PAST EVENTS
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20th ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL
JUNE 17, 2019
Our feature event of the year, and a milestone for PSPWN - the 20th Annual Ice Cream Social!
We welcome all student interns living in DC to join PSPWN and other Alumni living and working in DC to network, reminisce about days at PSU, share stories of settled in DC all over Berkey Creamery Ice Cream!
Cheryl Bonner of Alumni Career Services provideS networking tips and tricks and her expert insight to building your network for career opportunities!
LIZ WAINGER - COMMUNICATING WITH CONFIDENCE, POWER, AND PERSUASION & ANNUAL MEETING
May 20, 2019
In this lively and highly interactive talk, communications and business consultant Liz Wainger will show you the critical skills that let you exude confidence, build audience trust, influence outcomes and promote action. Whether you are pitching a new idea to your boss, interviewing for that dream job or working to land that important client, you will learn practical tools that you can put to work immediately.
Liz Wainger is a communications advisor, writer and speaker, Liz is also the founder of the Wainger Group, and the author of the book, Prism of Value: Connect, Convince and Influence When It Matters.
Are you interested in getting more involved in the Penn State Alumni Network? We have great opportunities for you to join our board to contribute your talents as we work to continue to build our network, create new alumni connections, and continue to focus on professional development topics!
PENN STATE X TRUNK CLUB - DRESS FOR SUCCESS
April 16, 2019
Kelsey, Naomi, and Amanda of Trunk Club hosted PSPWN members to highlight their services, their loft space downtown, and their wide variety of expert wardrobe consulting services! We saw great office looks that could transition to dinner and drinks later. We discussed building a capsule wardrobe, items that are important foundations of a professional wardrobe, and how to have fun with styling your personal brand!
TOP GOLF - JOINT DC ALUMNI EVENT
April 7, 2019
Friends and family of the DC Metro Penn State Alumni Chapter, Smeal Business School Alumni, the African American Alumni Organization and Penn State Professional Women's Network of DC got together for a fun afternoon of Top Golf games and fun!
MARY ABBAJAY - GIVING AND RECEIVING FEEDBACK
March 27, 2019
Giving and receiving feedback effectively is an important part of communication. Mary Abbajay will teach us some simple techniques to empower us by improving how you give and receive feedback!
Mary Abbajay, author of the best-selling Managing Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss is the president of Careerstone Group, LLC, a full service organizational and leadership development consultancy that delivers leading-edge talent and organizational development solutions to business and government.
As a sought-after author, speaker, consultant, and trainer, Mary helps clients develop the strategies, skills and sensibilities needed for success in the 21st century. Her expertise lies in helping clients create dynamic and productive workplaces that foster professional and personal excellence and growth. In short, she is committed to creating workplaces where both the organization and the individual can flourish.
ALUMNI CAREER SPEAKER AND NETWORKING
December 17, 2018
As the holidays approach, PSPWN and the DC Alumni Chapter wanted to send off 2018 strong by hosting another FREE professional career speaker and networking event. Light refreshments will be offered.
On Monday December 17th from 6-8pm, PSPWN and the DC Alumni Chapter have the privilege of hosting PSU Alumna Ms. Jennifer Lowe, Senior Vice President of National Strategy and Engagement of the Boeing Company for a short discussion on professional development and career goals. Please join us for a night of networking!
NITTANY NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR
December 4, 2018
Get into the holiday spirit by joining PSPWN for a Nittany Networking Happy Hour at Taco Bamba!
THON NIGHT AT KENDRA SCOTT
November 8, 2018
Enjoy sips, sweets, and jewelry with PSPWN! 20% of proceeds benefit THON!
PSPWN will be at the Kendra Scott store in the Mosaic District. Kickstart holiday shopping early to benefit THON!
*Phone orders are accepted on the day of the event from those who are unable to attend or would like support from afar.
*Kendra Scott will provide FREE shipping for anyone who calls into the store to support the cause.
19TH ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL
June 26, 2018
This is a fun evening full of networking with PSU alumni, meeting current Penn State students who are interning in DC for the summer, and - of course - enjoying Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream sponsored by Alumni Career Services.
Bring your business cards and your appetite for a "sweet" time!
INS AND OUTS OF VIDEO INTERVIEWING
July 17, 2018
It seems that every day technology is enabling us to do more without being in the office. Increasingly, even landing the job in the first place requires interfacing with video technology. Although we we may use technology every day, there are a lot of things to think about in advance to prepare for the best video interview.
