Unraveling the Cycle: Understanding Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is more than a clinical diagnosis—it’s a window into how race, gender, and reproductive mental health intersect in deeply personal and systemic ways. This panel discussion explores how centering the experiences of women of color with PMDD can challenge biases in reproductive healthcare and reshape mental health care delivery. Through dialogue with thought leaders, healthcare advocates, persons with lived experience of PMDD, and community organizers, this event highlights the urgent need for culturally competent care and reframes PMDD as a powerful call to action.

The panel discussion will take place on Saturday, June 14 from 12:00pm – 1:30pm. Guests are invited to arrive early and stay late to connect with community partners and explore local resources.

This event is free to attend, and light refreshments will be offered. All attendees will receive free admission to the Cummings Center’s National Museum of Psychology and Institute galleries. Registration is required.

This event is presented in partnership with Akron Soul Train Gallery as an extension of the wider Unraveling the Cycle art exhibition, developed during Sharelle Mone't Thompson’s artist residency. The exhibition is on display from June 27 through July 19, 2025, at Akron Soul Train Gallery (91 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308). Together, the exhibition and this panel discussion aim to create visibility, foster understanding, and inspire systemic change in women’s health.

Panelist - Shalene Gupta is the author of The Cycle: Confronting the Pain of Periods and PMDD, a groundbreaking exploration of how menstrual health intersects with gender, race, and systemic inequities. Her work sheds light on the lived experiences of those navigating PMDD, challenging stigmas and pushing for more inclusive, culturally competent care.

A former financial specialist for the U.S. Department of Treasury, journalist for Fortune, and researcher at Harvard Business School, Shalene’s writing has appeared in The Atlantic, ESPN, Harvard Business Review, and TIME. She is currently a staff editor at Fast Company and a graduate of Columbia Journalism School and Johns Hopkins.

Panelists - Angela Neal-Barnett, Ph.D., is a professor of Psychological Science and leading expert in the mental health of underserved populations, with an emphasis on anxiety and trauma-related disorders. Her latest efforts center around Black perinatal mothers in particular—who may be suffering from PTSD or other mood and anxiety disorders that can lead to increased preterm births, infant mortality, and maternal morbidity and mortality. Through her Spirit of Motherhood Initiative, funded by the Anthem Foundation and Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation pregnant Black women and their families receive a multi-level intervention for PTSD, anxiety, and parenting. Dr. Neal-Barnett is the author of Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Fear (Simon & Schuster). She is also the recipient of a WEBBY People’s Voice Award and a regional Edward R. Murrow award for her exceptional contributions to the podcast, Living for We. Dr. Neal-Barnett received her B.A. from Mount Union College (University of Mount Union) and her M.A. and Ph.D. from DePaul University.

Panelist - Micah Stoudemire is a passionate advocate for equity in education, employment, and mental health. As the founder of Dreamwork Ohio | Career Impact Agency, she helps underserved communities turn aspirations into achievements—because when the dream works, the community thrives. In her role as Project Director at The Centers, she continues this mission, fostering access and opportunity. Micah also brings her lived experience with PMDD to this conversation, highlighting the need for visibility, culturally competent care, and community support.

Moderator - Sharelle Mone’t Thompson is the Cleveland-based artist behind Unraveling the Cycle and moderator of this panel, she uses immersive art to shed light on PMDD and its impact on women of color, creating space for visibility, empathy, and community care.

A graduate of Cleveland State University with a BFA in Photography and a minor in African Diasporic art. She is also a former recipient of the Karamu House "Room in the House" Fellowship.

As both an artist and a person with lived experience of PMDD, Sharelle brings a personal and creative perspective to moderating this conversation—focusing on how centering the voices of women of color can inspire more inclusive, culturally competent care.

Akron Soul Train is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts in Akron, Ohio. Through artist residencies, exhibitions, and community engagement initiatives, Akron Soul Train provides resources and opportunities for artists to explore their creativity and contribute to the cultural richness of the region.

The event will take place on the 3rd floor of the Cummings Center building in the Institute for Human Science and Culture classrooms. The street address is 73 S. College Street Akron, Ohio 44325-4302 (on the corner of Mill and College Streets).

A wheelchair accessible ramp is located on the northeast side of the building, near the main entrance. The building, including the Institute, is wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair is available to loan for those visiting. Please contact us ahead of time with any accessibility requirements so we can work together to make your visit comfortable.

For more information, see our accessibility page: https://uakron.edu/chp/about-us/accessibility.

A small parking lot is adjacent to the Cummings Center, on College St. There are also parking meters located along College St. or visitor parking available in Lot 30 (corner of College and Market streets).

UA staff, faculty, and student parking is available in Lot 40, off Mill St.

Local bus service is provided by Akron Metro. Stops closest to the Cummings Center are at Mill & College; E. Market & College; and Main & E. Bowery St. Further route details are available from Akron Metro.

For University of Akron students, faculty, and staff, the Roo Express stops at the nearby College St. Circle and at Fir Hill Towers.

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