How the WGC’s YWGC Interns Are Putting Values Into Action

For the past two years, the Women’s Giving Circle’s Young Women’s Giving Circle (YWGC) interns have been working to address an issue they care deeply about: ensuring that students have reliable access to menstrual hygiene products in schools.

One way the WGC’s YWGC interns are doing this work is through advocacy. Through learning, advocacy, and partnership with local leaders, YWGC interns have helped elevate this issue with the Howard County delegation to the Maryland General Assembly. As a result, legislation is being considered this session that would strengthen access to free menstrual hygiene products in both public schools and publicly funded colleges and universities across Maryland.

What our YWGC Interns Are Advocating For

• One bill, HB0457, sponsored by Jessica Feldmark, would require publicly funded colleges and universities in Maryland to provide free menstrual hygiene products in all restrooms by August 1, 2028. This bill builds on progress made in 2021, when Maryland passed legislation requiring menstrual hygiene products in restrooms in K–12 public schools.
• A second bill, HB0541/SB0307, sponsored by Pamela Guzzone and cross-filed in the Senate by Shelly Hettleman, would require public school systems to regularly restock menstrual hygiene product dispensers in school restrooms - ensuring that access is consistent and reliable, not just promised.

How WGC's YWGC Interns Are Showing Up

• Our YWGC interns have been advocating nonstop on this issue - sharing information on social media, speaking before the Howard County Board of Education, participating in media interviews, and this week testifying before the Howard County delegation to the Maryland General Assembly in support of these bills.

 

This work reflects the heart of the Women’s Giving Circle’s mission: investing in dignity, access, and well-being, while supporting young leaders as they turn care into action.

​The leadership and commitment of our YWGC interns show what is possible when young people are empowered to speak up, share their perspectives, and advocate for meaningful change.

How You Can Support This Work

• If you would like to support this effort, we invite you to lend your voice by emailing the Howard County delegation at [email protected] by 5:00 PM on January 27, 2026.
  
• Even a brief message of support can help reinforce why this issue matters to our community.

"Thank you for standing with the WGC’s YWGC interns and for being part of a community that believes in collective care and lasting impact!" said Paula Seabright, WGC's Grants Co-Chair and YWGC Chair.