I Don't See Women that Look Like Me

This is a common refrain from college women attending a Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) seminar. PLEN brings hundreds of women students from colleges and universities each year from across the country to Washington, D.C. They experience first-hand how public policy is shaped and implemented at the national level. Currently, 55 percent of PLEN students are women of color or from groups under-represented in the policy arena.

When they come to Washington, D.C., they meet with and learn from female leaders making and influencing public policy at the highest levels in Congress, the courts, federal agencies, the private sector, policy research and advocacy organizations, and the media. PLEN students expect to see more women leaders that look like they do. Sadly, some are disappointed. However, for most it's motivating. They realize that THEY are the ones that are going to help make that change. Women who have participated in PLEN go on to be leaders in congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations.

The reality is that more diversity is needed throughout the public policy process, from members of Congress to Capitol Hill staff to government agencies to the private sector.

Like most things, there is no easy fix. For example, it starts with opportunities like internships on Capitol Hill, which remain largely unpaid. Affordable housing and the cost of living in Washington, D.C. are also contributing factors. Under-represented groups may find it more difficult to overcome the financial hurdles. If we truly want to "see women that look like me," the cycle will have to change.