About Us
Who We Are
Our Story
The Period Pantry Project was founded in January 2020 to address a critical gap: consistent access to period products in Franklin County. Co-founders Jill Guinan and Melanie Saunders started the organization after recognizing how difficult it can be for individuals and families to access essential menstrual supplies.
What began as a simple idea has grown into a community-powered effort with hundreds of volunteers and partners across the city. Together, we work to end period poverty, reduce stigma, and ensure that anyone who needs menstrual products can access them.
Our Team
Jill Guinan
Founder, Board President
I am the President and Founder of The Period Pantry. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, am a Certified Community Health Worker, and bring more than 15 years of nonprofit experience to this work.
I founded The Period Pantry in 2020 after repeatedly encountering pregnant and parenting clients through my outreach work who needed period products and realizing there were no consistent, accessible resources in Central Ohio to meet that need. I believe deeply in public service that reduces barriers and makes essential resources easier to access for the people who need them most. My long-term vision is for menstrual products to be viewed as essential to daily life in the same way toilet paper is today.
When I am not delivering period products, writing grants, or advocating for period equity, I work as a supervisor at a public housing organization. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, knitting, and spending time with my partner, children, and pets.
Melanie Saunders
Co-Founder, Executive Director
I’m from Lancaster, Ohio and moved to Columbus in 2017. I have worked a variety of customer service roles throughout my life, helping people from all different backgrounds.
Melissa Zettel
Secretary
I was born in Wisconsin and grew up in various areas across the United States. Among my many experiences, I spent several years living and going to school in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio.
I attended Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and graduated with a degree in Art. I also earned a minor in community nonprofit organization, reflecting my strong passion for fostering community development from within.
I moved back to the Columbus area in 2022 and joined The Period Pantry in early 2024. I am honored to contribute to the organization’s mission and dedicated to helping to grow the tremendous impact it has in this community.
Dana O'Neal
Treasurer
I’ve lived my entire life in the Columbus area, and I earned an English degree from The Ohio State University.
I started my career helping people with disabilities while in college and navigated my way to the administrative side in this same provider space. I’m now the Director of Operations, advising and working with the same company I started with in direct care.
I joined The Period Pantry in early 2024 because I want to give something back to the community around me. I’m happy to utilize my skillset to increase this organization’s positive impact.
Agata Brenneman
Board Member
I serve on the Board of Directors for The Period Pantry with a deep belief that access to menstrual products is a basic need, not a luxury, and that community-centered solutions are essential to addressing period poverty. In my professional role at CelebrateOne, I lead communications and community engagement strategies that connect people and systems, uplift community voices, and strengthen support for children and families, all in service of reducing infant mortality.
Across all of my work, I am driven by advocacy, collaboration, and a commitment to ensuring people feel seen, heard, and supported.
Starla Bible
Board Member
I work as an educator and community advocate. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University and a Master’s degree from Ohio University. After 20 years in sales, I returned to my calling of educating young people and now work in the South-Western City School District.
I am also a foster parent, and my daughters and I volunteer in the community, primarily with Crossroads World Outreach Ministries during food distribution efforts.
I joined the board in December 2024 and am excited to work with the team and the community to address period poverty