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.
The Plenary
The Future Is Warm and Welcoming For STEM
Sandria Tran attended the 2019 Women in STEM Seminar and was inspired by the students' passions, ambition, and intellectual discussions.
PLEN Inspired Me to Make Any Goal Obtainable
Paola Popoca felt ignited inspired, and intrigued by the Women in Global Policy Seminar
Women and Congress: How PLEN Changed My Life
At the 2018 Women and Congress seminar Natalie Cote met strong, determined women who all have big dreams and refuse to stay silent on topics they are passionate about
The Many Faces of Networking
Networking. The word itself is enough to cause some to grab their purse and head for the hills. The idea of nervously navigating a dimly lit hotel conference space with strangers and a flimsy name-badge (that keeps falling off) is just too much to fathom, especially after a long day at the office. I’m here … Continue reading The Many Faces of Networking
I am well-informed, prepared, and part of a network of incredibly powerful women
A professor and mentor introduced me to PLEN towards the end of the scholarship application deadline. Scrambling to scrape together recommendation letters, find funding, and construct coherent essays, I felt a distinct pull to complete my application and do it well. I have never felt so proud of a gut feeling! A week at the … Continue reading I am well-informed, prepared, and part of a network of incredibly powerful women
PLEN Confirmed My Future Career Plans
Because I grew up in a family of attorneys, I was introduced to the law and the management of the family practice when I was as young as four years old. As a kid, I remember sitting on the floor under my father’s oak desk as he drafted wills, trusts, and deeds for his growing … Continue reading PLEN Confirmed My Future Career Plans
Bringing More Chairs to the Table Instead of Competing for them
I am one of the most indecisive people that I have ever met in my life, but if there is one thing that has stayed somewhat constant in my life, it is the consideration of entering the legal field. Not only have I been unsure of whether or not legal advocacy is the career path … Continue reading Bringing More Chairs to the Table Instead of Competing for them
Reaching Across the Aisle
I first heard of PLEN from my sister. A few years ago, I remember her coming back home from PLEN’s “Women in Health Policy” seminar, proudly wearing her NIH hoodie that she had bought during her time there. As a pharmacy student, she did not know how she could plug in to her interest in … Continue reading Reaching Across the Aisle
Network to GET WORK!
I first learned about PLEN through an email from a friend advising me to apply to attend the Women in Congress seminar in March 2019. As I had no idea what PLEN was, I decided to do some research and see what I would find. I read a few articles on The Plenary written by … Continue reading Network to GET WORK!
Feeling Lost, Feeling Found: What PLEN Taught Me About Finding the “Right” Path
When I stepped out of Dulles International Airport, my first thought was that it had to be at least 10 degrees warmer than Vermont. My second was, ‘I can’t believe this is actually happening.’ I first heard of PLEN when a friend forwarded an email from our school’s Center for Creativity, Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship … Continue reading Feeling Lost, Feeling Found: What PLEN Taught Me About Finding the “Right” Path