We’re looking forward to introducing you to APRIL Love. Check out our conversation below.
Hi APRIL, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Responding to emails for sponsorships, securing product donations, scheduling hygiene care workshops, and donation drop-offs for those in need.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the Executive Director of Why We Give, a BIPOC founded and led nonprofit dedicated to ending hygiene poverty and restoring dignity for individuals and families across Los Angeles. Guided by my belief that access to basic hygiene is a human right, I launched Why We Give to address the overlooked but urgent needs of communities experiencing homelessness, disaster displacement, and economic hardship.
Why We Give has distributed thousands of CARE hygiene kits, facilitated youth-centered hygiene workshops, and built partnerships with national brands like LUSH Cosmetics, Bombas, and Thrive Causemetics. My approach combines direct relief with storytelling, ensuring that the voices of those most impacted guide the organization’s mission and shape systemic change. I’m committed to creating spaces where people are not only supported in the moment but empowered to be seen, heard, and valued for the long term.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I traveled to Egypt and for the first time I witnessed homelessness from a global lens of a developing country. I was perplexed and in awe of the severity of those suffering from homelessness internationally vs. what I saw in the United States. It shook me to realize that change is necessary and we can do so anywhere we are; no matter how big or small our effort is. I really solidified my commitment of my life goals in helping people. Because the only we can change the world is if we change for the better; as change in this world is inevitable.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me that no one is immune from it in this world. It teaches us lessons that success can have us blind to. You learn empathy when you’ve gone thru the same or similar situations as someone else. You can really put yourself in someone’s shoes when you were once in that same place.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
I believe that freedom of speech should be upheld for all. I’m also a firm believer that light drives out darkness so as long as we make sure the voices of light stay loud, then it leaves no room for hate and darkness to bloom.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Doubting. It ages you faster and literally takes away from your life, and never adds to it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.whywegiveproject.org/
- Instagram: @whywegiveproject
- Linkedin: why we give project
- Youtube: @whywegiveproject1357