Come enjoy snacks and hear from our panelists their tips, tricks, and lessons learned about the latest developments in video interviewing, and to help prepare you have the best interview possible.
PSPWN 20TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY AND ANNUAL MEETING
May 22, 2018
The Penn State Professional Women's Network is pleased to invite you to our 20th Anniversary Party and Annual Meeting! We will look back on the past 20 years and forward to many great years and events to come!
The meeting will feature an election of members to our available positions, nibbles, a special toast, door prizes and networking. We encourage past, new and current members to get involved!
Please contact Lauren Jowell (lauren.jowell@gmail.com) if you are interested in joining the PSPWN Board or want more information about getting involved!
NITTANY NETWORKING EVENT
April 24, 2018
This event is in partnership with the World Campus alumni society and other Penn State Alumni groups in the Washington Metro Area.
This is a great opportunity to network and hear an inspirational talk by an alum.
Our speaker for the event is 2017 Outstanding WC Alumni Award winner, Jose Morales. Jose received his MBA from the World Campus in 2005.
PENN STATE SPRING NETWORKING EVENT
March 7, 2018
Please join fellow Penn State Alumni and current students at our FREE spring professional networking event in our Nation’s capital. We will be exploring the Good, Bad, and the Ugly of Professional Experiences. Our discussions will focus on the best and worst professional work experiences we have - interviews, networking, bosses, you name it! We are sure you have plenty of stories to share!
This event is hosted by both the Metro Washington Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association and the Penn State Professional Women's Network.
We want to bring Penn Staters, of many different educational backgrounds and career paths, together to meet and form friendships and professional relationships.
DMV PENN STATE SOCIAL
Feb. 15, 2018
Join Penn State AAAO-DC Chapter, Penn State DC Alumni, and Penn State Professional Women's Network of DC for their first annual joint happy hour! All three organizations are getting together to kick off the new year!
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
December 16, 2017
Join Penn State Alums and other Big 10 area alumni in our annual holiday Wreaths Across America, where we work together to place wreaths on every grave at Arlington National Cemetery for the holiday season. This is a very meaningful event as we take time to honor those who have fought for our country and our continued freedoms.
Meet at the Women's Memorial at 8:15am for a quick group photo and some brief instructions before getting to work.
All are welcome, please bring your friends and family along for this great experience. Please dress for the weather and in clothes that you wouldn't mind getting a little sap on.
No need to register, we look forward to seeing you!
HOLLY JOLLY HAPPY HOUR & NETWORKING
December 6, 20
Join PSPWN at Quinn's on the Corner to kick off the Holiday Season! Light appetizers will be served, and there will be a cash bar. 10% of sales will benefit a charitable organization in the Washington, DC area!
Bring your friends, co-workers, significant others, and fellow alumni - the more the merrier! Be prepared to mix, mingle, and meet someone new!
Don't forget your business cards to win some PSU goodies!
Stay with us for Quinn's Trivia at 7pm!
MANAGING UP: WORKING SUCCESSFULLY WITH ANY TYPE OF BOSS
November 8, 2017
Working successfully with one’s supervisor is critical to workplace success and satisfaction. This presentation helps participants develop highly effective working relationships with their supervisors and peers. Organizational and career success requires strong and respectful hierarchical relationships. On average, most people, whatever their title or position, spend more time and energy reporting to people above them than having people report to them. Careerstone’s Managing Up teaches participants how to increase cooperation and collaboration between those who have different power levels and perspectives. Managing Up helps participants consciously develop highly effective relationships with their supervisors, and learn to obtain the best possible results for themselves, their boss, their peers and their organization. This highly interactive session is designed to help participants:
Understand what managers REALLY want from their staff
Understand and manage personality differences that impact manager/staff relationships
Increase organizational trust among their supervisors and peers
Develop effective strategies for working with supervisors
Manage own professional success
Understand their own and their supervisors “hot buttons”
·Appreciate the different-–and sometimes difficult– leadership behaviors and how to navigate successfully
INTRO TO PERSONAL FINANCE AND BUDGETING
July 25, 2017
PSU alumna Colette Kolanko will lead us in a session to teach the basics of personal finance. Want to learn how to manage student loan or credit card debt? Find out about better ways to save? Bring all your personal finance and budgeting questions!
