Young Women, Big Impact: WGC's YWGC Helps Shape Statewide Change

Young Women’s Giving Circle Helps Advance Statewide Menstrual Equity

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County (WGC) is celebrating an important victory for menstrual equity in Maryland - and the leadership of young women who helped make it possible.

On May 26, Governor Wes Moore signed Maryland House Bill 457 into law, requiring institutions of higher education that provide on-campus housing to make free menstrual hygiene products available in student health centers by August 1, 2028. The legislation represents a meaningful step forward in addressing period poverty and ensuring students have access to essential health resources.

Among those present for the bill signing were Governor Wes Moore, Delegate Jessica Feldmark, Delegate Dr. Terri Hill, Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, and representatives of the Women's Giving Circle's Young Women's Giving Circle, Mount Hebron High School senior Isha Ande and YWGC Chair Paula Seabright. Their presence reflected the broad coalition of elected officials, advocates, educators, and young leaders who worked together to advance menstrual equity across Maryland.

For the past two years, YWGC participants have been learning about the impact of period poverty while taking action through the Women's Giving Circle's Break the Cycle Period Product Drive. Through education, advocacy, community partnerships, and legislative engagement, these young women have worked to raise awareness and advance solutions that improve access to menstrual products for women and girls.

"Our interns worked hard to turn their vision into action," said Paula Seabright, Chair of the Young Women's Giving Circle and Co-Chair of the Women's Giving Circle Grants Committee. "Many of our current and former YWGC members have spent the past two years learning about period poverty, raising awareness, advocating for change, and meeting with legislators. To see Governor Moore sign this bill into law was incredibly meaningful. It shows our young women that their voices matter and that they can help create real change in their communities and beyond."

The Women's Giving Circle worked closely with Delegate Jessica Feldmark throughout the legislative process, helping elevate the issue and providing opportunities for YWGC participants to engage directly in advocacy efforts. The bill's passage demonstrates what is possible when community leaders, elected officials, and young advocates work together toward a common goal.

The Young Women's Giving Circle is a leadership and philanthropy program of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County that brings together high school-aged young women to learn about philanthropy, community needs, leadership, and civic engagement. Through grantmaking, volunteerism, advocacy, and educational experiences, participants gain firsthand experience in creating positive change while developing the skills and confidence to become future community leaders.

"This achievement belongs to the young women who were willing to speak up, learn, and lead," Seabright added. "Their commitment to addressing period poverty will help students across Maryland for years to come."

As WGC prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2027, this milestone serves as a powerful reminder that philanthropy is about more than charitable giving. It is also about empowering the next generation of leaders to identify challenges, advocate for solutions, and help build a stronger, more equitable community for all.

The Women's Giving Circle's Break the Cycle Period Product Drive continues to raise awareness and collect products to support local women and girls experiencing period poverty. Through efforts like these, WGC and YWGC are helping ensure that access to menstrual products is recognized not as a luxury, but as a basic necessity. 

You can learn more about where to donate products and/or money here. Mark your calendars for our December 5, 2026 WGC "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive from 9:00 - 11:00 am in Lot B at Howard Community College. Thank you for your support!