Become a PEN America Young Patron

Young Patrons are supporters in their 20s and 30s who care deeply about PEN America’s mission and are interested in participating in networking events, fundraising, and PEN’s flagship literary events with like-minded peers.


As budding philanthropists, the PEN Young Patrons host a series of events and writer-centric programs that help identify, support, and elevate emerging creative voices whose work stands at the intersection of literary freedom and political engagement. 

Young Patrons will gain early access and invitations to PEN America’s most exciting events, including the Literary Gala Afterparty, a special Young Patrons networking event at the end of the year, and other opportunities to network with passionate readers, writers, creatives, and defenders of free expression.

Check out photos from our inaugural fundraising event, A Night at the Book Fair, which took place on January 11, 2024. 

Benefits include:

  • Early and exclusive access and invitations to Young Patrons events, including the gala afterparty, and other various events throughout the year
  • Opportunity to engage with other members
  • Young Patrons Newsletter 

To join the PEN America Young Patrons, a minimum donation of $110 is required. You can make your tax deductible donation here:

If you have any questions or are interested in joining the Young Patrons Leadership Committee or Advisory Council, please contact Maris Endres at [email protected] 

Want to stay up to date with the PEN Young Patrons? Sign up for our newsletter here!

Current Young Patrons Leadership Committee

Joshua T. Bennett, Cameron Westin Forbes, Alexis Galfas, Maggie Gilbride, Cat Hobbs, Claire Joseph, Melissa Lee,
Olivia Leong Sulkowicz, Lauren McCarthy, Nayeema Raza, Zoe Ridolfi-Starr, Rob Stamm,
Linzee Troubh, Gillian Vernick, Keishel Williams, Samantha Zambri

Young Patrons Advisory Council 

Stella Cavedon, Olivia Dame, LilyClaire Hedley, Veronica Kelegian, Nicole Piendel, Vinita Saggurti