We snuck into a speakeasy in the middle of the day, around 40 women converging to talk about periods and the female body.
It felt like the perfect setting — a gathering about a typically taboo topic in a traditionally subversive location. 🤫
The conversation is the centerpiece of all #SalaSession events, each one carefully designed to be a safe and welcoming space where we can put our masks and armors down. We had femtech pioneer Camille Escudero open our conversation, sharing her journey towards self-discovery and why she continues to be on a quest to understand how her cycle works in order to be a more effective leader.
But let me tell you something. This last Sala Session felt different. It felt particularly potent.
You know why? It was because of our partners.
They went beyond event sponsorship. I saw them fully investing and engaging in the concerns and discussion of the day. They chose to create an authentic, human-centered event with us.
I name them here with pride, not because we promised this exchange, but because I am truly grateful for their involvement. Each of them are women-led, purpose-driven, and providing innovative solutions in their respective spaces.
💓 Square One Hospitality Concepts Inc., our event co-host, made sure we had the coziest space and delicious food to sustain us that morning. Thank you for the brunch spread by Lunes Everyday Dining and for welcoming our community at La Vie En Rose. Jenny Yrasuegui and Victoria H., I am in awe of what you create. Thank you for your generosity and feeding both our stomachs and our souls.
💓 Kindred Health Inc., our event partner, gave us the support we needed to make sure we had this Sala Session. Thank you Jessica de Mesa-Lim for being there, not as a business colleague, but as an innovator in female health who sincerely wants women to benefit from the empathetic, innovative, and integrative healthcare you provide. From our safe space to yours, I'm excited to know that Kindred is expanding its reach and solutions to support even more women.
💓 Our swag partners elevated our brunch to a period party. From #COJOph’s plant-powered period care kit, to Pure Culture's clean beauty products; Lily of the Valley’s inner wear for all life stages; pillboxes and healthcare coupons from Mediclick ; and Nala Woman’s sustainable period products.
But for me, the best part — in a somewhat convoluted way — is this:
We were told what we had done was NOT ENOUGH. That these conversations need to be longer, happen more often, in more spaces, more public avenues, need to involve all genders.
And I agree. 💯
I can’t wait to see how this private conversation will grow in public spaces, stories, and initiatives. Imagine how much of women’s power and potential we get to unlock when we normalize talking about our periods at the workplace and in leadership.
Niña Terol Imaginable Impact Tina Sabarre Maria Gaitanidou Aiai Garcia Alexandria Agbayani Gentry Stephanie Oller Eunice Merrera