Why I Volunteer for SHE: Meet Aimee Sealfon

in Blog  by connie lewin

aimeeTell us a bit about yourself.

I am a graphic designer by training, and work within Johnson & Johnson’s Global Strategic Design Office as consumer solutions director on their baby and feminine care franchises. I have been a designer with the GSDO for almost ten years, but before that worked as a packaging designer for CPG (consumer packaged goods) at Martha Stewart, as well as some smaller design firms throughout my career.

How did you find out about SHE?

I first heard about SHE when Elizabeth Scharpf was featured on NPR about six years ago.  The story resonated with me because I have a passionate interest in maternal and children’s health especially where it intersects with FemCare and EMs.

What project did you work on with SHE? Whom did you work with? How did you use your skills and talents to help advance SHE’s mission?

J&J’s GSDO is partnering with SHE to develop more sustainable (eliminating packaging where possible, taking into account the disposal and reusability of the secondary packaging), cost effective and delightful packaging that better meets the needs of the girls + women who are using the go! pads. The new packaging also includes the inclusion of reproductive health and MHM educational materials for the girls. I worked primarily with Flora and Jeanette to develop new packaging that we could test with the girls at different schools, as well to develop the educational content. However, I also worked with the entire core team during different points within the design thinking process.

What are some highlights of your volunteer work with SHE?

Working with the girls: co­-creating better packaging and product ideas together with them; seeing the banana cooperatives and understanding more about the manufacturing process of the go! Pads.

What should people know about SHE?

I really love the idea that women are helping women and the embracement and support of Rwandan pride throughout the entire process. SHE specifically chose banana coops that have women farmers and workers (not all do), the manufacturing plant employs almost primarily women; and at the core, it is really incredible that Rwandan women are helping young Rwandan girls to feel more empowered and confident; and to stay in school by having sanitary pads for when they have their period; the pads which are made with Rwandan banana fiber.