18TH ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL
June 27, 2017
This is a fun evening full of networking with PSU alumni, meeting current Penn State students who are interning in DC for the summer, and - of course - enjoying Penn State Creamery ice cream sponsored by Alumni Career Services.
Bring your business cards and your appetite for a "sweet" time.
PSPWN ANNUAL MEETING WITH LAUREN JANOSKO
May 23, 2017
We are excited to host Lauren Janosko, Penn State Alumna (Class of 2005) at our Annual Meeting on May 23! Lauren has made a name for herself at Gartner (formerly CEB) and will be sharing her story! Starting as a Management Analyst, Lauren has risen up the career ladder to her current position of Chief of Staff. She will be speaking with us about her career path, the challenges of working in a dynamic office, and providing advice on communication and collaboration!
After Lauren's presentation, we will hold a networking session with lite snacks and hold our Annual Meeting. During our Annual Meeting, we will recap our events and plan new ones, review our finances, and hold elections.
Our Annual Meeting is free and open to everyone!
We have several board positions up for election this year, and are looking for more members to get involved! Being a Board Member is a great way to build skills in event planning, communication, and networking. It is also a fun way to give back to Penn State! We will be voting on:
President
Secretary
Professional Development & Mentoring Chair
Communications Chair
Membership Chair
Penn State Spirit Chair
There are other ways to get involved - like helping on a committee and sharing your ideas!
SPEED NETWORKING AND PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOPTS
April 11, 2017
Join PSPWN and the DC Chapter for their first joint Speed Networking Event on April 11! The event will be moderated by Alumni Career Services' Cheryl Bonner! We will also have a local alumni Professional Photographer Len Spoden at the event to take professional head shots for interested members. Beverages will be provided. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
What is Speed Networking? Speed Networking is a fast-paced networking event where participants move around the room and meet with new individuals for a few minutes. This is an opportunity to let others know who you are and what you are looking for, whether new customers or clients, business leads, or a new job or internship. Participants can their share contact information directly with each other to follow up after the event.
LEAD YOUR CAREER BY LEVERAGING YOUR STRENGTHS
March 7, 2017
Now, more than ever, we're faced with an immense pressure to find 'the one'. No, we're not talking about your soul mate. We're talking about your career.
Finding 'the one' career has become the primary pursuit of most professionals these days. In this pursuit, the end goal is to find a career that does it all. A career that fills your soul with passionate fulfillment AND fills your bank account with a solid paycheck. On top of that, most professionals also want to work for a company that promises the perks like vacation, health benefits, and a flexible schedule.
The seemingly endless search to find 'the one' career leaves most people feeling frustrated, stressed, and, ultimately, wondering what's wrong with them because they see other people fulfilled in lucrative careers but they can't seem to connect the dots in their own lives.
If you're stuck in the trenches of your own career conundrum, we invite you to join us at our next event on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 from 6-8pm at Hera Hub DC (5028 Wisconsin Ave NW #100, Washington, DC 20016). Just a 4 minute walk from both Tenleytown/AU and Friendship Heights Metro stations, or lots of street parking.
Whether you're thinking about a career change or you're generally happy at work but feel like you've lost your motivation, this workshop is for you!
Certified Professional Coach, PSU Alum, and past PSPWN DC Board Member, Shannon Egan, will teach us a powerful framework for leveraging our mindset to uncover what's really causing us to feel misaligned in our career paths.
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU HAPPY HOUR
January 25, 2017
Come kick off the New Year with fellow Penn State Professional Women to mix, mingle, and meet someone new!
Join us on January 25 at 5:30pm at O'Sullivan's Irish Pub in Herndon for happy hour! Light appetizers will be served, and there will be a cash bar. Also, we will have a give away treat for a lucky Penn Stater!
Bring your friends, co-workers, significant others. We welcome men, women, alumni, and friends- the more the merrier!
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
December 17, 2016
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1,100 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.
Please join PSPWN and PSU DC members for the holiday wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery. All are welcome - there is also no age limit to participate and we welcome family members and friends to join us!
MIX AND MINGLE ALL THE WAY
December 7, 2016
Come kick off the Holiday Season with fellow Penn State Professional Women to mix, mingle, and meet someone new!
Join us on December 7th at 6:00pm at Proper 21, brand new to DC and right at Metro Center, for happy hour specials. Light appetizers will be served, and we will have a give away treat for a lucky Penn Stater!
