Get to know Sarah, our new Executive Director!

The Board of Directors and staff of The Period Purse (TPP) are super excited to announce that Sarah Mayes has joined the team as our new Executive Director!  Sarah is diving in and we thought it would be fun to have a chat with her and see what makes Sarah… well, Sarah!

Question: What piqued your interest about The Period Purse?

Answer: When I studied public health, we spent a lot of time on the social determinants of health and health equity. But I’ll admit that I hadn’t actually heard the term “period poverty” until I saw the posting for the ED role at The Period Purse. That immediately caught my attention.

As I started reading through TPP’s website, it became clear just how far-reaching the issue is. It doesn’t just affect hygiene or physical health—it impacts people’s ability to go to school, to work, to participate in their communities, and it deeply affects their dignity. Menstrual health is a human rights issue. No one should have to choose between paying for rent or food or having a dignified period.

Question: A very important question at TPP - tea or coffee? 

Answer: My ancestors are probably rolling over in their graves as I type this (I’m of British descent), but COFFEE. Period. (Pun intended). Love me a latté.

Question: What is one thing that instantly makes your day better?

Answer: Snuggles from my two dogs, Levi and Olive. Levi is a puppy, and his bum-wiggle would melt even the coldest heart.

Question: Where is the coolest place you’ve been? (any recos?)

Answer: Definitely the base of the Grand Canyon. My partner and I hiked down the South Rim of the canyon and out the North Rim in 2011. We camped at the base of the canyon near the Colorado River – the rocks down there are 1.8 billion years old! Mind boggling.

Question: If you were a superhero who would your nemesis be?

Answer: I used to love dressing up as Wonder Woman as a kid. So if I was a period-positive Wonder Woman/Person Who Menstruates, I’d say my nemesis would be The Scarlet Shroud – a shadowy figure who cloaks periods in stigma and secrecy, making it harder for people to access what they need. But there’s good news: The Scarlet Shroud’s power fades in the presence of truth-telling and solidarity. Every time people speak openly about periods, share their stories, or stand together for menstrual equity, the shroud unravels…

Interjection from the TPP team: You’re joining an incredible community of menstrual equity superheros! We can’t wait to fight the Scarlet Shroud with you!

A big shout out to everyone working to make Canada the most period-friendly place in the world. Be gone Scarlet Shroud.



Question: What are you most looking forward to during the next year at TPP?

Answer: I’m really looking forward to working with the team at TPP. One of the big things that drew me to apply for this role was the team. When I looked at the staff photos on the website, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves while doing important work. And in my first couple of weeks here, that’s exactly what I’ve experienced — a team that takes the mission seriously, but also knows how to have fun along the way. I’m excited to be a part of that.

Question: Anything else you wish people knew about you?

Answer: I love to cook, and I really enjoy trying new recipes and exploring dishes from different cultures. To be honest, I’m usually researching recipes and planning my next meal while I’m eating the current one. Hopefully there are some fellow cooking nerds on the team who will want to exchange recipes with me!