Maya Lynch attended PLEN's 2021 Public Policy Seminar. Read more about her experience here!
The Plenary
Say Goodbye to Year-long Career Resolutions
It's the end of January. You've spent all month hearing about resolutions: whether about how important it is to set them or how most people quit theirs by January 17 of each new year.
Three Tips to Boost Your Networking Skills
People who are just starting out in Washington, DC can find the professional networking process a little overwhelming. Being the “new kid” in any social setting is tricky. Read on for ways to make the process less daunting – and maybe even a little fun.
PLEN’S Impact: Victoria’s Experience at the 2022 Health Policy Seminar
Victoria Colon attended the 2022 Health Policy Seminar, and wrote about her experience.
Melea’s experience with the 2022 health policy seminar
Melea Banaszak wrote about their experience at the 2022 Health Policy Seminar!
PLEN Power: Rawan’s Experience at the Fall 2022 Health Policy Seminar
Rawan Hannoon wrote about their experience at the 2022 Health Policy Seminar!
PLEN’s Impact: Health Policy and Shannon’s Washington, D.C. Experience
Before hearing about PLEN, I had no idea that there were opportunities out there for someone like me, who isn’t majoring in Political Science in undergrad, to get involved in policy work. The ability to make connections that will help me progress forward and pursue a career in policy, regardless of my major, is a … Continue reading PLEN’s Impact: Health Policy and Shannon’s Washington, D.C. Experience
The Power of Being Resourceful: Cecilia’s Experience at the Fall 2022 Health Policy Seminar
Cecília Gomes describes her experience at the PLEN Health Policy Seminar, and her new PLEN Power!
Esther’s Experience at the Fall 2022 Health Policy Seminar
Esther Bitijula shares about her experience at the 2022 Health Policy Seminar.
Paige’s Internship Experience at PLEN
Paige Botjer wrote about their 2022 Summer Internship experience!
The Power of PLEN: Nadia’s Experience Leading the August PLENTALK
Learn about Nadia DeCastris' experience serving as the Summer 2022 Communications Intern!
Just Be Yourself: Ways Women Can Lead More Authentically
Rose Jordyn writes about the unique challenges women face in leadership roles.
PLEN TAUGHT ME TO BE AWARE OF THOSE NOT PRESENT IN THE ROOM
Anita Tamang wrote about their experience at the 2022 Global Policy Seminar and the lessons learned about inclusivity.
EVA’S EXPERIENCE AT THE PLEN Global POLICY SEMINAR
Eva Grover describes her experience at PLEN's Global Policy Seminar in May of 2022.
PLEN Taught me to step into my power
Carrie Miller wrote about her career propelling experience at the PLEN Global Policy Seminar.
PLEN Receives $200,000 Donation from the B.A. Women’s Alliance
Washington D.C. – The Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) was recently awarded a $200,000 donation from the B.A. Women’s Alliance which will help sustain and grow our organization. PLEN helps develop a pipeline of college women and marginalized gender groups in public policy leadership through our series of educational seminars. These seminars bring together college … Continue reading PLEN Receives $200,000 Donation from the B.A. Women’s Alliance
FEature Friday: Environmental Series
As April comes to a close, we are taking time to look back at some of the environmental activists we have featured.
Mahlet’s Experience at the STEM Policy Seminar
Mahlet Amare wrote about her experience at the 2022 STEM Policy Seminar and the lessons she learned.
Confidence is KEY!
Alice Odame wrote about her exciting experience at her third PLEN Seminar!
FEATURE FRIDAY: WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we are taking the opportunity to reflect and take a closer look at these women and their inspiring accomplishments.
My Empowering Experience at the STEM Policy SeminaR
Etta Brooks describes her empowering experience at the 2022 STEM Policy Seminar.
An Opportunity to Explore the stem field further
Jorania Ferreira Alves attended the 2022 STEM Policy seminar and learned about many STEM policy career paths.
