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Jennifer Herrera Joins PERIOD. as New Executive Director

In a significant leadership transition, PERIOD., a global organization dedicated to ending period poverty and stigma, has announced the appointment of Jennifer Herrera as its new Executive Director. This change comes at a pivotal moment as the organization continues its mission to advocate for menstrual health and equity across various communities.

A New Vision for Menstrual Advocacy

Jennifer Herrera brings a robust background in advocacy and strategic communication to PERIOD. Most recently, she served as the Vice President of External Affairs at the National Women's History Museum (NWHM), where she was instrumental in leading initiatives such as "Women Vote, Women Win." Her role at NWHM allowed her to collaborate with the U.S. Mint, contributing to the American Women Quarters program, which honored remarkable women throughout American history.

With a history of grassroots organizing, Herrera has been actively involved in various advocacy networks. Her tenure as the Virginia Chapter Lead for Moms Demand Action exemplifies her commitment to women's rights, civic engagement, and equity issues. This experience will undoubtedly resonate with the mission of PERIOD., as they strive to influence policies that promote menstrual health.

Herrera’s Commitment to PERIOD.

Upon her appointment, Herrera expressed her excitement about joining PERIOD.: "It is an incredible honor to join PERIOD. at this pivotal moment in its history. I've long admired the organization's inspiring commitment to ending period poverty and stigma, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to help strengthen and expand that critical work."

She noted that PERIOD. has established a powerful youth-led movement, which serves as a national model for community-driven advocacy. Herrera aims to deepen the organization’s impact and drive meaningful change towards menstrual equity through collaboration with a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and advocates.

Celebrating Past Leadership

The transition also marks the end of Michela Bedard’s six-year tenure as Executive Director. Bedard expressed gratitude for the growth and impact of PERIOD. during her leadership. She said: "Watching our PERIOD. chapters grow throughout the world, building powerful coalitions, and partnering with donors and allies who make our work joyful has been the honor of my career."

Under Bedard’s leadership, PERIOD. significantly impacted menstrual health. Over the past decade, the organization has donated period products that support over 7 million menstrual cycles and developed research and educational curricula aimed at combating stigma around menstruation. Furthermore, they have empowered youth leaders with the necessary skills to advocate for affordable and accessible period products.

The Future of PERIOD.

The Board of Directors of PERIOD. remarked on the recent developments in the menstrual movement, stating that it is stronger than ever, largely due to the efforts of young activists. They credited the forward momentum facilitated by Bedard's guidance and were optimistic about the future under Herrera's leadership.

"I am beyond excited to pass the baton to PERIOD's next executive director, who will guide the organization into a bold future where women's health and gender equality are championed with even greater power and imagination," Bedard added.

With Jennifer Herrera now at the helm, PERIOD. looks forward to continuing its mission of promoting menstrual equity while addressing the challenges of period poverty head-on. The organization remains committed to advocating for policies that ensure period products are not only affordable but also accessible to all, further solidifying their role as a leader in this essential movement.

About PERIOD.

PERIOD. is a global, youth-powered organization actively working to end period poverty and stigma through education, service, and advocacy. They strive to promote laws and policies that foster access to menstruation products, create original menstrual health resources, and distribute millions of period products annually. To learn more about their initiatives and how you can support their cause, visit period.org.