The Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) is the place to be if you are a college woman interested in exploring a career in public policy. PLEN is unique: nowhere else in Washington, D.C. can students learn how Washington really works from a faculty comprised exclusively of women leaders who make and influence public policy every day. These women are members of Congress, major judicial figures, presidential advisors, senior government leaders, veteran nonprofit advocates and corporate lobbyists. PLEN offers seminars where, in 3-5 days, a student can discover how Washington really works, network with high-level women policymakers, and connect with people who can help her secure an internship, open doors to jobs, and launch her career. Additionally, through PLEN you can secure a Summer internship directed at your specific interests. PLEN programs also offer other unique professional development opportunities, including salary negotiation, resume workshops and informational interviews. Wilson College is proud to be a member institution of the Public Leadership Education Network; as a student you will receive discounts on all PLEN seminars and internships and preference in the awarding of corporate program scholarships. Many past participants see the effects of their PLEN experience well into their careers. Click here for more information. Jyotsna Dhakal Kotchaphorn Mangkalaphiban Kisha Pradhan The PLEN Science and Health Policy seminar not only broadened my knowledge about the confluence of public health and policy, but also exposed me to incredible women, who had taken unconventional career paths to arrive at the amazing place they are in now. Their passion for their work and their desire to make a positive impact on the world was contagious. I came out of PLEN with a newfound confidence in myself, and the comfort of the knowledge that it is okay to embrace the less traveled path in order to achieve your goals. Submitted by Jyotsna Dhakal, after attending PLEN's January 2014 PLEN Science and Health Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. Kotcha in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building "What do I do after graduation?" has been the scariest question for me until I attended PLEN's Science and Health Policy seminar. Not only did I learn about new career opportunities for women scientists, I gained a set of tools that will guide me toward a successful career, such as following your passion, networking, and salary negotiation. From the valuable experiences of inspiring panelists, I learned that there are rarely straight paths to a successful career, but there are no dead ends either; there are always opportunities if you open yourself up to them. I am more confident about my future and for this, I owe Wilson College for making this experience happened. It is worth every penny of it! Submitted by: Kotchaphorn Mangkalaphiban, after attending PLEN's January 2014 Science and Health Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. Carol Zehosky Amrisha Vaidya PLEN Ambassador Carol Zehosky Name: Carol Zehosky PLEN Program: Women & Public Policy Seminar 2013 Major: Mass Communications My Favorite PLEN Moment: My favorite PLEN moment was the alumnae panel discussion. By graciously sharing their experiences about families, jobs, education and passions, they underscored PLEN’s deep commitment to preparing women to lead. Why I’m a PLEN Ambassador: My PLEN experience has been a positive impact on my personal and professional life. I would like to share my experiences with the amazing women at my college while encouraging and assisting them with attending future PLEN seminars. PLEN Ambassador Amrisha Vaidya Name: Amrisha Vaidya PLEN Program: Women & International Policy 2013 Major: International Studies and Economics My Favorite PLEN Moment: I loved the site visits to the UNWFP and Amnesty International- it was really interesting to go to different organizations and understand their work and women who are involved in it. Why I’m a PLEN Ambassador: I’m a PLEN Ambassador because I enjoyed my PLEN experience and learned a lot from it! I would love to help other students at my college gain the same experience and want to tell other women to pursue their goals and careers. PLEN is an incredible opportunity and I believe women should be involved and inspired by it! Jyotsna Dhakal Kotchaphorn Mangkalaphiban Kisha Pradhan The PLEN Science and Health Policy seminar not only broadened my knowledge about the confluence of public health and policy, but also exposed me to incredible women, who had taken unconventional career paths to arrive at the amazing place they are in now. Their passion for their work and their desire to make a positive impact on the world was contagious. I came out of PLEN with a newfound confidence in myself, and the comfort of the knowledge that it is okay to embrace the less traveled path in order to achieve your goals. Submitted by Jyotsna Dhakal, after attending PLEN's January 2014 PLEN Science and Health Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. Kotcha in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building "What do I do after graduation?" has been the scariest question for me until I attended PLEN's Science and Health Policy seminar. Not only did I learn about new career opportunities for women scientists, I gained a set of tools that will guide me toward a successful career, such as following your passion, networking, and salary negotiation. From the valuable experiences of inspiring panelists, I learned that there are rarely straight paths to a successful career, but there are no dead ends either; there are always opportunities if you open yourself up to them. I am more confident about my future and for this, I owe Wilson College for making this experience happened. It is worth every penny of it! Submitted by: Kotchaphorn Mangkalaphiban, after attending PLEN's January 2014 Science and Health Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. Carol Zehosky Amrisha Vaidya PLEN Ambassador Carol Zehosky Name: Carol Zehosky PLEN Program: Women & Public Policy Seminar 2013 Major: Mass Communications My Favorite PLEN Moment: My favorite PLEN moment was the alumnae panel discussion. By graciously sharing their experiences about families, jobs, education and passions, they underscored PLEN’s deep commitment to preparing women to lead. Why I’m a PLEN Ambassador: My PLEN experience has been a positive impact on my personal and professional life. I would like to share my experiences with the amazing women at my college while encouraging and assisting them with attending future PLEN seminars. PLEN Ambassador Amrisha Vaidya Name: Amrisha Vaidya PLEN Program: Women & International Policy 2013 Major: International Studies and Economics My Favorite PLEN Moment: I loved the site visits to the UNWFP and Amnesty International- it was really interesting to go to different organizations and understand their work and women who are involved in it. Why I’m a PLEN Ambassador: I’m a PLEN Ambassador because I enjoyed my PLEN experience and learned a lot from it! I would love to help other students at my college gain the same experience and want to tell other women to pursue their goals and careers. PLEN is an incredible opportunity and I believe women should be involved and inspired by it! What Can PLEN Do For You? College women who attend PLEN seminars in Washington, D.C. gain the knowledge, skills, and connections to pursue policy careers. PLEN is the only national organization with the sole focus of preparing college women for leadership in the public policy arena. Student Testimonials Our Ambassadors
The PLEN Science and Health Policy seminar not only broadened my knowledge about the confluence of public health and policy, but also exposed me to incredible women, who had taken unconventional career paths to arrive at the amazing place they are in now. Their passion for their work and their desire to make a positive impact on the world was contagious. I came out of PLEN with a newfound confidence in myself, and the comfort of the knowledge that it is okay to embrace the less traveled path in order to achieve your goals. Submitted by Jyotsna Dhakal, after attending PLEN's January 2014 PLEN Science and Health Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C.
