Our Story
Founded in 2025, Flow Forward Initiative began as a personal response to the lack of menstrual products in local shelters. What started as one donation drive quickly grew into a larger mission to confront the global issue of period poverty, an issue that affects over 500 million people worldwide and disproportionately impacts low-income women and women of color.
Flow Forward Initiative is a youth-led organization committed to advancing menstrual equity by raising awareness, challenging stigma, and supplying essential period products to unhoused and low-income women. Through community drives, student-led chapters, and mutual aid partnerships, we mobilize resources while shifting public narratives around menstruation.
We believe menstrual products are a basic human need, not a privilege, and no one should have to choose between dignity and survival.
Our Mission
To advance menstrual equity and support individuals who lack consistent access to essential feminine hygiene products, and to raise awareness about menstraul equity art-based educational tools. Our work is grounded in community care and driven by a commitment to raising awareness about period poverty.
Our Team
Chief Executive Officer
Leyla Merrifield
I am the CEO/Founder. I lead the vision and direction of FFI, guide my team, make key deductions, and represent our organization publicly to inspire support and impact. I made the Flow Forward Initiative because I wanted to make menstrual equity both accessible and relatable, specifically through artistic expression. Via short educational comics, I strive to break taboos and turn a silent topic into empowerment for all women struggling with accessing feline hygiene products. I love watching TV shows and listening to music! I want FFI to be widely recognized for our artistic approach, collaborate with more organizations with the same goals, and donate to as many shelters as possible not just in California, but in other states as well!
Chief Finance Officer
Aisha Hanif
Hi! I'm Aisha Hanif, and I'm the CFO for Flow Forward. I'm a sophomore at Foothill High School, and I help keep track of our budget and donations. I also get to talk with donors and share why our organization is so important!
Chief Operations Officer
Ananya Menon
I joined Flow Forward because I wanted to build a smoother, more reliable way for people to help tackle the period poverty crisis. As our operations lead, I create checklists and event templates, coordinate drives and partnerships, and make sure funds and supplies reach their respective places. Outside of Flow Forward I'm into neuroscience research, ceramics, and swimming, and our goal for our organization is to expand to student-led chapters in multiple cities and increase donations of period care to those in need.
Chief Technology Officer
Tanushri Ciganehalli
Hi, I'm Tanushri Ciganehalli and I serve as the CTO of Flow Forward Initiative. I manage our website and help the team use technology to share our mission and connect with the community. I've always been interested in healthcare, which inspires me to volunteer and support causes that promote dignity and well-being. I enjoy math, coding, and learning about design. I'm excited to combine my passion for healthcare and technology to help Flow Forward Initiative grow and reach more people.
Chief Outreach Officer
Aditi Bambhani
Hi, My name is Aditi Bhambhani, I'm currently at Amador Valley High. I love to swim, read, walk, listen to music, and color guard! I joined Flow Forward because I was super passionate about the main idea of this, as women we go through so many struggles especially as we reach puberty. A pad and care should be every woman's right and I wish to deliver so through Flow Forward. Currently I am COO of Outreach, meaning I work with other shelters and companies to help us grow bigger!
Chief Administration and Creative Officer
Aahana Lohia
I joined Flow Forward because I wanted to help address the stigma and lack of access around menstruation in a way that blends both advocacy and creativity. As Chief of Administration and Creative Officer (CACO), I manage organizational tasks to keep our projects running smoothly while also leading the creative direction for campaigns, designs, and outreach. I also coordinate with partner organizations on events like drives, art fairs, and pop-up sales. Outside of Flow Forward, I enjoy drawing, music, reading, research, and volunteering! I hope Flow Forward grows into a movement that not only provides products to those in need but also sparks conversations that normalize menstruation and empower youth to lead change.
Chief Social Media Officer
Anam Hanif
