Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) Seminars
The Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) is a nonpartisan organization based in Washington D.C. It focuses on preparing college women for leadership roles in public policy. PLEN offers short (3-5 day) seminars on a range of policy areas.
As a PLEN seminar participant, you’ll have the opportunity to explore careers in policy and connect with women leaders.
Why You Should Consider Participating in PLEN
PLEN seminars compliment both on-campus learning and the experience of participating in the Lutheran College Washington Semester.
Each PLEN program lets you:
- Explore a variety of possible careers
- Learn what it takes to achieve your goals
- Connect with women all over the country who have similar interests and ambition
The Benefits of Participating in a PLEN Seminar
All PLEN seminars provide opportunities to network, develop leadership skills, and gain public policy knowledge. PLEN’s network of Luther and PLEN alumna, speakers, and other volunteers provide lifelong career resources and support.
How To Get Started
PLEN (Public Leadership Education Network) offers excellent opportunities for college women and marginalized gender groups to hone their leadership skills in the public policy arena. You can choose to attend a seminar in DC or participate in a virtual offering. Decide what area best fits your interests from their 2023–24 offerings and start planning!
Next Steps
If you’re interested in participating in a PLEN seminar, please email the CEPE (cepe@luther.edu). From there, members of the CEPE will guide you through the registration and scholarship application process.
What Luther Students Say About PLEN
Luther students have been active participants in a number of PLEN seminars. Read about their reflections by visiting one of the following links:
- April 2022 – Alice Odame
- June 2022 – Anita Tamang
- October 2022 – Esther Bitijula
- October 2022 – Cecilia Gomes
Another Student Experience
Read a blog post by Becca Buse ’19. She attended the PLEN Women in Health Policy Seminar. Becca’s academic interests include women’s health, especially regarding body autonomy, creative writing, and Spanish. She is passionate about global policy and spent an academic year with the School of Politics and International Relations at the University of Nottingham, UK.
PLEN speakers bring great examples of resourcefulness. They share their distinguished childhood dreams, how they responded to challenges, how they embraced vulnerability to failure, and how they found their own ways to accomplish their goals.
Cecelia Gomes '23