Legislative Engagement Panel: Advocate & Build Professional Skills

• When: November 20th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Where: AUC, Regency Room

Get firsthand experience directly engaging with state legislators! This panel is an essential event to ensure your voice is heard and to prepare for the upcoming PLU Lobby Day (Feb 10, 2026) in Olympia.

The conversation will be facilitated by Student Advocacy Fellows Ava Foley and Cady Wood, and our panelists include: 

• Allan Belton, President of PLU
• Jani Hitchen, District 6 Pierce County Council Member, Chair of the Council, PLU Alumni
• Kayla Hoy, Washington State Student Engagement Network and PLU Alumni
• Hanna Jones, GTH, State Lobbyist
• Stella Schena-Gordon, Washington State Legislative Intern and PLU Student

Why Attend?

• Protect Financial Aid: Practice advocating for College Bound and other key financial aid programs that benefit all PLU students.
• Career Development Advantage: This is a vital professional development opportunity. Direct engagement with legislators sharpens your communication, public speaking, and strategic networking skills—all highly valued in any career field.

You will also have the chance to sign up for Lobby Day and learn about the role students play in state-level advocacy.

This is a DJS Coalition Community Connection event!

This event is hosted by PLU's Student Advocacy Fellows: Sophia Lana Castro, Cady Wood, Ava Foley and Cooper Perez.