SUCCESS STORIES

Jafreisy has always brought an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm to whatever she does. As one of the original Mariposa girls, Jafreisy was active in our singing, circus, and surfing programs. In 2017, Jareisy graduated from high school and went on to study successfully at UWC Costa Rica. During her summers, Jafreisy has worked as a Mariposa lead guide in our swimming and River Keepers camp program. While in the summer of 2019, Jafreisy helped to lead activities in our UWC Short Course program. Jafreisy is a Davis UWC Program scholarship recipient and is currently studying Political Science and Women’s Studies at Methodist University in North Carolina, where she is enjoying being a cheerleader for the university squad.

Rose Lourdes was an active Mariposa girl for many years. During her final years with us, Rose Lourdes discovered her love of sewing through our program. After graduating from high school, Rose Lourdes began working for Mariposa in our Upcycled sewing program, where she fine tuned her skills and decided to study fashion design. Rose Lourdes is a recipient of our Mariposas Volando scholarship program where she currently studies fashion design in Santiago. As a budding designer, she is focused on Afro-centric designs that celebrate her rich Haitian culture. We are proud of Rose Lourdes for following her heart and taking on a different path that was inspired by her time in programs with us.

Detiny arrived at Mariposa 6 years ago, at a time during the year when we were not admitting new girls into programs.  Once our team met her and saw her spunk, we decided to make an exception and added her to our roster. We all saw something in Detiny that made her stand out above the rest.   As a young girl, Detiny lost both of her parents tragically, but it did not stop her from fulfilling her dreams and pushing herself to keep excelling in everything she does. In programs, Detiny has proven to be an incredible leader and talented in music and dance.  Detiny is well spoken, analytical and has a great sense of creativity. This summer, Detiny was a pioneer in our UWC Summer Short course and befriended participants form around the globe. Detiny was accepted into a scholarship program through a local, prestigious international school (ISLA Academy). Detiny has proven to be one of the top students in her course at ISLA and is rapidly learning English proficiently.  Detiny has high hopes of being an architect one day and is a candidate to apply for UWC next Fall. We look forward to seeing how high Detiny flies!

Marlin should not be mistaken as just a shy girl. Though Marlin is soft spoken, she is fierce in her desire to change her life and her future. Marlin can be described as being incredibly respectful, kind and empathetic to others. As a member of the Mariposa musical group, Marlin has broken out of her shell, with her commitment to learning piano. Marlin is a great role model for other Mariposa girls and is a positive influencer on the girls as she models the utmost respect for herself and others. Marlin also participated as a pioneer in our UWC Summer Short Course program- helping her to feel more comfortable in her language skills and communicating with others from around the globe. Marlin is currently receiving a 100% scholarship at the prestigious, international school ISLA Academy, where she continues to grow to be the best version of herself.

Yaritza was one of the original Mariposa girls, and joined the organization in 2009. We have been honored to watch her grow into an amazing young woman and voracious reader. Her academic strengths have taken her to new heights as she is a graduate from the vigorous UWC Costa Rica International Baccalaureate program and is currently a Davis UWC Program scholarship recipient. During her summers, Yaritza has worked as a Mariposa lead guide in our bike program. In the summer of 2019, Yaritza helped to co-lead activities in our UWC Short Course program. Yaritza is currently excelling academically at the College of Idaho, where she is studying Business Administration. Yaritza continues to push her own limits as she reaches higher to achieve her dreams!

Yuri actively participated in Mariposa programs for 4 years, despite her family moving to the next town over. Though her own mother stopped school in 5th grade, Yuri has proven to be earnestly dedicated to her studies in psychology at a local university. Yuri is a proud recipient of our Mariposa Volando scholarship program and is also working as a server in one of the top hotels in Cabarete as she completes her studies. We are so proud of Yuri’s successes and in her determination to end the cycle of poverty for her family and future generations!

Criseld was in Mariposa for 6 years and sticks out as one of Mariposa’s greatest actresses. She speaks excellent English and uses her skills at her waitressing job, where she earns money to save for college. Her mother married at 17 years old and stopped school in 7th grade, so Criseld is well on her way in taking a different path. Criseld is known for her passion for theater and her kindness towards others. She is very eager to pursue the arts or continue on to higher education!

Yanaira began programs with us at 11 years old, at that moment we would never have guessed what an incredible impact she would have on the organization. In 2015, Yanaira graduated from high school and immediately started working as the Foundation’s secretary. Within the last four years, Yanaira has grown tremendously both professionally and as an empowered young woman. Not only does she manage a myriad of responsibilities gracefully, she leaves work to enter a night university program where she studies Business Administration. As a Mariposa Volando Scholarship recipient and the proud older sister of Romley (see above), her experience as a Mariposa has been invaluable as she tackles the day-to-day operational challenges with the perspective of someone who has gone through programming. We are proud to have seen Yanaira blossom into a dependable, hard working young woman who is committed to the organization and to our mission wholeheartedly.

Romely joined Mariposa in 2012 and is known for being exceptionally kind, patient and mature. As a Mariposa, Romely especially enjoyed sewing and artistic projects. After graduating from high school in 2017, she made the big move across the ocean to study at UWC Atlantic College in Wales where she was able to adapt to a lifestyle extremely different than her own. Romely took on the challenge of studying in Wales with perseverance and determination to succeed. In 2019, Romely became a UWC Program scholarship recipient and is currently enjoying university life at Wartburg College in Iowa. Romely's adaptability and persistence in being an agent of change for her future is noteworthy and will take her far, as she pursues her studies in psychology.

Nikauris hails from one of the original families in Cabarete who have lived in extreme poverty for generations. Of all of her extended family, Nikauris is the first to have graduated from high school. Nikauris is currently working at our sister organization, 3 Mariposas Montessori, where she is serving as an assistant librarian, and truly loves to be in the ambiance of a progressive educational institution. In January, she will begin her university studies in education through the Mariposa Volando scholarship program. We are so impressed with Nikauris focus and how convinced and determined she is in knowing that education is the key to ending poverty.

Alexandra’s contagious smile and positive outlook on life, makes her a complete joy to be around. She is a confident young woman ready to take on the challenges that life has given her. Alexandra is the daughter of Haitian immigrants who have taught her the value of hard work and responsibility. Alexandra’s compelling story was featured in a Girls Not Brides video. Her strong familial ties have made her a wonderful example for her little Mariposa sister, Johana and all of the rest of the Mariposa girls. Alexandra is also a founding member of our musical group and is the only ukulele bass player in the band. This summer, Alexandra was a pioneer in our UWC Summer Short Course program, which pushed her to grow on so many levels. Alexandra is currently receiving a 100% scholarship at the prestigious international school, ISLA Academy, where she is facing her challenges with positivity and perseverance that we would only expect from her.

As a young girl, Naomi was a wild child with no fear.  Noting her bravery and incredible balance and flexibility, we felt that she would benefit tremendously from circus classes.  Naomi has spent the last 8 years in circus classes and has since, mastered the hoop, silks and trapeze with grace and beauty.  Naomi is not only an incredible circus performer, but she equally has a passion for surfing. As an athletic young woman, she has been able to excel in surfing and has come on top of our annual surf competition yearly.  Naomi also spent many years drumming for the Mariposa Musical Group and did an intensive English program this summer to prepare her for applying to become a circus performer at a local Club Med. Naomi’s ultimate goal is to perform for Cirque du Soleil and we have no doubt that her years of dedication and passion will help her reach her goals and fly high as a Mariposa Volando! To learn more about her compelling story, click on to the link (add Link) and watch the Girls Not brides video featuring Naomi and her sister Mabreidy.