Meet Kritika Ramesh — a passionate student advocate at the University of Texas at Austin who spent the last few years championing menstrual equity on campus.
With determination, empathy and a whole lot of hustle, Kritika spearheaded the university’s period product initiative to completion. Her leadership and advocacy were instrumental in bringing this program to life, ensuring students have access to the products they need, when they need them.
Now, 52 bathrooms across 26 buildings are stocked with Aunt Flow. Read on to learn how Kritika helped make it happen.
Prior to Aunt Flow, did your school have an existing period product solution in place? Can you tell us about it?
Prior to UT Austin’s collaboration with Aunt Flow, period products at UT were limited. Some restrooms had outdated dispensers, while others required payment, making accessibility to basic hygiene products unreliable. Student-led organizations on campus made efforts to provide baskets with period products, but maintaining a consistent supply proved challenging. This lack of accessibility created unnecessary stresses and barriers for students, which is why the implementation of Aunt Flow was a pivotal step towards promoting menstrual equity and reducing the stigma surrounding periods.
How did you hear about Aunt Flow?
During my time at UT Austin, I’ve been fortunate to explore my passion for health equity and its intersection with innovation. This past summer, I came across Claire Coder’s powerful story behind founding Aunt Flow and was immediately inspired by her mission. I began following the company closely and, on a whim, decided to reach out to Claire on LinkedIn—fully expecting no response from someone leading such a dynamic organization. To my surprise, she responded with genuine warmth and encouragement. That connection fueled my drive even more, and throughout the year, I’ve actively advocated for UT to implement Aunt Flow dispensers and products, believing deeply in their impact over traditional options.
In your own words, tell us why you thought AF would be a good fit.
Aunt Flow stood out as more than just a period product provider—it’s a movement rooted in dignity, inclusion, and access. I believe that Aunt Flow was a perfect fit for UT Austin as its values align with our values for student well-being and accessibility. Aunt Flow uniquely offers high-quality, organic menstrual products in dispensers that do not rust over time. No student should have to miss class or feel unprepared for something that is as natural as a period. Aunt Flow is filling the gap in health equity.
Who were the key people involved in bringing Aunt Flow to your school?
A huge thank you to the rest of UT Austin’s Student Government, advisors, and faculty for making the Menstrual Equity Initiative possible on the 40 acres.
How did Aunt Flow satisfy those needs and help you meet your goals?
Aunt Flow made menstrual products consistently accessible, free, and easy to find, directly addressing the gaps we had on campus. It helped me achieve my goal of promoting menstrual health equity by reducing stigma and ensuring that all students feel supported in their basic health needs. Beyond the products themselves, Aunt Flow’s presence on campus sparked important conversations and helped normalize period care as a necessary part of student wellness, not a luxury.
How was the solution implemented?
The solution was implemented through a collaborative effort between UT Student Government, campus facilities, and administrative leaders who recognized the need for a more equitable period product solution. After researching options and narrowing down high-traffic bathrooms in buildings across campus, we secured support to begin installing dispensers in high-traffic restrooms. Furthermore, the decision to have Aunt Flow in both women’s and gender-neutral restrooms allows for increased access to its products. Strategic placement and consistent restocking were key to ensuring campus-wide impact.
What were the results?
With 52 bathrooms across 26 buildings stocked with Aunt Flow dispensers and products, there has been a significant increase in accessibility and convenience for students. Feedback from the campus community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many students expressing relief that they no longer have to worry about finding or paying for menstrual products when they need them most. The initiative has also sparked important conversations about menstrual equity, reducing stigma around periods and fostering a more supportive campus culture for all students.
Would you do anything differently or want to know something beforehand?
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that spearheading a project of this scale requires immense collaboration. At first, navigating the layers of campus operations can feel overwhelming, but I realized that having a supportive team and being courageous enough to advocate for student needs with administration and faculty makes all the difference. You don’t have to have all the answers at the beginning; what matters most is showing up with passion, persistence, and a willingness to build partnerships along the way.
What would you say to people considering Aunt Flow for their school?
Do it. Aunt Flow is more than just a product—it’s a movement towards a society that honors equity, dignity, and well-being. The impact goes far beyond the dispensers themselves; it normalizes period care, reduces stigma, and creates a more inclusive environment for everyone. If you’re considering it, know that you’re not just providing pads and tampons—you’re helping shift culture.
What’s next for your period product program to build upon its current success?
We hope to expand and sustain the program long after my time at UT. That means working to ensure consistent funding, possibly increasing the number of dispensers across campus, and continuing to raise awareness through student-led initiatives. Our goal is to make access to period products a permanent, normalized part of campus life—something future students can rely on without even having to think about it.
