Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Dhiya Thirumurugan. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.
When Dhiya Thirumurugan was younger, periods were something she felt too shy to talk about or even to ask for help with. Noticing that menstrual products weren’t always available at school, she realized the barrier wasn’t only access; it was the stigma that made something completely normal feel like a secret. In 2023, she co-founded Cycles for Change, a youth-led nonprofit working to end period poverty and normalize conversations about menstruation.
Now 17, Dhiya serves as co-founder and CEO, leading student ambassadors, building partnerships, organizing product distributions, and driving the group’s fundraising, education, and advocacy. Cycles for Change has raised more than $10,000, directly supported over 5,000 women and girls, and reached more than 650,000 people through digital education and awareness. Dhiya has also helped put menstrual products into the hands of students across Texas public schools, so no one has to miss class for lack of hygiene essentials.
Volunteering, Dhiya says, taught her that impact starts with listening, and that you don’t have to wait until you’re older to make a difference.
Do you want to make a difference in your community like Dhiya? Find local volunteer opportunities.