Bring your friends, co-workers, significant others. We welcome men, women, alumni, and friends- the more the merrier!
RESUMANIA! RESUME WORKSHOP
November 16, 2016
Looking for a new job? A career change? Have an out-of-date resume?
It is always good to have a resume ready, but how to make sure it is as strong and representative of your best qualities is challenging. Let us help you!
Cheryl Bonner, of PSU Alumni Career Services, will be leading us in resume reviews, tips and tricks to making a strong resume, do's and don'ts of resume building and much more.
Please come prepared with 5-10 hard copies of your existing resume for review.
DR. AMY FREEMAN - REDUCING THE STRESS OF WORK LIFE BALANCE
October 27, 2016
Dr. Amy Freeman is a celebrated speaker on many topics of particular interest to PSPWN, such as women’s empowerment, work-life balance, and women in non-traditional fields. Those of us lucky enough to have heard her speak before know she is not only an expert, but a dynamic speaker, who delivers an important message with wit and humor.
Join us for an exciting presentation where Dr. Freeman will share tips on lowering stress levels and balancing work and life. Her advice in this area is also reflected in her book, Stress Less: 10 Balancing Insights on Work and Life.
Dr. Freeman has a unique educational background, holding both a Master of Science degree in Engineering and a Ph.D. in Workforce Education. She is currently Assistant Dean in the College of Engineering at Penn State. She is a prolific writer, researcher, educator, and speaker.
Dr. Freeman is also a member of several organizations including the American Society for Engineering Education, the Women in Engineering Program Advocates Network, Society of Women Engineers, The National Society of Black Engineers, The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and others.
FAIRFAX 5K AND KIDS FUN RUN
September 24, 2016
Join other local runners and Nittany Friends and Families in the annual Fairfax 5K to defeat Pediatric Cancer! The course is a 3.1 mile loop around Fairfax with a Kids' Fun Run! All of the proceeds of the event will go towards THON through The Hope Express.
PENN STATE / PITT VIEWING PARTY
September 10, 2016
It's been 16 years since Penn State and Pitt met on the football field - let's remind Pitt what it's like to compete with our alma mater! We are co-hosting a game watch with alumni from both universities at a Penn State bar!
PENN STATE/PITT "FRIENDS OFF THE FIELD" HAPPY HOUR
September 7, 2016
Join Pitt and Penn State alumni at World of Beer in Arlington for a Happy Hour and school supply drive for a local elementary school in need. Happy hour will feature Pennsylvania-themed food and drinks. We'll also have a few activities to network and get to know our friends better.
Many thanks to our partners, the Metro DC Chapter of the PSAA and the Chesapeake and Potomac Pitt Club, for making Rivalry Week possible!
JOB SEARCHING IN DC
July 12, 2016
Whether you are a recent Penn State graduate searching for your first job or a seasoned professional looking to make your next big career move, come hear from our panel of experts regarding their tips on finding a job in the DC metro area. Some potential topics to be covered are: conducting an effective job search, resume dos and don’ts, networking, and interviewing strategies. There will be time for questions and answers, so start brainstorming now!
17TH ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Jue 15, 2016
Join the Penn State Professional Women's Network of DC for one of our most popular events!
This is a fun evening full of networking with PSU alumni, meeting current Penn State students who are interning in DC for the summer, and - of course - enjoying Penn State Creamery ice cream sponsored by Alumni Career Services.
Bring your business cards and your appetite for a "sweet" time.
5:30-6:15 pm: ice cream & networking
6:15-7:15 pm: welcome by Cheryl Bonner, Director of Alumni Career Services, raffle & more networking!
ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTIONS
May 11, 2016
The meeting will feature networking and hor d'oeuvres from 5:30pm-6pm followed by an election of members to our available board positions and a brief business meeting. We encourage new and current members to get involved! Not a member? Join today!
Please contact Lauren Piera (lauren.piera@gmail.com) if you are interested in joining the PSPWN Board.
