PUBLIC LEADERSHIP EDUCATION NETWORK PLEN
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I'm a second year Master of Public Health student in the Health Policy and Management track at West Virginia University. I attended the PLEN Women & Public Policy seminar in January 2011. It was very enlightening to hear from so many successful women in different areas of policy. If you're interested in federal government, I would recommend attending a PLEN seminar before you graduate. Also, my visit to the Trust for America's Health, a health advocacy organization, was especially interesting. The educational materials, reports and media campaigns produced by the group were geared towards disease prevention.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My job search for after graduation, which is happening in two months.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Less speakers, more interactive sessions.
PLEN is an intensive and effective program that truly integrates engaging women candidates from around the country into inside-the beltway DC politics. I attended PLEN’s Women in Law seminar in 2008, and I appreciate all the insight, advice, and connections they provided.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Finding my career path and engaging with other women across the DC arena.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give it more stamina through expanded funds or resources by pairing it with a larger force of non-profits looking to assist women and keep them engaged in politics.
Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) is an non-profit organization aimed to provide college women with professional career preparation, skill-building seminars and powerful networks with enormous women leaders in greater Washington DC area. I participated in PLEN’s Women & Public Policy Internship Semester and attended weekly seminars during summer 2010. In each seminar, I studied the policy process, current policy issues, women’s impact and organizational leadership in public policy through meeting and building relationships with women leaders in the policy arena. Moreover, I acquired professional development skills, including resume/cover letter writing, interview skills and networking tips through sincere help and persistent training section. PLEN has indeed offered a great platform for young women to experience a life working in DC and have a taste of political environment. For me, PLEN is the first and probably the best place to set off my professional career and build up my work experience.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
enhancing women's leadership skill and professional career networks. I believe that I am one of the women young professionals who have benefited a great deal from working with Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN).
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would love to continue to be a volunteer to advocacy for this fantastic non-profit organization. I personally gained so much valuable experience interning in DC through PLEN and has launched a great internship working with NBC News in NYC this semester. I am eager to encourage every young woman to participate in those wonderful programs and make a difference in her personal life and social change alike.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I made some life-long friendship with PLEN alumni while enjoying helping other bright young women.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
I felt needed and welcomed. Whenever I went to DC, I was invited to revisit the PLEN office and joined its fantastic events.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
The seminar that I took in January was incredibly eye-opening for me. I am about to graduate from UVA and I am on the job search and am thinking of my possibilities after I graduate. The PLEN Seminar on Women and Public Policy was empowering because I felt so much more informed after I went and got a lot of information in options that I have as a college graduate. But it was also empowering to see so many powerful women and hearing them speak about the impact they have on all levels of government and in different arenas of policy like education and the environment. It was really helpful to also learn the importance of networking through the other young women in the room as well as the women who came to speak. I would have liked more time to get resume critiques but other wise it was a really great week long seminar!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
In my job search for next year both in thinking about what I will be good at, the options I have and how to use networking skills to get to where I want to go in making a difference in the world of policy.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would have liked more time to talk to the speakers after they spoke so as to get more information and advice.
I received a Student Leadership Grant to attend the PLEN Women and Public Policy Seminar this past January. The experience exceeded any expectation I could have imagined as it has changed my trajectory and continues to provide me with opportunities due to the relationships and networks I was able to develop in the week I was there. PLEN allowed me to see myself through a different lens and gave me the the tools to develop a path that is all my own. Pamela O'Leary is the new Executive Director and I believe that under her leadership PLEN will continue to grow and provide a wide range of opportunities for all of those who are fortunate to have the experience. I am so glad that I attended and am now part of a vital Alumnae network. I can't wait to present at my school about the experience and encourage other students to step outside of their comfort zones and see themselves differently. PLEN is not just for Politics majors, it is for anyone who wants to be involved in lasting social change and develop as a leader. To be in the company of such amazing and diverse women is something I will never forget. the program was well organized and the speakers interesting and available.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Everything I have done upon my return. I am speaking with a classmate in a forum at my college and also submitted a proposal to speak at a conference for collegiate leaders in June. I have encouraged students to participate and served as a mentor for those preparing to attend.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Expand into more schools.
