Alumna Founds Nonprofit to Address Statewide Need for Period Products

Four million period products distributed. 70 community partners. 150 schools and school districts. That’s just a glimpse at the impact Bellevue University alumna Kristin Lowrey has made in just a few brief years with her nonprofit Access Period, which fights period poverty by providing free period products to anyone who needs them statewide.

Education, Experience Lead to Discovering Passion

Lowrey founded Access Period in 2022, after embracing various opportunities, including earning her Master of Arts in Managerial Communications with an emphasis in human resources. Lowrey decided to pursue graduate studies after earning a bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

“I come from a family that really values education,” she said. She said she recalls her mother earning a master’s degree and a Doctorate in Education while she was still in school. “I had a lot to learn and wanted to continue my education. I also knew there would never be a time when I would be as available.”

While seeking out the next step on her educational journey, Lowrey was also working full-time. “ I didn’t think I could be on campus full time or even at night, so I did a lot of research on degrees with online schools,” she said. “It was really important to me that Bellevue University was nonprofit, and I liked that it was local.” She said she also liked the flexibility of having the option to study on campus.

As a young professional, Lowrey said she also benefited from studying with a diverse student body. “I learned from students with different experiences from mine,” she said. This included those further along in their careers and military personnel.

Lowrey began her career in hospitality, where she gained some human resources experience. She eventually moved into the role of Communications Director for a staffing firm. She was in this role when her variety of experiences and lifetime devotion to volunteering led her to establish the groundwork for Access Period.

“I saw it was a huge issue statewide,” she said. While there were many resources to address hunger and homelessness, there was still a gap in making much-needed basic needs products available – including period supplies.  

“I was on my way to making a big difference, and I was fortunate my employer believed in me and this project,” she said. She built the organization part-time alongside her career and was later able to pursue the work full-time as the Executive Director of Access Period.

Building a Movement

Today, Access Period offers 11 statewide access points where people in need can receive a three-month kit with no paperwork or restrictions. Approximately 70 community partners and 150 schools, whether at the district level or through individual counselors, also distribute products. “It has been great,” Lowrey said. “Our partners decide how they can best help their communities.” In total, Access Period distributes approximately 4,500 period products per day.

The organization relies on private foundations, corporate partners and individual donors for funding. Volunteers also play a crucial role, whether it’s participating in weekly events at Access Period’s warehouse or driving across the state to deliver products. Those interested in helping can also participate in Access Period’s monthly donation Period Party program. “Our volunteers and donors are essential so we are a more reliable source for our partners,” she said.

Bellevue University got involved in the effort, as well, hosting a period packing party at the school. “That was really special because I didn’t get to be on campus a lot,” Lowrey said.

Though she didn’t know her path would eventually lead to spearheading a successful, impactful nonprofit, Lowrey said she appreciates the role Bellevue University helped play in her journey. “My experience at BU helped me see the many options available for me, and expanded my view of what was possible.”