How This 17-Year-Old is Advancing Women’s Health Awareness in Dallas

Addison is a senior from The Oakridge School in Arlington, Texas who will be attending Dartmouth College in the fall. She is the Director of Event Management at The Girls’ Wellness Initiative, a non-profit which works to improve the lives of women and girls in their communities, particularly around topics like period poverty, menstrual hygiene, and women’s health education.

To date, The Girls’ Wellness Initiative has donated over 12,500 menstrual kits and provided valuable resources to their communities, including social media health tips, monthly webinars, and local seminars.

We spoke with Addison to learn about her advocacy work and how it all began.

Table of Contents

• 1- What is The Girls' Wellness Initiative?

• 2- What was a stand-out experience from your work?

• 3 - What was your proudest accomplishment?

• 4 - Your advice for a current student?

• Stay Connected

#1: What is The Girls’ Wellness Initiative and what did you do?

Addison:

The Girls’ Wellness Initiative is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for period poverty, menstrual hygiene, and women’s health education. We believe that everyone deserves access to the resources and knowledge necessary to support and understand their bodies.

I am the Director of Event Management and member of the Advocacy Team.

#2: What was a stand-out experience you had working with The Girls’ Wellness Initiative?

Addison:

There’s one story that really stood out to me. One of our most consistent initiatives is hosting monthly webinars where we cover different topics. Recently, we hosted a session on domestic violence which featured a guest speaker from Genesis Women’s Shelter in Dallas.

During the webinar, we worked really hard to encourage community discussion - and I remember reading comments from a girl who was attending. She was going through a difficult time and we were able to share resources that really helped her navigate her situation.

It made me realize that something I was part of was making an active difference in someone’s life - and that was incredibly fulfilling.

#3: What was your proudest accomplishment?

Addison:

One of my proudest moments was leading a fundraising event in collaboration with LoveShackFancy Dallas. The Girls’ Wellness Initiative has hosted a ton of awareness campaigns in the past, but we’ve never had one big activation. This was the very first!

I had seen LoveShackFancy Dallas organize similar events, so I decided to reach out to one of their sales representatives and pitch our mission.

#4: Advice you would give to a younger student who wants to launch an initiative?

Addison:

You hear it all the time, but it’s true—just go for it. There’s often pressure to get involved in the “right” things, but there are so many opportunities out there for everyone.

I initially joined The Girls’ Wellness Initiative because I was encouraged by a friend. I had heard about it through social media and mutual friends, but I wasn’t sure if it was for me. Taking that first step led me to an amazing community of ambitious, motivated, and hardworking young women.

Stay Connected

To learn more about The Girls’ Wellness Initiaitive:
Website - https://thegirlswellnessinitiative.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegirlswellnessinitiative/

Meet Addison & learn more about her work:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/addison-willis-63a6a8279/