Advocacy in Action Spotlight: Ayanna White, Founder & CEO, Power In Changing
At WREN, we are honored to spotlight leaders across South Carolina who are creating change in their communities. This month, we spoke with Ayanna White, founder and CEO of Power In Changing, whose work is rooted in compassion, dignity, and lived experience. As a single mother, Ayanna once faced the heartbreaking reality of diaper need herself. That experience now drives her to ensure no parent feels the weight of not being able to provide such a basic essential for their child. For the past decade, she has led Power In Changing to distribute more than a million diapers statewide while amplifying the voices of families too often overlooked. Ayanna’s advocacy reminds us that diapers and period products are not luxuries, but necessities, and that when families have access to them, our entire community grows stronger.
Tell us a little about yourself—who you are, what you’re passionate about, and what drives you.
I am someone that believes that life should be filled with compassion and purpose, and my passion is to make sure no parent feels the weight of not being able to provide a very basic item like a diaper for their child. That drives me because I lived that. I went through that experience as a mom who faced diaper need – it is a terrible feeling. My work isn’t about being in the spotlight. I am not that person. My work is to quietly ensure families in South Carolina get the support they need to survive.
Can you share a bit about the advocacy or community work you’re involved in?
For me advocacy means amplifying the voices of families we serve, as they are ofter overlooked, and I want to ensure they have their basic needs like diapers and period products are recognized as ESSENTIAL to thrive. Through Power In Changing I want to bring both direct support and systemic awareness to these issues. Our agency is 10 years old and has distributed over a million diapers throughout the state. Diaper need is a real issue that effects thousands of families each year and I am grateful that our organization is able to tackle it head on.
What does advocacy mean to you on a personal level?
Advocacy to me means using my story to shine a light on families who go unseen, on an issue that is seen as not as important as other systemic problems in our society. To me, it means that basic dignity should be given to all, not just the families that can afford it.
Was there a moment or experience that sparked or deepened your commitment to this work?
I am a single mom of two (Seth 19 and Amina 11). I experienced diaper need firsthand, and I know what it feels like to not have what your child needs. I can tell you that feeling of hopelessness effects the family unit negatively. I lived this, and that keeps me committed to this work. No person should feel like that.
What’s one change—big or small—you hope to see in your community?
I hope to see a community where diapers and period products are treated as essential to thrive and not luxuries. That simple shift would help so many in need and would create a stronger sense of community.
What would you say to someone who wants to make a difference but isn’t sure where to begin?
To make a change you just start – it can be small like donating a pack of diapers, or come and volunteer your time, OR even share the work we are doing with others. That starts the change and the conversations around this topic.
How can people support you or the work you care about?
So, there are no federal or state funding for diapers, we are just scratching the surface on these topics. Monetary donations big or small are the most impactful way to help us serve families. Every dollar we bring in goes to getting these items in South Carolina families hands and keeping their babies healthy and happy and the families supported.