Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN)

The Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing college women and marginalized gender groups for leadership roles in public policy. Founded in 1978 by Frances "Sissy" Farenthold, PLEN aims to empower, educate, and engage these groups to promote diverse and inclusive leadership in policy-making processes.

Mission

PLEN's mission is to increase the number of women and marginalized gender groups in top leadership positions influencing all aspects of the public policy process. By providing educational seminars and networking opportunities, PLEN equips students with practical experiences and connections necessary to become future public policy decision-makers.

History

Frances "Sissy" Farenthold, a Texas state legislator and human rights activist, founded PLEN in 1978. Initially, PLEN's programs were campus-based but expanded to include seminars in Washington, D.C., starting in 1983. The organization moved its headquarters to Washington, D.C., in 1989 to enhance its program offerings and increase opportunities for students to engage with national leaders.

Programs

PLEN offers a variety of annual seminars aligned with academic breaks, focusing on topics such as:

• Global Policy
• Health Policy
• Law and Legal Advocacy
• STEM Policy
• Public Policy
• Women of Color Influencing Washington
• Women and Congress
• Women in Business Policy
• Women Unlocking Nonprofits

These seminars provide students with firsthand experiences of how public policy is shaped and implemented at the national level. Students learn from and interact with leaders in Congress, federal agencies, the private sector, policy research, advocacy organizations, and the media.

Impact

Over its 40-year history, PLEN has trained more than 5,000 students from over 300 colleges and universities across 46 states. Approximately 45% of PLEN participants are women of color or from underrepresented groups in the policy arena. Alumni have gone on to hold leadership positions in congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations.

Membership

PLEN membership is open to colleges, universities, and specific departments within them. Member institutions benefit from discounted program prices and other benefits, supporting students' participation in PLEN seminars throughout the academic year. Member schools include notable women's colleges and institutions nationwide.

Leadership and Structure

PLEN was initially supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and its programs have expanded through additional grants and private donations. The organization continues to rely on the generosity of donors to maintain affordable access for students.

Frances Farenthold's vision for PLEN has continued to evolve since its inception, reflecting her commitment to promoting women's leadership in the public sector. Despite her passing in 2021, her legacy remains central to PLEN's ongoing mission.

[1] https://plen.org/about-plen/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Leadership_Education_Network [3] https://plen.org/about/ [4] https://plen.org/mission/ [5] https://plen.org