End period poverty and menstrual inequity in Hawai’i
Our mission is to provide and distribute free menstrual products to menstruators in need and advocate for systemic change in the government, schools and community to end period poverty in Hawai’i.
We believe that all individuals of menstruation age in Hawai’i have the right to access menstrual products and education without financial burden, shame or stigma.
It started with a 2018 CNN article. While living in Hong Kong, Nikki read for the first time about the plight of girls and women in Tanzania grappling with period poverty in an already impoverished state. It was jarring and saddening, and she was compelled to do something. It had been a dream to start a nonprofit in Hong Kong tackling period poverty and providing menstrual education to domestic workers and refugees. Before it could materialize, Nikki moved back to the US after living overseas for 16 years.
Then, the pandemic hit. Everything shut down.
While the pandemic has hit each state in different ways, anyone growing up in Hawai’i will tell you that there is a cost to living in paradise. It became glaringly obvious during this time. There has been an incredible outpouring of donations, aid and kōkua for kupuna, keiki and those in need. That’s when older sister, Brandy, called.
Brandy, being the eldest of six children, has always been a fierce protector of her family and second mother to her siblings. She has spent her career working in healthcare, most recently as a Patient Community Navigator for Native Hawaiians on the Big Island. In that phone call, Brandy poured out her heart about the current state of life for many local families in Hawai’i.
Being of Native Hawaiian ancestry, growing up in Waimānalo and running around their hālaus, Brandy and Nikki have always been exposed to the struggles of local families whether they knew it or not. Life was good for them and their parents were adamant about building a better life, but their mother ensured they never forgot the predicament of Native Hawaiians and local families.
It is with that spirit that Ma’i Movement Hawai’i was born.
There are drives for food, diapers, toys and toiletries, but little directly benefitting girls, women and people of menstruating age. Period poverty is a state often times associated with shame and stigma. So many suffer in silence, and it is time to bring it to light in Hawai’i. Together, Brandy and Nikki hope menstruators in Hawai’i will have the confidence and comfort of knowing that they have the access and tools for their ma’i. Join the movement and make a donation today!
Co-Founder brandy@maimovement.org
Brandy- Lee Yee has over 15 years in various areas of the healthcare system in Hawai’i and Texas, and has grown a passion in helping to better the health and wellness of the people of Hawai’i. Ma’i Movement grew from this spirit and forged in her a fire to end period poverty in Hawai’i, particularly with the young girls and women of menstruating ages who need it the most. She would like to see Hawai’i as a model to the rest of the world, just as with the aloha spirit, to help end the stigma and shame of period poverty. When Brandy isn’t juggling her career and Ma’i Movement, you can find her at the beach, dancing hula, or looking for her next adventure on Big Island with her family.
Co-Founder
nikki@maimovement.org
Nikki-Ann Yee never pulls her punches and is a passionate protector of the health of Hawai’i’s families. With over 17 years of experience in systems, customer service training and mentoring throughout the US, Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Nikki has led highly complex and impactful initiatives at Fortune 100 companies and tiny non-profits. Nikki is a graduate of Iolani School and the University of Southern California. If you can keep up with her, you’ll find her deep in systems reorganization, boxing, or running marathons with her two dogs, two children and husband.
Administrator
Jamie-Lee Kapana, the youngest of the sisters, wants to eradicate injustices against human rights, loves to gym all night and nap all day with her adorable cat Binx. You can find her serving your favorite cup of coffee in Kapolei or chasing her son around Ko Olina beaches with her fiance.
Operations Manager
leigh@maimovement.org
Leigh Mamuad, born and raised in Hawaii. She fulfilled her passion to give back to the community when she joined Ma’i Movement in 2020. Leigh continues to manage inventory and send out Ma’i Kits for all individual requests. Wife and mother of 2 boys, you can find her at the pitch or at a baseball field from Koko Head to Mililani on the island of Oahu.
Community Engagement Coordinator
airabella@maimovement.org
Airabella is a licensed real estate agent in Hawaiʻi and has been a dedicated advocate for menstrual equity ever since she interned with Maʻi Movement while attending UH Mānoa. She is passionate about breaking taboos and promoting menstrual health education, striving to create positive change in her community.
Kaua'i Representative
Sarah Kern moved to Kaua’i from Oahu in 2018. As a teacher first at Waianae High School and now at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, she has seen first hand the effects that period poverty and a lack of education can have on our keiki. Sarah loves puns and dad jokes. She gets very EGGcited for April Fool’s Day every year!
Copy Editor
Dr. Orimoto is passionate about improving the lives of local families by making the best of psychological science available to everyone. She currently serves as a psychologist at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Until recently, she led the Program Improvement and Communications Office at the Department of Health’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division. While there, Dr. Orimoto championed the division’s research, legislative, policy and strategic communications efforts.
