Velda Wang

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Velda Wang is an extraordinary graduating senior who has demonstrated a profound commitment to service and leadership during her time at Duke University. Velda's passion for healthcare and menstrual equity is truly inspiring, and she has channeled that passion into tangible action, leaving a lasting impact on both our campus and the wider community. As co-president of the Progress Period Organization for the past three years, Velda has worked tirelessly to establish menstrual equity at Duke and in Durham through intentional community partnerships. She has shown herself to be a bright and engaged member of our community, dedicated to creating a legacy of impactful activism.

Early in her work, Velda encountered significant roadblocks. When she discovered that university housing lacked the resources to provide menstrual products in dorms, she took matters into her own hands, securing funding and mobilizing her network. Alongside her fellow organization members, Velda piloted a product distribution program in the dorms. Over two years, this program provided 5,000 products to more than 800 undergraduate students. Following the success of this pilot program, Velda and her co-president presented their findings and recommendations to university leadership. Her professionalism, data-driven approach, and eloquent articulation of the need for greater attention to health equity among the student population drove institutional change.

Velda consistently looks for ways to expand her impact, such as exploring the inclusion of menstrual products in first-year student health packs and planning for program expansion to more dorms. Beyond her work at Duke, Velda almost single-handedly organized North Carolina’s first menstrual equity rally. In observance of Menstrual Hygiene Day, she brought together over 50 students, activists, and state legislators to support the NC Diaper Bank. She also led a social media campaign that reached over 98,000 people in our local area. Her leadership and passion have been evident in her work as a community organizer for Period, a national organization dedicated to menstrual equity. Velda holds herself to a remarkably high standard, a quality that is apparent in all her endeavors. Despite her drive, she is also known for her kindness and thoughtfulness, taking a genuine interest in the lives of those around her. She has served as a mentor to many first-year students, offering guidance and support. Throughout her time at Duke, Velda has demonstrated exceptional accountability and a commitment to making a difference in her community. She has an extraordinary ability to turn passion into action and to inspire others to join her in the pursuit of change.

Velda Wang embodies the spirit of the Sullivan Award. Her dedication, perseverance, and passion for service have had a transformative impact on our community, and we are confident that she will continue to be a force for positive change in the years to come.