Meet Isabella Farro - WGC Feminine Hygiene Product Drive Student Intern

This week is Period Poverty Week, and we are here to tell you that Period Poverty is real. 

Did you know that 29% of girls miss school due to lack of supplies needed, 39% cannot provide period products for themselves, and some are forced to use towels and plastic instead of proper supplies?

It's true. The reality is, half of the population menstruates.

To help alleviate Period Poverty, the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County hosts an ongoing WGC Feminine Hygiene Product Drive, where we are bringing in needed supplies for women and girls in Howard County.

​And, we have wonderful student interns who are supporting our efforts because they feel strongly that no fellow student should have to miss school, work, or daily life activities because they are unable to afford the basic necessities they require.

During Period Poverty Week we are honored to profile our student intern Isabella Farro who is helping to lead the charge - here's what she had to say about being a part of the Women's Giving Circle:

We are so excited you are working with the WGC this year! Tell us a little about yourself.

• Hi everyone! My name is Isabella and I'm a senior at Oakland Mills High School and take classes at Howard Community College through Howard County's Dual Enrollment Program! I'll be continuing my education at the University of Maryland as a Neuroscience major and plan on completing a Physician's Assistant program afterward! Outside of my academics, I love hiking, volunteering around the community, and hanging out with my family.

What interested you in specifically working on the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive?

• I was first introduced to the organization itself through my mother who is currently a part of the board. She continued to tell me more about the organization and its efforts which led to the introduction of the Feminine Hygiene Product Drive. I was immediately intrigued as I and I assume many other people who menstruate have had their rounds with a lack of period products and its stigma. Realizing that I could potentially aid in this issue among my greater community with this internship sold me.

What is the most interesting thing you've learned so far about women's philanthropy and giving to programs that benefit women and girls?

• The most interesting thing that I've learned while working on the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive is how influential women's philanthropy can be. As I pick up products from local drop-off spots, I always end up talking to someone who is initially concerned as to why I'm carrying bags full of feminine hygiene products around but eventually become open and understanding once I inform them of the issues and stigma surrounding feminine hygiene products and why this drive is so important. People become more open to the conversation of feminine hygiene and the stigma slowly dismantles itself. 

We are so fortunate to have Jess investing her volunteer time, energy, ideas, and wisdom as a WGC Student Intern focusing on our Feminine Hygiene Product Drive - thank you Isabella!

"The WGC has chosen to continue our focus on this important issue because it's a need that is easily and often overlooked" said Paula Seabright, WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive Chair. "It's time to break the cycle of period poverty and along with our incredible student interns, we invite our community to join with us."

Learn more about getting involved in the WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive here

---