Four students received scholarships to attend the 23rd Annual Women, Law & Public Policy seminar in Washington, D.C. November 9-11, 2012.

Sponsorship by K&L Gates LLP made it possible for three students to attend the seminar.

Nicole Little, PLEN Scholarship Recipient, Senior, Wake Forest University

Before receiving a random email from the Women and Gender studies department about this seminar, I had never heard of PLEN. However, after this experience, I can say in confidence that I will never forget PLEN either. This experience was remarkable and life-changing. I was able to share and listen to fresh insights from other students who will become my colleagues when I enter the job market. I was able to engage in meaningful discussions about social welfare policies and their effectiveness. I was also able to get a grasp on what it meant to be “on the Hill” from experienced and successful women such as Peggy Tighe, Partner at Strategic Healthcare. Through conversation with Kirkland & Ellis’ youngest partner, Savaria Harris, I discovered that it is possible to work for a private law firm and not have to “check my heart at the door.” Overall, I learned that the possibilities are endless.

Cindy Ku, K&L Gates LLP Scholarship Recipient, Junior, San Francisco State University

Attending PLEN’s Women, Law and Public Policy seminar was one of the best decisions I ever made. Throughout the 3-day seminar, I formed strong friendships, gained invaluable skills and resources that have enabled me to grow as a person and professionally. Being surrounded by amazing women and hearing their personal stories was very empowering. My favorite moment was listening to Savaria Harris, who is a partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, speak about her career in law.

Hearing her experiences about working with State and Federal courts was fascinating to me; this is something I can definitely see myself doing later on in my career. Mrs. Harris also spoke of how as women we should never give up on our dreams and this was my “Ah-ha” moment. As women, we often need to hear and share our stories with each other in order to empower ourselves. As a first generation college Latina, I often find many barriers in my path, but through PLEN I have received a great push to persevere to make my academic and career goals possible.

I would recommend the PLEN Women, Law and Public Policy seminar to all women interested in law, public policy or simply seeking to make a difference in the society. I gained valuable friendships with other students like myself and returned to my campus with a new mentality.