Kotcha in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building "What do I do after graduation?" has been the scariest question for me until I attended PLEN's Science and Health Policy seminar. Not only did I learn about new career opportunities for women scientists, I gained a set of tools that will guide me toward a successful career, such as following your passion, networking, and salary negotiation. From the valuable experiences of inspiring panelists, I learned that there are rarely straight paths to a successful career, but there are no dead ends either; there are always opportunities if you open yourself up to them. I am more confident about my future and for this, I owe Wilson College for making this experience happened. It is worth every penny of it! Submitted by: Kotchaphorn Mangkalaphiban, after attending PLEN's January 2014 Science and Health Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C.
PLEN Ambassador Carol Zehosky Name: Carol Zehosky PLEN Program: Women & Public Policy Seminar 2013 Major: Mass Communications My Favorite PLEN Moment: My favorite PLEN moment was the alumnae panel discussion. By graciously sharing their experiences about families, jobs, education and passions, they underscored PLEN’s deep commitment to preparing women to lead. Why I’m a PLEN Ambassador: My PLEN experience has been a positive impact on my personal and professional life. I would like to share my experiences with the amazing women at my college while encouraging and assisting them with attending future PLEN seminars.
PLEN Ambassador Amrisha Vaidya Name: Amrisha Vaidya PLEN Program: Women & International Policy 2013 Major: International Studies and Economics My Favorite PLEN Moment: I loved the site visits to the UNWFP and Amnesty International- it was really interesting to go to different organizations and understand their work and women who are involved in it. Why I’m a PLEN Ambassador: I’m a PLEN Ambassador because I enjoyed my PLEN experience and learned a lot from it! I would love to help other students at my college gain the same experience and want to tell other women to pursue their goals and careers. PLEN is an incredible opportunity and I believe women should be involved and inspired by it!
The PLEN Science and Health Policy seminar not only broadened my knowledge about the confluence of public health and policy, but also exposed me to incredible women, who had taken unconventional career paths to arrive at the amazing place they are in now. Their passion for their work and their desire to make a positive impact on the world was contagious. I came out of PLEN with a newfound confidence in myself, and the comfort of the knowledge that it is okay to embrace the less traveled path in order to achieve your goals. Submitted by Jyotsna Dhakal, after attending PLEN's January 2014 PLEN Science and Health Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C.
Kotcha in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building "What do I do after graduation?" has been the scariest question for me until I attended PLEN's Science and Health Policy seminar. Not only did I learn about new career opportunities for women scientists, I gained a set of tools that will guide me toward a successful career, such as following your passion, networking, and salary negotiation. From the valuable experiences of inspiring panelists, I learned that there are rarely straight paths to a successful career, but there are no dead ends either; there are always opportunities if you open yourself up to them. I am more confident about my future and for this, I owe Wilson College for making this experience happened. It is worth every penny of it! Submitted by: Kotchaphorn Mangkalaphiban, after attending PLEN's January 2014 Science and Health Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C.
PLEN Ambassador Carol Zehosky Name: Carol Zehosky PLEN Program: Women & Public Policy Seminar 2013 Major: Mass Communications My Favorite PLEN Moment: My favorite PLEN moment was the alumnae panel discussion. By graciously sharing their experiences about families, jobs, education and passions, they underscored PLEN’s deep commitment to preparing women to lead. Why I’m a PLEN Ambassador: My PLEN experience has been a positive impact on my personal and professional life. I would like to share my experiences with the amazing women at my college while encouraging and assisting them with attending future PLEN seminars.
PLEN Ambassador Amrisha Vaidya Name: Amrisha Vaidya PLEN Program: Women & International Policy 2013 Major: International Studies and Economics My Favorite PLEN Moment: I loved the site visits to the UNWFP and Amnesty International- it was really interesting to go to different organizations and understand their work and women who are involved in it. Why I’m a PLEN Ambassador: I’m a PLEN Ambassador because I enjoyed my PLEN experience and learned a lot from it! I would love to help other students at my college gain the same experience and want to tell other women to pursue their goals and careers. PLEN is an incredible opportunity and I believe women should be involved and inspired by it!