FEATURE FRIDAY: BLACK HISTORY MONTH
As Black History Month comes to a close, we are taking some time to reflect on these women and their societal, political, and cultural contributions.
Reflections from the Public Policy Seminar
Celeste Lan reflects on what she learned at the PLEN 2022 Public Policy Seminar.
Kiahna’s PLEN experience: Your Word is Your Bond
Kiahna Stephans reflects on her surprising and rewarding experience at the virtual Public Policy Seminar.
Women in Public Policy Matter
Liana Petruzzi reflects on her experience participating in the PLEN 2022 Public Policy Seminar.
PLEN’s COVID-19 Policy
In accordance with Washington D.C. COVID guidelines, all PLEN staff, interns, volunteers, seminar and event participants will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear masks when attending in-person PLEN functions.
Women in Public Policy: Grace’s Experience
Grace Ayyildiz attended the Public Policy Seminar and gained confidence about entering her field post-graduation.
The Power of PLEN: Mickaela’s Internship Experience
Mickaela Maehren writes about her experience as the Communications Intern in the Summer 2021 semester and the Programs Intern in Fall 2021.
“Do Not Confuse having a Bad Day with being Underqualified”
Sealina Marryshow attended the 2021 Women of Color Influencing Washington seminar and learned about career opportunities, gained connections, and how to advocate for herself.
Authentic, Non-Linear Career Paths
Maryam Arab attended the Women of Color Influencing Washington Seminar and gained insight on the value of non-linear career paths.
A Narrative of Community
Maria Isabel Díaz attended the 2021 Women of Color Influencing Washington seminar and gained a network of women of color across the country!
Creating a Network of Connections with the Women of PLEN
Laura Landetta attended the 2021 Law and Legal Advocacy seminar and learned about networking and beyond.
Reflections from the Law and Legal Advocacy Seminar
PLEN Global Policy alumna Quinn Fabish shares her experience at the PLEN Law and Legal Advocacy seminar!
How PLEN Changed Me: Learning How to Be The Woman I Want To Be
Zana Frluckaj, 2021 Law and Legal Advocacy alumna, shares her reflections from the seminar.
PLEN Mourns the Loss of Founder Frances “Sissy” Farenthold
Dear Members of the PLEN Community, With heavy hearts we announce the passing of PLEN’s Founder, Frances “Sissy” Farenthold, on September 26, 2021. To honor her legacy, we at PLEN are taking time to reflect on her important work to advance women’s political leadership in our nation, including her founding of PLEN. Sissy’s vision for … Continue reading PLEN Mourns the Loss of Founder Frances “Sissy” Farenthold
Reflecting on the PLEN X WGR DEI Summit
Chloe Little reflects on her experience and the lessons she learned at the PLEN X WGR DEI Summit.
Reflections from the 2021 Women in Global Policy Seminar
Our 2021 Women in Global Policy seminar wrapped up this May with 59 students attending from 31 different schools. A few of the alumnae who attended the seminar share their experiences here. Read on to learn more about what the seminar offers!
Thank you, PLEN
PLEN Global Policy alumna Fatima Dominguez reflects on her experience at PLEN and the skills she gained.
How PLEN Helped Me Sail Towards My Dreams
“A ship in port is safe–but that’s not what ships are built for. Sail on.” This quote, popularly attributed to computer scientist Grace Hopper, perfectly encapsulates the sentiments of PLEN’s Women in Global Policy seminar.
Reflections from the Women in Global Policy Seminar
PLEN Women in Global Policy alumna Lotus Johnson shares her reflections from our seminar!
A Message from PLEN’s New Executive Director
As I step into this role, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share a bit about my background and vision for PLEN.
Proud to be a PLEN Alumnae
Invigorated. That is how I felt after attending the PLEN Women in Global Policy seminar.
PLEN Provides the Support and Resources Needed for Success
PLEN not only helped me align my focus to a specific government area but also encouraged, empowered, and supported who I am as a person and the value I bring to the table.
