Act to Impact with Brandi DeVries

How Miss Minnesota USA Is Fighting for Girls’ Dignity

Brandi DeVries Episode 28

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What if something as simple as a pad or tampon determined whether a girl could go to school?

In this episode of Act to Impact, host Brandi DeVries sits down with Megan Rivera to discuss how she’s using her crown to break the stigma surrounding women’s health and advocate for girls around the world.

Through her work with Days for Girls, Megan is helping ensure women and girls have access to feminine hygiene products and education — something many people take for granted. 

Megan shares the moment that ignited her passion for this cause, the surprising statistics around period poverty in the United States, and how her platform as Miss Minnesota USA has amplified her ability to make an impact.

This conversation sheds light on an issue many people don’t realize exists — and shows how small actions can help restore dignity, confidence, and opportunity for women and girls everywhere.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Period poverty affects millions of women and girls. Even in the United States, many cannot afford basic feminine hygiene products.

Access to menstrual products directly impacts education. Girls without supplies often miss school, which can limit their long-term opportunities.

Breaking stigma starts with conversation. Talking openly about women’s health helps normalize the topic and empowers girls.

The power of pageantry goes beyond the stage. Megan has used her title as Miss Minnesota USA to raise awareness and mobilize community support.

Small actions can create real change. Hosting donation drives, volunteering, or supporting organizations like Days for Girls can help women in your own community.

Advocacy doesn’t require perfection. It simply requires the willingness to speak up and take action.

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue.

You can also support the mission of Days for Girls by donating menstrual products to a local women’s shelter or volunteering at a kit-building event in your community.

Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

Thank you to guest Megan Rivera

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