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Celi and Raya met through a mutual friend, and bonded over conversations around access to Menstrual products in Australia and Africa. Through these conversations, they recognised striking similarities between the experiences of African women and First Nations women in Australia, particularly highlighting issues around access to products, education, and culturally safe support.
From these discussions, the idea for Chupis came to life. United by a common purpose, Celi and Raya set out to create an organisation grounded in dignity, equity, and community-led solutions. Their mission is to improve menstrual health by delivering culturally safe education programs, while providing sustainable menstrual products to participants.
Celi, an avid traveler and adventurer with a heart dedicated to making a difference, has traversed landscapers near and far, embracing the beauty of diverse cultures and immersing in the stories of people across the globe.
A natural born teacher, she recognized the power of education early on. Guided by this mission, Celi founded an education Maths charity; Gecko on the Move. While volunteering in East Africa, Celi witnessed the dire challenges faced by teenage girls lacking access to proper menstrual hygiene products. Some would often resort to unsanitary materials, leading to infections and serious health risks, as well as increased absence from school. This prompted the idea of washable period pads, to address well-being, dignity, and opportunity. from this, the idea of Chupis was born.
Raya is a proud Warumungu woman from Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, whose lived experience and professional background have shaped her deep commitment to community-led change. With extensive experience across the community services sector, Raya has worked closely with diverse communities and has witnessed first-hand the gaps that exist in access to culturally appropriate education, particularly in the area of menstrual health. Through her work, she recognised that one-size-fits-all approaches are often ineffective, and that meaningful impact can only be achieved when programs are designed with, not for, the communities they aim to support.
Raya identified not only the urgent need for accessible and relevant education, but also the importance of strengthening community voice, involvement, and consultation at every stage of program delivery. She understands that trust, respect, and cultural safety are essential to creating environments where women and girls feel comfortable to learn, ask questions, and engage openly. This insight has been instrumental in shaping the foundation of Chupis, ensuring that all programs are grounded in collaboration and guided by the knowledge and leadership of the communities themselves.
Driven by a passion for equity and empowerment, Raya is dedicated to improving outcomes for women and girls by breaking down barriers to education and access. Her leadership continues to influence Chupis’ direction, reinforcing its commitment to culturally safe practices, sustainability, and long-term impact.
The Chupis Board brings together a diverse group of leaders who are deeply committed to advancing menstrual health equity, cultural safety, and community-led impact. Board members are united by a shared belief that access to menstrual education and sustainable products is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Our board provides strategic guidance, governance oversight, and advocacy support, helping to strengthen the organisation’s reach and sustainability. They are proud to support an organisation that not only addresses immediate needs, but also invests in empowering women and girls with knowledge, confidence, and choice. Their continued involvement reflects a strong alignment with Chupis’ mission to create lasting, meaningful change for communities often underserved and overlooked.