Alumni Involvement

CONNECT. GIVE. SHAPE.

Mentor. Network. Support. Join a community of Penn alumni making an impact in Washington, D.C.

Penn in Washington (PIW) is proud to have a strong and engaged alumni network. Our alumni are at the heart of our program, offering mentorship, career guidance, and financial support to help current students navigate their paths in Washington, D.C.

There are many ways to stay involved—whether through attending events, mentoring students, or supporting the program financially.

Ways to Get Involved

Mentorship and Networking

Each year, PIW students have the opportunity to connect with alumni in a variety of ways. If you’re interested in mentoring or sharing your experiences, you can:

  • Host an Informational Interview – Share career advice with students exploring your field.
  • Join a Speaker Panel – Participate in discussions on career paths, policy work, or life in D.C.
  • Attend a PIW Social or Networking Event – Meet and connect with current students and fellow alumni.

We organize events both in D.C. and on campus, so let us know if you’re interested in participating!

Alumni Events

We regularly host alumni gatherings, both at Penn and in Washington, D.C. These events provide a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, share career insights, and support current PIW students.

  • On Campus: Join us for alumni panels, career fairs, and mentorship events when you’re in Philadelphia.
  • In D.C.: We organize dinners, networking receptions, and social events to keep our PIW community connected.
  • Virtual Opportunities: Can’t make it in person? Participate in online panels, mentorship sessions, and networking events from anywhere.

If you’re planning a visit to campus or would like to attend an event, please reach out!

 

Supporting PIW

PIW is committed to making opportunities in Washington, D.C. accessible to all students, regardless of financial background. Thanks to generous alumni contributions, we are able to offer stipends to ensure that funding is never a barrier to participation.

Online: Make a contribution through Penn’s Giving Page.

  • By Check:
    • Make checks payable to “Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania”
    • Write “PIW” in the memo section
    • Mail to:
      Deirdre Martinez, PhD
      College Office, Cohen Hall
      249 S. 36th Street
      Penn in Washington, Office #161
      Philadelphia, PA 19104-66197

 

Join the PIW Alumni Network

Stay connected with PIW and help shape the next generation of Penn students in Washington! To join our alumni database, please email Dr. Deirdre Martinez (martined@sas.upenn.edu) with the following details:

  • Preferred Email Address (work or the one you check regularly)
  • Backup Email Address (a permanent email for future contact)
  • Employer & Job Title
  • Brief Two-Sentence Bio
  • Undergraduate Degree & Year (Specify if from Penn)
  • Graduate Degree & Year (if applicable)
  • LinkedIn Profile (if available)

We are incredibly grateful for our alumni community. Your mentorship, participation, and generosity continue to make PIW a valuable and life-changing experience for students.