The Red Thread: Connecting Health, Justice, and Action

Join us for an insightful discussion on period equity, featuring powerhouse advocates working to dismantle barriers to menstrual health access. Our panelists, Asia Brown and Ja’Lyn McElroy, bring their expertise and lived experiences to the forefront as they explore the intersection of reproductive justice, healthcare access, and community-driven solutions. Learn more about our panelists below:

About Asia Brown, Co-Founder of 601 for Period Equity:

Asia Brown (she/her/hers) is a reproductive justice advocate and emerging healthcare professional committed to advancing maternal, sexual, and reproductive health, particularly in underserved communities. A graduate of Spelman College with a B.A. in Comparative Women's Studies, focusing on women's health, Asia is currently pursuing her Master of Nursing at Emory University, where she is on track to graduate in May 2025. She aspires to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife/Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and is passionate about providing sexual and reproductive healthcare in rural areas.

As the co-founder of 601 for Period Equity, Asia leads the nonprofit’s community pantry, Rosie's Pantry, which distributes essential hygiene products, diapers, and menstrual supplies to families in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Her work in period equity and reproductive justice has garnered national attention, with features in The New York Times and NBC News. Asia has also served as a speaker and panelist for organizations such as CVS Health and Girls, Inc., where she continues to advocate for the intersection of healthcare access and social justice.

About Ja'Lyn McElroy, CEO of The P.U.P.A. Project:

Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Ja'Lyn McElroy has been dedicated to community service since her adolescence. A four-year AmeriCorps member and active volunteer with numerous local nonprofits, she has always been passionate about creating meaningful change. Ja'Lyn is a proud graduate of Jackson State University, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Business Administration at her Dear Ole College Home.

Her journey into advocacy began with her own struggles—experiencing unexplained periods pain that doctors couldn’t diagnose. Determined to turn her challenges into change, she now works tirelessly to break the stigma around menstruation and fight for menstrual equity. As the visionary behind The P.U.P.A Project, Ja’Lyn is a true Beauteflie, spreading her wings to empower menstruators and ensure that no one faces their period alone.

Asia, a reproductive justice advocate and nursing student, co-founded 601 for Period Equity and leads Rosie’s Pantry, providing essential hygiene products to underserved communities. Ja’Lyn, founder of The P.U.P.A Project, channels her personal journey with period pain into advocacy, breaking stigmas and fighting for menstrual equity.

Together, they’ll share insights on activism, policy, and how we can all work toward a future where no one has to struggle for access to period products. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leaders shaping the menstrual health movement!