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’s story began in Springfield, Colorado, where she found herself captivated by the news as a curious young girl. It wasn’t just the stories — it was the fact that through the news, she could know what was happening all over the world. She’d sit by the radio, her small fingers tracing the words in her schoolbooks as the voices from the news anchors painted a bigger picture of life beyond her small town.

What really grabbed her attention, though, was the presence of strong women in politics. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the Iron Lady herself, became a particular hero. Payton admired how Thatcher stood her ground in a man’s world. “If Margaret can do it,” she thought, “I can do it too.”

That’s when Payton knew she was going to lead with integrity in a world where prominent female voices were still few and far between.

In high school, Payton’s interest grew into a passion, and by the time she was looking at colleges, �������� in Ohio called her name. The school’s commitment to faith and its strong political science program, with an opportunity for a semester in Washington D.C., seemed like the perfect fit. She packed her bags, said goodbye to her family, and made the long trek eastward, her heart set on the path ahead.

At Cedarville, Payton thrived. She connected with people and grew closer to God. By the fall of 2023, Payton found herself in D.C., interning at the U.S. Department of State. The work wasn’t glamorous, but she took every opportunity to learn, serving with a heart of excellence.

Now, with graduation approaching quickly, Payton’s eyes are set on the Rangel Fellowship Program, which could open doors to a life of service in embassies and consulates around the world. But she knows this is just one step in the journey. Payton is confident that God is guiding her, and she’s ready for whatever comes next.

Hear more of Payton’s journey of growth and faith on this week’s episode of the .