Nov. 10, 2025 | Emily Reier ’28
For Airlie Wedemeyer ’08, a passion for storytelling, education and global exploration unexpectedly evolved into groundbreaking work in women’s health. After discovering reflexology while teaching in the Philippines. Wedemeyer returned to the United States with an idea that would become MyPeriodPal, the device that earned her the 2022 Healthcare Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Her path — from UNCW’s film program to classrooms around the world to health-focused entrepreneurship — reflects the creativity and resilience that define Seahawk alumni.
In this latest Hawk’s Eye View, Wedemeyer shares the inspiration behind her venture and how her academic experiences continue to shape her leadership and advocacy today.
What inspired you to start My Period Pal, and what personal experiences shaped that vision?
MyPeriodPal began in the Philippines when a colleague taught me reflexology. She showed me the uterus reflex and where to apply pressure for period pain. I used it for years, and I returned to the U.S., I realized there was no device to maintain that pressure — so invented one!
What led you to UNCW while researching universities?
After completing an associate's degree in photography, I became fascinated by multimedia work. Discovering UNCW’s film program sealed the deal, and I jumped in immediately.
Were there any professors, courses or campus experiences at UNCW that helped you think differently about health, entrepreneurship or advocacy?
The Women’s Issues course shaped my understanding of gender inequality and disparity at a time when those topics weren’t widely discussed. Now, as I think about MyPeriodPal as both a support initiative and empowerment tool, I see how that class gave me a strong foundation for my work. I’ve done dozens of speeches, pitches and grant applications, and that class was always in the back of my mind as a source of strength.
How did your academic journey influence your leadership style?
After UNCW, I continued my education to become a teacher and taught internationally.
I brought my background in photography, film and composition into the classroom, using art and storytelling to help students think creatively and broaden their perspectives.
Your time in the Philippines and your studies at UNCW both seem to have influenced your global outlook. How did those experiences shape your approach to wellness and innovation?
Living in a low-income area outside of Angeles was incredibly eye-opening. Access to basic pain medicine was slim to none, and women regularly missed school or work due to severe cramps, which created real gender disparities.
Learning reflexology there made sense – it was a way to cope without medicine. The women I worked with taught me so much. Living with less showed me just how much we take for granted in the U.S., and that sense of necessity — needing something and not having it— lit the fire behind my work.
What challenges did you face as you ventured into startup life, and how did you navigate them?
Startup life was an absolute ball of adrenaline! I moved quickly from idea to prototype between 2017 and 2019 and received a grant in early 2020 — right as COVID hit. Manufacturing became a whole different beast, as many companies shifted to mask production. My project was rejected by all the manufacturers who had previously accepted me, but I finally found a great family-owned manufacturer in China that I still work with today. Flexibility and persistence were everything.
What stood out to you about the way other cultures approach women’s health and holistic care?
What stood out to me the most was how committed people were to the most organic, natural approach. They aren’t opposed to modern medicine, but their first instinct is to help the body help itself. Reflexology is often a generational knowledge, whereas in the U.S., you might never encounter it.
Their traditional, body-centered approach to wellness shaped how I built MyPeriodPal. It showed me that solutions don’t have to be high-tech; simple, body-based approaches can be incredibly effective.
Tackling a stigmatized topic like menstrual health requires a lot of courage. Where do you find yours?
Early on, I often pitched to rooms full of middle-ages men, which was intimidating. Over time, I realized many were open and engaged because they’d watched women in their lives struggle. Everyone understands the helplessness of seeing someone you love in pain, and that realization changed everything.
What's one moment in your entrepreneurial journey that reminded you of the values you built during your time at UNCW?
At UNCW, my friends and I were always making films; for class or just for fun. Developing MyPeriodPal felt similar: gather people who believe in your vision, assign roles, invite feedback and build strong relationships. Community-driven work is so powerful, and it’s important to have people that are willing to invest in you. I’d be nowhere without the help of the women in my community.
You talked about how supportive communities helped your journey. What advice would you give to others trying to find their “helpers” when starting something new?
I’d say start with the people around you, not necessarily family or close friends, but your immediate environment. I was working at a Fortune 500 headquarters, so there were women in pain everywhere. Start there. Start with what you have.
Then branch out. Ask people to share with their friends. Don’t stay in your comfort zone with people who will tell you what you want to hear. Get uncomfortable.
If you could return to UNCW and speak to students today, what message would you share about resilience, innovation or purpose-driven work?
If I were to return to UNCW, I'd tell students that the road is long, but it is filled with good people who are always willing to help. Look for the helpers, be flexible, write grants, make focus groups, save your money (it’ll cost 5x what you think it will) and the most important: document everything, especially the bad! You will learn so much more from your critics than you ever imagined.
As MyPeriodPal continues to grow, what do you hope people take away from your work — both in terms of innovation and women’s health advocacy?
That’s a big question. Honestly, I just hope people feel a sense of community and support. Women need to show up for other women. And we should never stop innovating for women just because an issue is uncomfortable or not widely talked about.
Menstrual pain is constant for many women, and that makes it no less real or important. I hope my work encourages others to keep innovating, follow their values and give what they can to those who need it.