About The PUPA Project
We support every transition of puberty by supplying free menstrual products, essential personal hygiene products, athletic support garments for youth, and reproductive health resources. Through education and community-based programming, we equip menstruators and families with the dignity, knowledge, and advocacy skills needed to support their well-being.
Our Story
The PUPA Project was founded in 2021 by Jalyn R. McElroy after one question changed everything: If someone needed free menstrual products, where could they go?
Jalyn has navigated severe period pain since getting her first cycle at age 10, and years of unanswered questions. After being dismissed by provider after provider, spending months in and out of emergency rooms, and being told birth control or surgery were her only options, she began researching the menstrual cycle more deeply and advocating for her body until she found an OB who listened.
That experience, paired with the lack of accessible menstrual resources in Mississippi, became the foundation of The PUPA Project, a mission rooted in dignity, education, advocacy, and support. Inspired by the butterfly’s life cycle, “PUPA” represents transformation and growth.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Expanding menstrual access, education, and support for communities across Mississippi.
Mission
The mission of The PUPA Project is to advance menstrual equity and reduce the health disparities impacting menstruators in Mississippi.
Vision
A world where every menstruator has equitable access to the resources, education, and supportive environments needed to experience dignity, maintain optimal health, and pursue every opportunity available to them. We envision communities where menstrual health is fully recognized as essential to overall well-being, stigma is eliminated, and individuals are empowered with the knowledge, advocacy skills, and care necessary to thrive throughout every transition of life.
Core Values
-
Boldness – Challenging stigma and speaking openly about period poverty.
-
Fearlessness – Confronting barriers that limit access, dignity, and care.
-
Freedom – Creating spaces where menstruators can live without shame.
-
Unapologetic – Standing firmly in our mission to advocate for menstrual health, education, and equity.
626+
Menstruators Educated
6+
Education Programs
50+
CoCoon Crew Members
20+
Empowered Community
Our Creative Founders.
This is the space to introduce the team and what makes it special. Describe the team culture and work philosophy. To help site visitors connect with the team, add details about team members’ experience and skills.
Position / Role
Taylor Quill
Describe the team member here. Write a brief description of their role and responsibilities, or a short bio with a background summary.
Position / Role
Alex Smith
Describe the team member here. Write a brief description of their role and responsibilities, or a short bio with a background summary.
Position / Role
Morgan James
Describe the team member here. Write a brief description of their role and responsibilities, or a short bio with a background summary.
Our Creative Founders.
This is the space to introduce the team and what makes it special. Describe the team culture and work philosophy. To help site visitors connect with the team, add details about team members’ experience and skills.
Position / Role
Taylor Quill
Describe the team member here. Write a brief description of their role and responsibilities, or a short bio with a background summary.
Position / Role
Alex Smith
Describe the team member here. Write a brief description of their role and responsibilities, or a short bio with a background summary.
Position / Role
Morgan James
Describe the team member here. Write a brief description of their role and responsibilities, or a short bio with a background summary.
Beauteflies Behind PUPA
The PUPA Project is powered by individuals who believe that access, education, and dignity should never be out of reach. Together, our team works to support menstruators, strengthen communities, and create lasting change across Mississippi.
Founder/Executive Director
Jalyn McElroy
Jalyn R. McElroy is a menstrual health advocate and nonprofit leader with over eight years of experience advancing education, equity, and community impact across Mississippi. Inspired by her own menstrual health journey, Jalyn founded The PUPA Project to reduce period poverty, expand menstrual health education, and ensure menstruators have access to the support and dignity they deserve.
Spring 2026 Intern
Morgan Harris
Morgan Harris is a graduate of Jackson State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration. Through her work with The PUPA Project, she supports community outreach, program efforts, and initiatives that help expand menstrual health education and access across Mississippi.
Summer 2026 Intern
Cairecia Thomas
Cairecia Thomas is a proud two-time alumna of The University of Mississippi. She holds a Master of Public Health with dual concentrations in Epidemiology and Community Health, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Studies.
Through her work with The PUPA Project, Cairecia supports public health education, community outreach, and advocacy efforts focused on women’s health, menstrual equity, and health awareness across Mississippi.
2026 - 2027 Board of Directors
Luis Montgmery
Chair
Asia Rush
Secretary
Mashayla Reed
Treasurer
Shantel Sherman
Board Member
Erica Jones
Board Member
Karnja Matory
Board Member
Our Partners
We are proud to collaborate with organizations and brands that share our mission and values.