WIT Goes to College! Women in Training, Inc. Distributes Menstrual & Hygiene Supplies for Alabama State University's Women's Health Month
- Adeyela Bennett
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 11
Period product giveaway honored Menstrual Hygiene Day, which seeks to raise awareness of menstrual hygiene around the world
Women in Training, Inc. volunteers distributed more than WITKITS of menstrual, dental and hygiene supplies to more than 100 women students and staff members at Alabama State University on Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025. The giveaway event was a collaboration with the ASU Women’s Health Month event on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. South University at Montgomery provided logistical support.
The ASU Women's Health Month celebration was managed by Cathy Reynolds, ADN RN, Clinical Staff Nurse, Alabama State University Health Services.
"Our mission for the Healthy Her: A Wellness Initiative is to raise awareness, provide essential health resources, and improve health outcomes for women in our student body and surrounding community, Ms. Reynolds said.
Ms. Reynolds said Alabama State University's Health Services is committed to supporting the university and community by encouraging healthy lifestyles, professional development and responsible citizenship.
"Our mission is to cultivate an environment where individuals can thrive personally, academically, emotionally and physically, which creates a healthy community to live, learn, and thrive," Ms. Reynolds stated.
Nurse Reynolds said the Alabama State University Health Services is grateful for the support from Women in Training, Inc.
"We would like to extend our gratitude to Women In Training for the partnership and collaboration with our event," Nurse Reynolds said. "Your presence played a valuable role in making this event a resounding success. Your engagements and enthusiasm were truly inspiring, and it was evident that your contributions significantly impacted our collective efforts. Thank you for the support, love and unforgettable memories! We look forward to future endeavors with your organization."
The Women in Training, Inc. WITKITS giveaway was held in honor of Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global event that drives conversation around menstruation and puts pressure on key institutions —governments, U.N. agencies and corporations — to take action, from launching programs to adopting new policies in support of menstrual hygiene.
Ms. Sandra Whatley-Washington, Development Chairwoman, Women in Training, Inc., spoke at the ASU event on behalf the organization.
"It's always a great day when we are given the opportunity to help young people in need," Ms. Whatley-Washington said.
“Women In Training was honored to recognize Menstrual Hygiene Day with our partners at Alabama State University by providing our signature WITKITS of menstrual, hygiene and dental products,” said Adeyela Bennett, President and CEO of Women in Training. “This giveaway will help us to advance our goal of ensuring that no woman goes without the products she needs to live a healthy, happy and fulfilled life -- not just today, but each and every day, each and every month.”
The Women in Training, Inc. team that supported the ASU Women's History Month event included the following volunteer leaders:
Mr. Bradley Bennett, WIT Vice President
Ms. Sandra Whatley Washington, WIT Development Chairwoman
Miss Gabrielle Johns, WIT Monarch Inaugural Cohort and Alabama A&M University Sophomore
"I'm always excited to support Women in Training, Inc.," Gabrielle said about her summer community service experience with WIT. "I believe in its mission of ending period poverty. Now more than ever, it's important for people in my generation to advocate for meaningful causes and give back to our local communities."
Ms. Josephine Jordan, Academic Success Coordinator, South University Montgomery Campus, provided logistical support to help make the event a complete success.
"The most meaningful part of the WITKITS giveaway event was interacting with the college students," Ms. Jordan said. "I was truly touched when a beautiful young woman shared that she was currently on her menstrual cycle and was using her very last sanitary pad. Our presence made a difference for this young woman's mental and physical health!"
Ms. Nyoka Samuels-Gilchrist, Masters Prepared Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, 7 Healing Waters, also supported the WIT team at the ASU event. For the past five years, Ms. Samuels-Gilchrist has volunteered with WIT as a menstrual health educator and facilitator with the WIT Leadership Development Academy.
"Our menstruating youth need to learn and understand they are supported, and that they don't have to navigate life's challenes alone," said Ms. Samuels-Gilchrist. "WIT is living, breathing proof of that support."
Ms. Marilyn Hobbs, Alabama State University alumna, stopped by the campus to drop off gift items for the WIT founders, and ended up winning the door prize of a Kate Spade designer purse!
Montgomery County Commission Vice Chairman Isaiah Sankey stopped by to support the Women's Health Month event at Alabama State University.
One in four American girls and young women skip school or miss work because they cannot afford sanitary pads or tampons to stay healthy during their period. To alleviate period poverty, Women in Training, Inc. provides donations of WITKITS — canvas bags full of menstrual, dental and hygiene products — to at-risk girls and young women. WIT also provides educational information programs about menstruation, and publishes the brochure, “The WIT Guide to the Menstrual Cycle.”
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