Yenidel Vargas ‘22

Programs Assistant

Yenidel has spent the majority of her life in La Cienaga of Cabarete, the second largest local neighborhood that borders the Mariposa Foundation and is named after its proximity to the lagoon – La Cienaga directly translating to “the swamp.” One of eight siblings, Yenidel was the only one to enter Mariposa programs and did so at age 8. Ten years later, Yenidel graduated from Cabarete’s local high school, Centro de Enseñanza Coral, made possible through a scholarship by the Mariposa Foundation as well as graduated from Mariposa programs. Yenidel rejoined the Mariposa team as a Programs Assistant in November of 2022 and is concurrently studying School Psychology at O & M University in Puerto Plata. Originally wanting to study to become a teacher, Yenidel recognizes the high demand for mental health resources and hopes to be a resource to her peers and community members. 

Yenidel is especially motivated by watching the Mariposa girls learn and is fueled by their energy and motivation. She has learned a great deal about being creative and flexible in the classroom and believes that is the key to encouraging success in the classroom. When Yenidel was little she always wanted to be a teacher and would tell her mother that when she grows up she wants to be a teacher. She is extremely proud to say that her passion stuck with her throughout her adolescence and she is finally getting to pursue her dreams of working with children in education.