PRIVATE TOUR OF THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION'S SPRING EXHIBIT
March 6, 2016
Join PSPWN of DC for a private, guided, 1-hour tour of the spring special exhibit: Seeing Nature: Landscape Masterworks from the Paul G. Allen Family Collection
The Phillips Collection spring special exhibit will feature 39 masterpieces spanning five centuries, drawing from the Paul G. Allen Family Collection (co-founder of Microsoft). The exhibit will explore the evolution of European and American landscape art. Highlights include Jan Brueghel the Younger's 17th-century allegorical paintings of the five senses that invite visitors to consider their own experience of the world. Venice, one of Allen's favorite cities, is sumptuously represented in the exhibition through stunning Venetians scenes by Canaletto, Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, and J.M.W. Turner among others. Other highlights include five Monet landscapes spanning 30 years, from views of the French countryside to his late immersive representations of water lilies, evocative works by Paul Cezanne and Gustav Klimt, and modern and contemporary perspectives by 20th-century artists as diverse as Georgia O'Keffee, Edward Hopper, David Hockney, Gerhard Richter and Ed Ruscha.
Please join us following the tour at a nearby location to enjoy conversation and a beverage together.
POST HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR: NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
January 13, 2016
This time of year is incredibly hectic so join us when things start to slow down. We will celebrate the new year and discuss and reflect on professional and career updates, improvements, and changes. Cheryl Bonner of PSU Alumni Career Services will provide insight, tips, advice and tools for updating, improving and/or changing your career or professional path.
Are you feeling stagnant in your current position? Are you looking for a new opportunity? Are you interested in shifting your career path? Are you targeting a promotion?
Let's talk through some of the most challenging aspects of managing your career and professional development.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
December 12, 2015
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1,100 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.
Please join PSPWN and PSU DC members for the holiday wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery. All are welcome - there is also no age limit to participate and we welcome family members and friends to join us!
We will gather at the Women in Military Memorial, outside of the Arlington Cemetery Main Gate, at 9 am on December 17, 2016.
MADAM PRESIDENT: WHEN WILL AMERICA ELECT A WOMAN PRESIDENT?
November 12, 2015
We invite you to attend a very special Research On the Road event on the evening of November 12th.
Mix and mingle from 7:30 to 8 pm in the National Press Club's Holeman Lounge (with complimentary hors d's and cash bar) and then enjoy Penn State professor Nichola Gutgold's fascinating look at women in American electoral politics. The talk, 8-9 pm, will include a Question and Answer session and the chance to chat one-on-one with Dr. Gutgold.
Talk description:
When the first woman becomes President of the United States, she will share a path that a number of other women have paved. Often left off the history pages — and out of the minds of many Americans—are the presidential bids of other women. From the 1964 race of Margaret Chase Smith to the 2016 race, which includes Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorina, Gutgold discusses the obstacles and opportunities facing women who run for the presidency. Her lively talk looks at the role of the media and the perceptions of women in power. As interest in the 2016 election heats up, more and more people wonder: Is this when America elects a woman president?
About the speaker:
Nichola D. Gutgold, PhD is a professor of communication and associate dean at Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College. Her research focuses on the rhetoric of women in non-traditional fields. She is author or co-author of seven books and a number of scholarly articles. Her most recent book is a children’s book, based on her research that she co-author with Schreyer Scholar Abigail Kennedy, Madam President: Five Women Who Paved the Way. Other recent books include: The Rhetoric of Supreme Court Women: From Obstacles to Options (2012); Almost Madam President: Why Hillary Clinton ‘won’ in 2008 (2009); and Gender and the American Presidency: Nine Presidential Women and the Barriers They Faced (2012), co-authored with Ted Sheckels and Diana Carlin.
NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR
November 12, 2015
Join PSPWN for an informal networking happy hour at Laughing Man Tavern!
This event is a casual meet-up to get to know other PSU alumni, so drinks and snacks are your own.
If you are planning to attend the Research on the Road presentation at the National Press Club later that evening, we will leave the happy hour around 7:00pm and walk to the venue.
PSU WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL AT UMD
November 5, 2015
Come watch one of Penn State's Women's Volleyball team take on the Terps at College Park on Thursday, November 5th at 7pm!
The Lady Lions are currently ranked No. 5 in the nation with a 15-2 record. Come support the Lady Lions on the road, to show how well we also travel for our sports teams!
"The NCAA reported that Penn State now has the most teams in the top 10 for average home attendance, including field hockey, football, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, and both men’s and women’s ice hockey."
INAUGURAL FAIRFAX 5K AND KIDS FUN RUN
October 31, 2015
Join other local runners and Nittany Friends and Families in the annual Fairfax 5K to defeat Pediatric Cancer! The course is a 3.1 mile loop around Fairfax with a Kids' Fun Run! All of the proceeds of the event will go towards THON through The Hope Express.