Hi everyone! My name is Isshori and I’m a senior at Trinity College from Hooksett, NH. I’m double majoring in Anthropology and Neuroscience, and I am currently a Fullbright semifinalist for Nepal! The Fulbright Program is a prestigious international educational exchange program, sponsored by the U.S. government, that is dedicated to expanding perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. By being named a semifinalist, it means that I am in the final stage of the selection process for this prestigious opportunity.

For my research project, I aim to work with community members in the rural village of Oda, Kalikot District, to address and reduce the practice of Chhaupadi, a tradition that considers menstruating women impure and untouchable. I plan to revive The Oda Foundation’s menstrual hygiene program, which has been inactive due to lack of funding, by hosting open workshops that debunk myths, foster critical thinking, and provide essential education about women’s health to families. A key part of this initiative involves reusable pad workshops, which are not fully covered by Fulbright funding.

Your support will directly contribute to the creation and success of this program! Part of your contributions will help start my bake sale at Trinity College, featuring homemade white-chocolate chip matcha cookies-- all made with love and purpose! Altogether, the estimated cost for the program is $2763, the estimated cost for the bake sale $131, and the estimated transfer fees is around $90, which is all linked in this detailed spreadsheet . I will continuously update the GoFundMe page to keep you all updated.

If I’m not awarded the Fulbright, I will donate all funds raised to The Oda Foundation to support their ongoing efforts in health, education, and community development in Kalikot, Nepal.