PLEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| Elizabeth Bartholomew*, Operations / Section Lead, Booz Allen Hamilton (Treasurer) | Aviva Sabas*, Policy Specialist, Products Research Operations, LMI (Secretary) |
| Jordyn Arndt*, Founder and Principal Consultant, JA Impact Advisory | Anna Platt, Senior Manager of Government Relations, Public Affairs Council |
| Marie Greenbank, President & Financial Interpreter, Greenbank Business Services | Jessica Reitz Curtin*, Principal Gifts Officer, Spirit of America |
| Alyssa Innis*, Policy Director, Women's Congressional Policy Institute | Deborah D. Ricker, PhD, President, Hood College (University Representative) |
| Deepti Loharikar, Senior Policy Advisor, Venable | Emily Sena*, Climate Finance and Adaptation Specialist, Contract: World Food Programme; Global Green Growth Institute; Nataij Group; Jordan River Foundation |
| Allison Magnarelli*, Associate Attorney, Morrison Foerster | Katie Turek, Associate Director of Experiential Education, Bryn Mawr College (University Representative) |
| Gretchen Maldonado, Director, Laspa Center for Leadership, Scripps College (University Representative) | Olivia Umoren Ezeuko, Director, Public Policy & Advocacy, USAging |
| Amy Meli, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Hollins University | Claire Viall, VP, Public Policy, Postsecondary Education, Strada Education Foundation |
*PLEN Alums
Sara Blanco
Interim Executive Director
Sara is a seasoned nonprofit professional passionate about leadership and professional development for young people – especially women, and especially women of color. That experience brought Sara to woman-owned association management and event firm L Street Partners in 2024. She primarily serves as the Executive Director for their client, PLEN, a nonpartisan nonprofit that prepares college women and marginalized gender groups for leadership in public policy.
Sara previously spent 12 years in several capacities (including Development Specialist and Chief Program Officer) at Running Start, a nonpartisan nonprofit that trains young women to run for elected office. One highlight was leading the reformulation of their proven curriculum for adaptation internationally for their partnership with NDI: DISRUPTHER.
Sara holds a Master of Public Policy (Gender Policy focus) from the George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Gender & Sexuality Studies from Swarthmore College. She enjoys salsa and swing dancing. Sara lives in her beloved hometown: Arlington, Virginia.
Looking to Get involved?
APPLY TO JOIN THE PLEN Board
Prospective Board Member Application
PLEN is actively recruiting individuals committed to advancing women in public leadership and representatives from member colleges to serve as members of the Board of Directors. Board members are elected by a majority vote and serve up to two 3-year terms.
PLEN’s board includes a diverse group of high-level leaders from academia, public service, and the private sector who play a key role in advancing PLEN’s mission. Those interested should complete this application. Please expect an update within 5-7 business days of your submission. Any questions should be directed to Vicki Klopsch, PLEN Chair, at PLEN@PLEN.org. Thank you!