As founder of Purses for a Purpose, Shayna Rutman, SPA/BA ’24, MPA ’25, knows that a handbag holds more than spare change; it represents identity and autonomy. Rutman’s nonprofit—which has distributed 1,500 gently used purses to unhoused women and nonbinary individuals across the US since 2019—will host a packing party from 6–10 p.m. Wednesday, November 8, in MGC 332.
Publisher: AU Magazine
Edited By: Adrienne Frank
Published: November 8, 2023
AU sophomore brings her nonprofit to DC to help end homelessness Publisher: AU The Eagle Edited By: Mackenzie Konjoyan Published: November 18, 2021 https://www.theeagleonline.com/article/2021/11/purse
Publisher: NBC4 Edited By: Molette Green Published: December 23, 2021 https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/purposes-for-a-purpose-aims-to-uplift-women-experiencing-homelessness/2917936/ Two local
Publisher: Her Campus - American University Edited By: Sana Mamtaney Published: October 4, 2021 https://www.hercampus.com/school/american/purses-for-a-purpose-dc-aus-shayna-rutman-on-helping-homeless-