A year ago, Paula Leon, IDSA undertook a project focused on enhancing the user experience of cleaning menstrual cups in public restrooms. Recognizing its significant potential, she was propelled by a deep passion to empower women in managing menstruation safely and comfortably.
Currently in the final year of her Master’s program in Industrial Design at North Carolina State University, Paula chose to center her thesis around this idea. Her motivation stems from the realization that menstrual cups suffer from a lack of awareness due to societal stigmas surrounding menstruation, hindering many women from exploring alternative, environmentally friendly products.
Paula’s pitch at NC State’s Entrepreneur Clinic led to her acceptance and entry into the exclusive Incubator program. Notably, she is the sole designer among the participants. The Incubator program aims to validate the market viability of innovative ideas.
This opportunity allows Paula to collaborate with leading startups and corporations, working with top-tier interdisciplinary talents. She strongly believes this program will provide invaluable support to her concept, aiming to make menstrual management more comfortable for women while challenging and dismantling societal stigmas.
Paula’s dedication, coupled with the resources and expertise offered by the Incubator program, promises to pave the way for a healthier and stigma-free approach to menstruation management.
Paula credits IDSA for enriching her journey and providing a springboard for her accomplishments. She views IDSA as “a fantastic platform for networking and connecting with the diverse and vibrant community of designers. Since the very outset of my career as an Industrial Designer, [she] aspired to be a part of this influential community.”
Currently serving as an officer for the IDSA student chapter at North Carolina State University, this role has enriched her design journey, enabling connections with fellow students and seasoned professionals active in the organization.
"Being part of the IDSA community has significantly benefited me by providing opportunities for meaningful connections and collaborations. It has allowed me to learn from experienced designers, gain insights into industry trends, and receive mentorship from individuals who share my passion for design."
About Paula
Paula Leon is an Industrial Designer from Bogota, Colombia, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Industrial Design at North Carolina State University. Her expertise lies in research, sustainable development, and product/service design. Since the beginning of her career, Paula has been dedicated to establishing a healthy relationship between human needs and nature.
Her recent focus has been the medical device industry. Paula has the ability to approach projects with an analytical and systemic viewpoint, crafting solutions that consider all aspects of a problem. She strongly advocates for research and analysis as the cornerstones of successful design.