Belkis Ynoa

Seamstress & Programs Assistant

Originally from Santiago, the second largest city in the Dominican Republic, Belkis’ family is from nearby Yásica, the riverside community along the beautiful Rio De Yásica. Belkis moved to Cabarete over 20 years ago when she first met her husband so that she could be closer to her family. A mother to three, her daughter Yanceli is a Mariposa programs graduate who is studying graphic design at PUCMM in Santiago on a scholarship made possible by the Mariposa Foundation.

Belkys is a talented seamstress who gained her experience through a government run course, INFOTEP — Instituto Nacional de Formación Técnico Profesional (National Institute of Professional Technical Training), as she has always enjoyed learning and was interested in sewing. Belkys’ determination to keep learning is evident as she completed the three-month long course on three separate occasions because she felt as though she still had more to learn. Belkys began working as a seamstress in the Mariposa Upcycled project in 2017 and assists in the production and design of our Upcycled products, which include backpacks, wristlets, and reusable shopping bags. She also assists in teaching sewing classes to Mariposa girls and leading on various arts and crafts. Belkys is an artistic person who loves decorating and her home is a testament to her passion as it is covered in her own works from curtains to blankets to cushion covers. Belkys is passionate about Mariposa’s mission and loves working with the girls and being a part of a team dedicated to educating and uplifting girls in her community.