While learning about period poverty in my Global Studies and Entrepreneurship class, I witnessed it firsthand: I saw a woman reach for a menstrual product in a public restroom dispenser only to find it empty. In this moment, I realized that period poverty is prevalent in my own community, and I became committed to developing an easy-to-access, stigma-free way for individuals to acquire essential hygiene products.

I built a wooden box, filled it with free menstrual products, and placed it in Coconut Grove on Bay Avenue. The supplies were depleted within days, proving just how real the need is and inspiring me to expand my efforts. Today, the Miami Period Pantry has three locations in Coconut Grove, Little Havana, and Downtown Miami, with additional boxes under construction. We fill the boxes with donations from our Amazon wishlist, support from Coconut Grove Food Pantry, and generous contributions from anonymous donors, including teachers.