How has she positively impacted women and/or girls in Chicago?

CPP has provided over 400,000 period supplies to people around the Chicagoloand area. Recently, they’ve partnered with Love Fridge to stock spaces around Chicago with supplies for menstruating people.

What lessons can girls and/or other women learn from her?

Ashley started with a small idea- People without home need period support- and expanded this into a mission that has helped thousands. It’s a testament to the power of a small idea!

About Ashley Novoa

Ashley Novoa is a first-generation immigrant who grew up in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.

She is the founding Executive Director of the Chicago Period Project (CPP), an organization that aims to “empower homeless and in-need people to experience their periods with dignity.” In an effort to demonstrate resilience to the November 8, 2016, presidential election outcome, Ashley and some other moms “harnessed their fears, uncertainty, and frustration to create CPP. The Chicago Period Project has generated thousands of menstrual hygiene product donations, created and distributed hundreds of Period Kits, raised money for operating costs, and formed partnerships with local businesses. CPP’s goal is for the 29 percent of Chicago residents living below the poverty line to have healthy periods, and for us to raise awareness about the issue. When Ashley is not doing work for Chicago Period Project, she is busy being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, who often accompany her during her day-to-day work of dropping off donations.