In an initiative spearheaded by Kaitlyn Sternhardt ‘26, a psychology major, a total of 28 restrooms were planned to receive free menstrual products beginning in Spring 2025; 20 on the Mount Carmel Campus, 6 on the North Haven Campus and 2 on the York Hill Campus.

Though the road to developing these efforts began in 2023, Sternhardt, SGA’s vice president, has heavily advocated for menstrual equality since she was in high school.

“I strongly believe period products are necessities and they must be seen as such,” said Sternhardt. “The barriers from a lack of accessibility to these products can lead to many adverse outcomes including physical and mental health struggles.”

Part of her passion stems from conversing with her peers and gaining an insight into their own personal struggles.

“What truly inspired me were the stories I heard from my peers. Hearing firsthand how this issue affected them fueled my determination. To me, this initiative is about supporting menstruators on campus and ensuring they feel seen, supported, and represented,” she said.

To expand upon her own knowledge and experience, Sternhardt invested her time into conducting research and engaging with students and on-campus organizations to further the strength of her advocacy.

“I was fortunate to receive strong support from a group of medical students on the North Haven Campus and from professors within the psychology department. They helped me shape an impactful proposal and shared valuable research that informed our approach. Their collaboration and encouragement were instrumental in moving the project forward,” said Sternhardt.

Both this effort and the milestone achievement following it is one that resonates with Sternhardt both personally and professionally.

“To me, this initiative represents a meaningful step toward gender equity and reflects our university’s commitment to supporting menstruators on campus,” Sternhardt said.

This program also included making products available in Quinnipiac’s gender neutral bathrooms, as Sternhardt took into consideration that assumptions cannot be made regarding the gender identity of individuals in need.

“Being recognized in this way feels truly surreal. Throughout the process, there were moments when I was told this project wasn’t worthwhile or that it would never gain momentum,” said Sternhardt.

The recognition Sternhardt and SGA received has brought a sense of validation for the hard work put in by everyone involved. A combination of persistence and passion has the power to instill real and notable change.

Hannah Cranston, senior director for campus life, expressed her pride for this achievement.

“I’m so proud of SGA for receiving the COSGA Outstanding Achievement Award for its menstrual products initiative. This initiative reflects the care and thoughtfulness our students have for creating an accessible environment for everyone. It’s truly inspiring to see their dedication to making a difference, and this recognition is a wonderful reflection of their hard work and passion,” said Cranston.

Sternhardt's said the award is an important reminder.

“It’s a reminder that our voices matter, and we have the power to create meaningful change on campus," said Sternhardt.