By Nadia DeCastris, PLEN Interim Program AssociateAs I am wrapping up my senior year of college, I have a significant amount of time to reflect on the experiences I have had while an undergrad. While most of my adventures have been wonderful, quite a few experiences that have allowed me to lead and produce content … Continue reading Everything I learned working at plen
Representation in policy is vital for democracy. It guarantees all voices are heard and diverse communities' needs are considered. This PLEN Social Media Toolkit allows for ambassadorship between the PLEN community and amplifying women and marginalized gender group's voices. Download our graphics today!
Maya Lynch attended PLEN's 2021 Public Policy Seminar. Read more about her experience here!
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.
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.
Victoria Colon attended the 2022 Health Policy Seminar, and wrote about her experience.
Melea Banaszak wrote about their experience at the 2022 Health Policy Seminar!
Rawan Hannoon wrote about their experience at the 2022 Health Policy Seminar!
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
CecĂlia Gomes describes her experience at the PLEN Health Policy Seminar, and her new PLEN Power!
Esther Bitijula shares about her experience at the 2022 Health Policy Seminar.
Paige Botjer wrote about their 2022 Summer Internship experience!
Learn about Nadia DeCastris' experience serving as the Summer 2022 Communications Intern!
Rose Jordyn writes about the unique challenges women face in leadership roles.
Anita Tamang wrote about their experience at the 2022 Global Policy Seminar and the lessons learned about inclusivity.
Eva Grover describes her experience at PLEN's Global Policy Seminar in May of 2022.
Carrie Miller wrote about her career propelling experience at the PLEN Global Policy Seminar.
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
As April comes to a close, we are taking time to look back at some of the environmental activists we have featured.
Mahlet Amare wrote about her experience at the 2022 STEM Policy Seminar and the lessons she learned.
Alice Odame wrote about her exciting experience at her third PLEN Seminar!
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.
Etta Brooks describes her empowering experience at the 2022 STEM Policy Seminar.
Jorania Ferreira Alves attended the 2022 STEM Policy seminar and learned about many STEM policy career paths.
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.
Celeste Lan reflects on what she learned at the PLEN 2022 Public Policy Seminar.
Kiahna Stephans reflects on her surprising and rewarding experience at the virtual Public Policy Seminar.
Liana Petruzzi reflects on her experience participating in the PLEN 2022 Public Policy Seminar.
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.
Grace Ayyildiz attended the Public Policy Seminar and gained confidence about entering her field post-graduation.
Mickaela Maehren writes about her experience as the Communications Intern in the Summer 2021 semester and the Programs Intern in Fall 2021.
Sealina Marryshow attended the 2021 Women of Color Influencing Washington seminar and learned about career opportunities, gained connections, and how to advocate for herself.
Maryam Arab attended the Women of Color Influencing Washington Seminar and gained insight on the value of non-linear career paths.
Maria Isabel DĂaz attended the 2021 Women of Color Influencing Washington seminar and gained a network of women of color across the country!
Laura Landetta attended the 2021 Law and Legal Advocacy seminar and learned about networking and beyond.
PLEN Global Policy alumna Quinn Fabish shares her experience at the PLEN Law and Legal Advocacy seminar!
Zana Frluckaj, 2021 Law and Legal Advocacy alumna, shares her reflections from the seminar.
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
Chloe Little reflects on her experience and the lessons she learned at the PLEN X WGR DEI Summit.
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!
PLEN Global Policy alumna Fatima Dominguez reflects on her experience at PLEN and the skills she gained.
“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.
PLEN Women in Global Policy alumna Lotus Johnson shares her reflections from our seminar!
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.
Invigorated. That is how I felt after attending the PLEN Women in Global Policy seminar.
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.
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.
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.
Darcy Hansen, 2021 Global Policy alumna, shares her experience and advice with future PLEN students.
THE PUBLIC LEADERSHIP EDUCATION NETWORK HAS BEEN AWARDED $100,000 FROM THE HENRY LUCE FOUNDATION FOR ITS WOMEN IN GLOBAL POLICY PROGRAMMING
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!
Rebecca Boyle attended the 2021 Women in Health Policy seminar and learned about networking in the time of COVID-19 and beyond.
Blogger Rose Jordyn talks about why female leadership in health policy is so important to tackling the pandemic and beyond.
In recognition of Women's History Month, Jordyn Arndt, a 2008 Women in Global Policy seminar alumna, shares her top 5 career planning tips!
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
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
Kristen Davis is a junior at Robert Morris University. She attended PLEN's Women in Public Policy in 2021.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
