Can design help to rewrite the narrative on periods? In this talk Millie Mensah lifts the lid on the taboos and stigmas surrounding menstruation, explaining how the power of graphic design can be harnessed to open more positive conversations on periods. An alumna of Croydon High, Millie Mensah was born and raised in Croydon and works as a graphic designer and design educator. A published author and former youth justice worker, Millie holds two degrees in Sociology (BSc) and Applied Criminology (MA).

Millie spent nine years working at Islington and Croydon Councils in Children's Social Care, before changing her career to work as a graphic designer. She has worked in education, non-profits, travel and tech industries and is currently freelancing and working as an educator for Shillington Education. Millie wrote a children’s book called ‘Migration’ (published in 2022) to help educate children (and adults!) about the journeys Black people have made from Roman times to the present day.

Millie’s energy comes from working with people; whether it is helping them make positive life choices, raising awareness about the world through design, writing or guiding aspirational designers through their design education - people will always be at the heart of what she does. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx