OUR MISSION
The mission of The P.U.P.A Project aims to alleviate period poverty by providing essential menstrual aid and support to menstruators. Our focus is on empowerment—guiding menstruators through the pivotal transition of puberty and the early stages of their menstrual journey. We advance this work through our key pillars: access & aid, education & awareness, community outreach, and advocacy & policy.
ABOUT THE
P.U.P.A PROJECT
The P.U.P.A Project was founded in 2021 by Ja’Lyn R. McElroy after a simple but powerful question changed everything: If someone needed free menstrual products, where could they go? While shopping for her own period essentials, she realized there were no easily accessible resources for those in need. This discovery led her to research period poverty, and what she found sparked immediate action.
Inspired by the butterfly’s life cycle, “P.U.P.A” symbolizes transformation—aiding the transition. Our mission is to provide essential period aid, alleviate period poverty, and break the stigma around menstrual cycles through education and advocacy.
LEARN ABOUT
OUR VALUES
These core values drive every action and initiative of The P.U.P.A Project, reflecting our unwavering commitment to creating positive, lasting change for menstruators everywhere.
BOLDNESS: We embrace courage and take bold actions to challenge societal norms. By addressing period poverty and breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation, we push boundaries and create meaningful change, no matter how difficult the conversation may be.
FEARLESSNESS: We are unafraid to confront the barriers that hold menstruators back, whether they be social, economic, or cultural. Fearlessness drives our advocacy and allows us to speak up for those who are often marginalized or unheard.
FREEDOM: We believe in the freedom to live without shame or stigma. Our goal is to create a world where menstruators can manage their menstrual health with dignity, access the resources they need, and feel empowered to embrace their natural transitions.
UNAPOLOGETIC: We are steadfast and unapologetic in our mission to improve menstrual equity. We will not apologize for advocating for menstrual health, education, and resources for all, and we will continue to challenge the status quo to ensure every menstruator is supported.
JA'LYN MCELROY
CEO AND FOUNDER
MEET OUR FOUNDER
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 period 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.
