Choosing a Name & Writing My Mission (AKA: Figuring Out My Why)

When I started the process of turning my project into a real nonprofit, one of the most important steps was choosing the name and writing my mission. Even though it might sound like just a few words, your name and mission tell people what your heart is all about—and why you're doing what you’re doing.

The name was actually easy for me. I had already been using Empower Her Care Kits since I began this project back in New York, and it just felt right. The word “Empower” is so strong—it means giving someone strength or confidence—and “Care Kits” are exactly what I make. But the “Her” part is really special to me…

It’s me.

When I came up with the name, I thought:

What if I was the girl who didn’t have what she needed during her period?

What if she was someone just like me?

So “Her” started as me, Ava. But over time, I realized it also stands for every girl, woman, and person who needs support. Every “her” who feels left out, embarrassed, or stuck without period supplies. Every “her” who deserves to be cared for with dignity.

After that, I started working on my mission statement—which is just a fancy way of saying why I do what I do. I thought about all the kits I’ve made, all the places I’ve given them, and the big dream I have to build period pantries across. I wrote:

“Empower Her Care Kits exists to fight period poverty by providing free, thoughtful care kits and building free-standing period pantries in areas where vulnerable people can access them—no questions asked.”

That’s my heart in one sentence. And now, every time I say the name of my nonprofit, I remember why I started and who I’m doing it for—including the girl who first dreamed it all up.

Thanks for reading and cheering me on!

Ava