PLEN's Women and Science/Technology Policy Seminar is a great way to be integrated into Washington DC's science and policy world. I learned first-hand from experts and practitioners in the field about their life experiences and specific trainings. My favorite experience was the tour and speaker at the National Institute of Health as well as the small group session with the Congressional Research Library. The program schedule offered engaging, inspiring speakers and the program leaders were very approachable and sweet. This seminar is a great opportunity to learn about the positions you may one day strive to achieve. This a great learning experience with opportunity to think about your career life in a new light.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
PLEN was a great way for me to make connections in Washington DC. As I am very new to the area, it was helpful to learn about all the opportunities DC has to offer in the areas of science and policy, as well as, to meet colleagues and possible new mentors.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
make sure to tell the speakers that the term "networking" is overused and guidance about stategic networking is more important (pick and choose carefully).
I was a PLEN seminar student my sophomore year in college, the experience changed my life. I came to DC for the first time, I PLENs program that introduces young women to policy and government showed me a whole new world and change my life forever. I returned to school with a new plan, returning to DC as soon as possible. That very summer I attended the PLEn internship program where I worked for an international women's research and advocacy group. I built up a great DC professional network, PLEN helped me with my resume and my interview skills. After graduation returned to DC and have been involved with PLEN ever since. I have spoken to student seminars and I am now an alumni representative on the Board of Directors. PLEN is yet again giving me an experience that I wouldn't normally have as a young professional. This is what PLEN does opens young women's horizons to the possibilities and helps make those possibilities into realities.
PLEN changed my life and has changed that of women for more then 25 years. The small seminars with women working in policy across the career spectrum from new grads to seasoned professionals give students a great perspective of possible career paths.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my ability to network in DC. My knowledge of the public policy system and having a network of other PLEN women to rely on when needed.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
make it more well know in the college circles so that more young women could participate in its programs.
This past January I had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in PLEN's Women in Science & Technology Policy program in Washington, DC. This program was excellent in helping me to broaden my horizons as far as my knowledge of career opportunities go. We met with nearly 40 women in 4 days of meetings who were quite inspiring leaders to interact with. They were all so helpful and I know some of them will be future mentors. The women who spoke all brought something new to the table for discussion- the PLEN staff were excellent recruiters! I am relatively sure that every attendee of PLEN was satisfied with their experience- and our PLEN class had students from age 18-36! Everyone walked away with enhanced perspective on their careers in science. Though I had a wonderful experience with PLEN and always recommend it to others, I do consider myself lucky to have attended. The cost of the trip is expensive to say the least, had I not had aid from my university and been attending the S&T seminar that was funded by Abbot, I would not have been able to afford the trip. I wish that the organization was able to bring costs down to offer PLEN to more students, I believe this is one of their goals.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Personally, I wanted to go to PLEN to learn a bit more about science careers that were not solely benchwork. Through my PLEN experience I have a better understanding of a wide range of science career options, and I feel more motivated and driven as a result. We also learned about technical career aspects such as networking and presenting ourselves professionally. The brand new president of the organization even sat down for personal interviews with each of the PLEN attendees. It was a fantastic experience!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The only thing I would have changed is the amount of communication that took place prior to the event. I traveled from New Jersey to DC with a friend and we had absolutely no problems however, some of the specifics of the housing/booking were unclear and it would have benefitted us prior to the journey to have some more confirmation. Once we arrived we were well taken care of and the staff was small yet mighty! They were truly interested in each of us!
The Public Leadership Education Network opened my eyes to the opportunities available for women to serve in public leadership roles in capacities that I was previously not aware of. The week long seminar helped to clarify my goals and objectives. It also afforded me the connections necessary to head me in the right direction. Women are under represented in the pubic policy arena, yet they bring a unique and necessary dynamic to the process which is needed in today's increasingly diversifying world. The guest speakers were women so passionate about their careers that the listener could not help but walk away from this seminar feeling empowered. I would recommend this Nonprofit for anyone interested in helping women elevate our gender as a whole. Young women need to see and hear the stories of these champions for inspiration and hope that one person CAN make a difference, but they will also see that when we stand together, no one can put us under. Increased participation and the expansion of this program to the college campus would be a way to strengthen this organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I got a personal referral for a letter of recommendation from a very influential person. These women don't just pay you lip service...they genuinely want to help, and will.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would open it up to serve more non-traditionally aged students. Women returning to the workforce after having their studies interrupted.
got elected to be the steering committee member of REC, a NY based non-profit who fights against the evil practices in corporate sector that harm the environment, joined women empowerment campaigns, interned with Chairman of Political party in Tbilisi, Georgia, etc.
PLEN has strengthen my belief in women empowerment and in my myself.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Law and Public Policy
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
reduce the cost of programs
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