Finding Motivation in a Virtual World
After over a year of taking classes and working three jobs remotely, I was tired and experiencing zoom fatigue. I was excited to graduate but I was feeling burnt out from school, work and the political climate.
Executive Director Announcement
We are pleased to announce Dr. Nancy Stalowski as PLEN’s new Executive Director. She is taking the helm at an opportune time, as we emerge from the pandemic and look to the future.
A Letter to Future PLEN Students
Darcy Hansen, 2021 Global Policy alumna, shares her experience and advice with future PLEN students.
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NONPROFIT RECEIVES FUNDING FOR GLOBAL POLICY SEMINARS
THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP EDUCATION NETWORK HAS BEEN AWARDED $100,000 FROM THE HENRY LUCE FOUNDATION FOR ITS WOMEN IN GLOBAL POLICY PROGRAMMING
Testimonials: Women in Global Policy Alumnae
Our 2021 Women in Global Policy seminar is just around the corner so we've compiled testimonials from several of our Women in Global Policy alumnae. Keep reading to learn how attending this seminar can empower you, expand your knowledge, advance your career, and give you an invaluable network!
Learning to Network in the New Normal and Beyond
Rebecca Boyle attended the 2021 Women in Health Policy seminar and learned about networking in the time of COVID-19 and beyond.
The Importance of Women Leaders in Health Policy
Blogger Rose Jordyn talks about why female leadership in health policy is so important to tackling the pandemic and beyond.
Top Five Career Planning Tips from a PLEN Alumna
In recognition of Women's History Month, Jordyn Arndt, a 2008 Women in Global Policy seminar alumna, shares her top 5 career planning tips!
PLEN Transition Announcement
Dear PLEN Community, We hope this message finds you well. After five years of extraordinary service, our Executive Director Sarah Bruno will be stepping down from her role to pursue another opportunity. Her last day with PLEN is Friday, March 19, 2021. Over the past five years, Sarah has led more than 1,400 students through … Continue reading PLEN Transition Announcement
Making D.C. Connections at Women in Public Policy 2021
Aaliyah Ford is a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My name is Aaliyah Ford, and I attended the 2021 Women in Public Policy Seminar. Currently, Iam a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and I have a bachelor’s degreein social work and will be graduating with my master’s in social work this … Continue reading Making D.C. Connections at Women in Public Policy 2021
Network, Network, Network: The Key to Professional Success
Kristen Davis is a junior at Robert Morris University. She attended PLEN's Women in Public Policy in 2021.
PLEN Showed Me Just How Strong Women Are
Ashly Hanna is a junior at the University of North Dakota and will graduate in May of 2021. She attended the 2020 Women in Public Policy seminar.
STEM: It’s More Than What Meets The Eye
Lauren Gulbicki is a current sophomore at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. She is majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Public Health and African Studies. On campus, she is an active member of her school’s PLEN organization and various environmental advocacy groups. She attended the Women in STEM Policy seminar in January 2020.
Connecting Countries, Institutions, and Generations of Students and Professionals
Svetlana Kononenko is a junior at St. Lawrence University studying Anthropology and Neuroscience. She is an international student hoping to pursue a career in speech pathology. She attended PLEN Women in Health Policy in November 2019.
The PLEN Seminar Opens a World of Opportunities for All Women
Gulnoza Tursunova attended PLEN's Women, Law and Legal Advocacy seminar. From this experience, she was able to hone in on her passion for advocacy while finding a great support system in the process.
Inspiration and Empowerment by Inspired and Empowered Women.
Valery Tabraj-Huaccachi attended the PLEN Women in STEM Policy seminar. She goes to Washington College in Maryland and will graduate in May 2022. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valery-tabraj
The Reassurance That I Needed.
Kadi-Ann White attended the Women, Law, and Legal Advocacy seminar and learned the importance of advocating for yourself, networking, and working towards your goals.
About The Plenary & Submission Guidelines
The Plenary is an online community blog for PLEN alumnae and supporters to mentor, collaborate, and share essential professional and life lessons they’ve learned during and after their PLEN seminars.