Noelia Ortiz-Landazabal, a Paterno Fellow majoring in political science and African studies with a minor in women’s studies got involved with Days for Girls after going abroad. It’s an international organization with a local Penn State branch that empowers women and girls worldwide through sustainable menstrual care and health education. Ortiz-Landazabal serves as the president of the Penn State branch. Their main focus has been sewing reusable menstrual pads. With access to these pads, more girls are able to go to school and stay in school.
Ortiz-Landazabal also is a director of the Schreyer Honors College program, Schreyer for Women, a program launched her freshman year. The program works to prepare high school girls for the College experience and encourages participation in typically male-dominated fields.