Shayna Rutman

Founder/CEO

Chapter Coordinator of Washington DC Branch

Temporary Chapter Coordinator of San Diego Branch

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My story with the foundation of Purses For A Purpose started with my dad. He showed me a Facebook flyer that said "Have an extra purse? Don't sell it, give it to a homeless woman". So, a huge shoutout to my dad for initiating this ever-growing organization.

 

We began discussing our ideas and tactics; Purses For A Purpose came to light. Purses for a Purpose was born under the core belief that all homeless women have value in society and to raise awareness about the ever-growing homeless crisis. We started spreading the word on social media about our project's needs for purses and travel-sized toiletries, and to our astonishment, we received a lot of donations and praise!

 

As our social media marketing grew, so did the opportunity to finally distribute the fully stocked purses. I partnered with the Street Boutique, the homeless advocacy division of Think Dignity in San Diego, and began traveling with them around North County San Diego every other month during high school before moving to the nation's capital for university. During the course of distributions, I learned, and continue to learn, so much from the women we serve about their experiences as women navigating ever growing homeless crisis. 

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The filters of photos resemble how much this organization has grown. In the beginning, we didn’t know the most suitable method when packing and distributing the purses, but with more distributions, I found what worked and what didn't, especially to ensure safety and transparency for the women we serve. The first delivery in August 2019 had around 14 bags compared to the most recent delivery in December 2024 with 100+! 

 

I want to thank you for your support and for wanting to help us in any way possible.

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If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!​​​​​​

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Renya Korbich

Graphic Designer / Social Media Director

Chapter Coordinator of West Chester, Pennsylvania Branch

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I have lived experience, and I was previously the student partner for Chester County's Partnership to End Homelessness in 2024. After hearing about Purses for a Purpose, I have decided to join in 2025 and begin a West Chester branch! I believe in using housing-first philanthropy, and I am very passionate about reducing homelessness, educating and raising awareness about housing crises, and supporting women and those in need. 

 

The best way to begin helping out communities in need is to get involved!​​

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Chidera Uzoejinwa

Grant Director

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Uzoejinwa Chidera is a final-year undergraduate with a growing record in organizational development and nonprofit support. I have worked with diverse organizations, helping them to strategically position themselves for sustainability and growth. My contributions have supported teams in accessing grants, aligning with accelerator programs, and building structures that amplify their impact.

 

At Purses for Purpose, I bring this same dedication, expertise, and passion for social impact. My focus is on helping the organization strategically position itself for local and international grants, partnerships, and fellowships, while also strengthening its capacity to deliver measurable change. Beyond contribution, I am equally committed to continuous learning, expanding my knowledge, collaborating with visionary individuals, and building a strong network of changemakers.

 

My goal is that through my efforts and collective teamwork, Purses for Purpose will not only scale to greater heights but also create lasting transformations in the communities we serve

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Dejah (Puddin) Travis 

Secretary​​​

Puddin is the owner of a Sweet Treats Business called "Puddin's Sweets", which was started in her sophomore year of college in 2021. Puddin grew up in Joliet, Illinois and has obtained her bachelor's degree in communications, with a minor in criminology, law, and society.

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Puddin is ecstatic to begin working as secretary and helping those in need!