the aftermath there was a marked shift in our country’s immigration laws and I was drawn into that practice area to help however I could. I am someone who was lucky enough to immigrate to this country as a two-year-old, and it was important to me to help others who were trying to find a home here.
I spent several years practicing immigration law in San Francisco. My days were spent either in immigration court, asylum offices, detention centers, and in countless immigration interviews helping individuals to navigate the labyrinth of our immigration system. It was an eye-opening and deeply rewarding experience. From there I moved on the political world.
My first political job was on President Obama’s presidential campaign. From there I worked on a couple more campaigns before I accepted two political appointments in the Obama Administration- first as the Director of the Energy and Environment team at the White House Presidential Personnel Office, and then as White House Liaison to the US Department of Energy.
Since then, I have been honored to serve as District Director for Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi in the 8th Congressional District of Illinois. The four years that I have been with the Congressman’s office have been a complete adventure- there is never a dull day in Washington, and I feel lucky to have a job that keeps me on my toes!
ICCP: What is one other thing you would like to share with IC alumni?
Sabey: IC instilled in me the value of service, and this has been my North Star throughout my career. I feel incredibly fortunate that I have been able to do work that fulfills me in more ways than one!
Visit ICCatholicPrep.org/alumni for more spotlights. Know an alumni that needs to be recognized? Send their name and email or phone number to tortman@iccatholicprep.org.