Since 2017, the Foundation’s Public Policy Program has made grants to the Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) in support of its Women in Global Policy Program. Each year, PLEN brings hundreds of college women interested in pursuing policy careers to Washington, DC for a series of seminars where they learn about a wide array of job possibilities and about the skills they need to be successful leaders and managers. The multi-day seminars also provide opportunities to meet women leaders and build their personal and professional networks.
Two Program attendees share their experiences and valuable lessons learned on the PLEN blog.
Caitlyn Keeve, a senior at Mount Saint Mary’s University, describes opening herself up to broader perspectives and being confident in her own goals and abilities.
“Being surrounded by powerful and dynamic women every day of the seminar was a reminder to always operate with a daring spirit and an intention to learn something new.”
Cynthia Ubah, a senior International Studies major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, shares her excitement at meeting leaders who look like her and realizing that there are many paths to achieving success.
“On each panel I went to I was able to see black women making a change or doing something extraordinary. Most of the time and in my daily life, I don’t see black women in powerful positions, especially in government jobs. I was able to network with these amazing women and create connection that I never knew were possible.”