In honor of Women’s History Month, we heard from some of the women at PLUS about their unique stories and experiences that have shaped them into the dynamic leaders they are today – inside and outside of the office. From their personal and professional milestones to those who inspire them in their life – see what the women of PLUS are reflecting on as March comes to a close.

KC Jones Dennehy
Public Affairs, Managing Director
What is one of your proudest professional moments at PLUS?

Standing up in front of all our friends and partners at our 2023 Allies conference – it was an incredible opportunity to work with such a talented team.

Who is a woman that inspires you personally or professionally?

I am lucky to be surrounded by so many great friends that are rock-star moms and are killing it in their careers – they inspire me daily, as do the younger generation of women I am lucky to work with every day!

Where is your favorite place to eat in the area?

My favorite restaurant is La Chaumiere in Georgetown. It’s a traditional French restaurant with an almost 50-year history, and who doesn’t love an extensive French wine list?

Julia Mirich
Public Affairs, Managing Director
What is one of your proudest personal moments?

My proudest personal accomplishment in the last year is completing the Chicago Marathon with a personal best time.

Who is a woman that inspires you personally or professionally?

My mom inspires me to work hard and always be kind and compassionate. Jamie Wren has also been a role model and inspired me at PLUS.

Where is your favorite place to eat in the area?

It’s tough to choose just one, but two of my favorite D.C. restaurants are Ilili and Cane.

Elizabeth Mills
Digital, Senior Associate
What is one of your proudest professional moments at PLUS?

Being invited to the PR Week Awards when a client was nominated.

What is something fun you do in your time outside of work?

Slow-pitch softball and long walks on the National Mall.

Where is your favorite place to eat in the area?

Mi Vida for their carne asada, it’s the best in the city!

Kait Moller
Digital, Director
Who is a woman that inspires you personally or professionally?

My Grandma Rose continues to inspire me every day despite her passing in 2022. She was a fiery New York City “girl boss” in her own right and unafraid to assert herself in a male-dominated space, which was an especially difficult thing to do in a corporate setting in the 1950s. Professionally, I am inspired by the women I get to work with every day (special shoutout to Chandler Bair) and women in literature such as Kate Chopin, Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath – all who have penned timeless feminist works when it was still considered taboo to do so.

What personal milestones or accomplishments are you proud of achieving in the past year?

Personally, the milestones I am most proud of achieving include 50 SoulCycle classes in only a few months and 50 books read in the last year!

Where is your favorite place to eat in the area?

I’m not a huge foodie, but I like Colony Grill and Sfoglina!

Laura Cantagallo
Digital, Senior Associate
What is one of your proudest professional moments at PLUS?

I worked in the war room for a client last July after a report that impacted their industry was published. It was very chaotic but exciting to be part of the response and see things happen in action!

Who is a woman that inspires you personally or professionally?

My mom. She was an attorney for over 30 years and just retired. I’ve never seen someone work so hard and be so fiercely independent and strong – she always held her own, and never allowed herself to be shot down by others.

Who is your favorite place to eat in the area?

I love Northside because it has the cutest little outdoor area with string lights, perfect for spring and summer. They also have great wine and food—I love grabbing a coffee and sitting outside. It’s a great spot for a bunch of different outings!

Lindsey Reynolds
Digital, Manager
What is one of your proudest professional moments at PLUS?

Pitching and winning our first digital business in the Texas office to secure more funding for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their care providers.

What is something fun you do in your time outside of work?

I am a zealous hot yogi and an absolute geek about film and TV. I have some thoughts about the latest Academy Award circuit. Let’s chat.

Where is your favorite place to eat in the area?

Lapis in Washington D.C. and Paperboy in Austin, Texas.

Maddy Karon
Research, Senior Director
Who is a woman that inspires you personally or professionally?

My amazing girlfriends in the D.C. area push themselves daily to work for inspiring philanthropy and saving animals on top of that.

What is something fun you do in your time outside of work?

I run the Adoption Coordinator team at Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, helping bring rescue dogs from across the U.S. to the DMV.

Where is your favorite place to eat in the area?

Yasmine in Union Market has amazing Middle Eastern bar food! It’s the closest thing to when I lived in Israel.

Jessica Kendust
Public Affairs, Managing Director
What personal milestones or accomplishments are you proud of achieving in the past year?

This year, I gave birth to my daughter, Ida Blair. Maintaining professional success while becoming a mom to two wonderful babies who are now ages three and one, has been more challenging than I ever could have imagined, but I’m enjoying the ride.

What is something fun you do in your time outside of work?

Going to the beach and kid friendly breweries with my family.

Where is your favorite place to eat in the area?

My desk.

Grace Cavanagh
Public Affairs, Senior Associate
Who is a woman that inspires you personally or professionally?

I see Michelle Obama as a role model because she’s used her education and platform to inspire others and advocate for women. She leads with grace and empathy and is an incredible public speaker, which are qualities I hope to emulate.

What is something fun you do in your time outside of work?

I enjoy rock climbing because it gives me a space to see friends during the work week while challenging myself to climb harder routes. There’s no better feeling than working on a climbing project for weeks and finally reaching the top of the wall.

Where is your favorite place to eat in the area?

All Purpose Pizzeria in D.C. They have a great happy hour, which I discovered after work!

Megan Williams
Public Affairs, Senior Associate
What is one of your proudest professional moments at PLUS?

The 2023 Allies Conference! It was incredibly rewarding to see the work of Mattie, KC, and me come to fruition, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many of our field partners.

Who is a woman that inspires you personally or professionally?

My mom. She’s kind, selfless and truly one of the hardest-working women I know. She’s worked for non-profits for most of her career and focuses on how she can make a positive impact on others in every aspect of her life.

Where is your favorite place to eat in the area?

Yayla Bistro in East Falls Church! I’ve never heard anyone talk about this place, but it has some of the best Mediterranean food in the area, in my opinion.

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