Conversations with Lena Vann

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Vann.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and much of my journey has been shaped by learning to navigate unfamiliar spaces and create opportunities for myself. As a first-generation college student, I didn’t always have a blueprint for what certain opportunities would look like, but I learned to ask questions, advocate for myself, and embrace leadership.

At North Carolina A&T State University, I graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Transportation and Supply Chain Management and a minor in Marketing. My experience as an HBCU student helped me grow as a leader through student government, campus organizations, and community service.

At 19, I founded The Black Periodt. Project (BPP), a nonprofit addressing period poverty and advancing menstrual equity. What began as a college service project to create 150 reusable menstrual pads for women experiencing homelessness has grown into a 501(c)(3) organization that has raised more than $300,000 and expanded its work across four states. Today, we partner with HBCUs to establish menstrual product pantries, provide essential supplies and education, and develop programs that can continue serving students over time.

I’m now honored to serve as Miss Black Georgia USA, where I’m bringing my passion for advocacy and community service to a broader audience through my platform, *Flowing Forward: Ending Period Poverty*. I also plan to attend law school, with interests in business, intellectual property, and technology law. Each chapter of my life has helped me better understand the kind of impact I want to make, and I’m excited to continue growing in ways that allow me to serve others.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the most difficult challenges I’ve faced was losing my father in September 2024. His passing changed my perspective on life and reminded me how important it is to be intentional about the time and opportunities we’re given. As I navigated grief while continuing to pursue my goals, I learned that resilience isn’t about always being strong. It’s about giving yourself grace while finding the courage to keep moving forward.

That experience has shaped how I approach my reign as Miss Black Georgia USA. I want my time with this title to mean something beyond the crown by using my platform to advocate for menstrual equity and expand the impact of The Black Periodt. Project. Although I wish my father could be here for this chapter, I carry his memory with me as a reminder to pursue my purpose wholeheartedly and make the most of every opportunity I’m given

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the Founder and Executive Director of The Black Periodt. Project (BPP), a nonprofit I started at 19 while attending North Carolina A&T State University. Our work centers on menstrual equity, with a focus on making period products, education, and support more accessible to underserved communities. What began as a project to create 150 reusable menstrual pads for women experiencing homelessness has grown into a 501(c)(3) organization that has raised more than $300,000 and expanded its reach across four states.

One of the areas I’m most passionate about is our work with HBCUs. Through partnerships with colleges and universities, we help establish student-led menstrual product pantries that give students access to essential supplies. We also organize community distributions, educational programming, and fundraising initiatives that bring people together around an issue that is often overlooked.

I’m most proud of building programs that can continue operating beyond my direct involvement. We’ve helped colleges develop pantries that students can manage independently, allowing our work to reach people long after the initial launch. BPP is led by an all-Black team, with members who are 28 and under, and we bring the perspectives of the communities we serve into our work. We recognize that period poverty involves more than the cost of products. It also affects access to information, educational opportunities, and the ability to manage menstruation with dignity. I’m proud that we’re building an organization that addresses these needs while creating space for young Black leaders to shape the solutions.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next five to ten years, I see menstrual health becoming much more connected to technology, innovation, and personal style. We’re already seeing the growth of period underwear and other reusable products that prioritize comfort, convenience, and sustainability. I think we’ll continue to see brands rethink how menstrual products look and feel, making them more fashionable, accessible, and reflective of different lifestyles.I’m also excited about the potential for period technology to expand beyond products into better tracking tools, personalized menstrual health education, and innovations that help people better understand their bodies.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://meetlenavann.lovable.app
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenamvann/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miss.blackga/
• Other: https://www.blackperiodproject.org