About Us
Over the years, Penn in Washington has helped thousands of students find internships in Washington, engaged thousands of alumni in mentoring and hiring interns from Penn, and organized hundreds of events both on campus and in Washington. Our events are designed to give Penn students the opportunities to explore many fascinating topics addressed in the public policy arena, and to meet some of the most interesting decision makers in Washington, many of whom are proud Penn alumni.
Through the Penn in Washington Semester Program, students spend either the fall or spring semester taking classes and interning in Washington, D.C. On campus, we host lectures, lunches, internship workshops, and other events for students interested in living and working in Washington. Over the summer, we arrange in-person (in D.C.) networking and online informational interviews with PIW alumni living and working in Washington and around the world. Throughout the year, we offer advice, internship help, alumni networking opportunities, and much more to Penn students.
Meet our executive director!
Deirdre Martinez
Executive Director and Faculty
Dr. Deirdre Martinez, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of Penn in Washington. Before earning her doctorate with distinction from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education in 2006, she was an advocate and policy analyst in the non-profit sector and served as Legislative Director to Congressman Xavier Becerra (now Secretary of HHS). Her doctoral thesis, which revised John Kingdon’s multiple streams model for decision making within interest groups, won the Politics of Education Association’s Outstanding Dissertation Award, and has been adapted for publication as “Who Speaks for Hispanics?”.
As Executive Director of Penn in Washington, Dr. Martinez advises hundreds of Penn students a year on finding internships in Washington, D.C. and is the author of Washington Internships: How to Get Them and Use Them to Launch Your Public Policy Career and Internships Everywhere: Opportunities Outside the Beltway.
Dr. Martinez teaches the core course in the PIW Semester program and is a premajor advisor in the College of Arts and Science at Penn.
Why Washington, D.C.?
Penn in Washington was created with one goal in mind: to give Penn students direct access to the center of U.S. policy and government. Washington, D.C., is the natural home for this program, a city where decisions are made, careers are launched, and connections are built.
The Center of Policymaking
As the nation’s capital, D.C. is where laws are written, policies are shaped, and history is made. PIW was established to ensure students could experience this process firsthand,whether through internships on Capitol Hill, at federal agencies, or in think tanks.
A Powerful Penn Network
With thousands of Penn alumni working in public service, law, media, and international affairs, D.C. provides an unmatched opportunity for students to learn from and connect with professionals in their fields. PIW leverages these connections to help students get their foot in the door.
Public Service Hub
From government agencies to NGOs and advocacy groups, Washington is the best place for students to explore different career paths in public service, policy, and law. PIW was designed to give students the access and experience they need to thrive in these industries.
Global Stage for Impact
Washington, D.C., isn’t just about U.S. policy—it’s home to international organizations, embassies, and global initiatives. PIW gives students the opportunity to engage with world affairs and gain experience that extends beyond national borders.
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