We are thrilled to begin a new chapter as we welcome a remarkable and prominent Dominican educator and supporter of the girl movement to the Mariposa Community. It is an absolute privilege to welcome Shirley M. Collado, Ph.D., President & Chief Executive Officer of College Track and President Emerita of Ithaca College, as Co-Honorary Chairwoman alongside Dominican heroine and author, Julia Alvarez.
Read MoreWe probably imagine life’s “first times” as taking place in the early years. First steps, first time startled by the tartness of a lime, first time writing your name. It’s easy to overlook that so many “firsts” take place throughout our entire lives, passing by uncelebrated, or at the very least, unnoticed. Last week, I [Dr. Rocío Nuñez Shea] had the pleasure of watching and even partaking in many firsts of my own on the annual graduation trip for the graduating high school seniors at the Mariposa DR Foundation.
Read MoreThe Mariposa DR Foundation recently concluded its annual health fair. This family event is a critical component of our programming and is essential in gathering information and providing necessary services to our girls. This year, our parents were also direct recipients of vital health assessments and learned the importance of a healthy lifestyle along with their daughter.
Read MoreMeet Nicole Martinez Cespedas- a true testament of resiliency, determination, and success. Nicole joined the Mariposa DR Foundation at age 9, ready to take full advantage of everything it had to offer. Now a freshman at Whitman College in the United States, Nicole’s journey is an inspiration and an example of what can happen when a young woman is empowered and given opportunities.
Read MoreOh sweet summer, how we love you! School has come to an end and the Mariposa Center for Girls is buzzing with excitement and fun! Our annual summer camp is something our girls look forward to all year. Activities intentionally engage the girls, teaching teamwork and resiliency, promoting independence, enriching academic acquisition, and encouraging a connection with the beautiful island we call home.
Read MoreThe Mariposa DR Foundation is full of pride and celebration as eleven of our special young women completed their studies and graduated from the Mariposa Center for Girls. For many of these young women, their graduation marks the end of over ten years participating in Mariposa programming. These graduates experienced a magnitude of academic enrichment, environmental education, arts, culture, health & wellness, vocational training, and recreational activities that have allowed them to discover their own strengths and interests.
Read MoreSpring is in the air and The Mariposa Center for Girls is buzzing with positive energy. We have been extremely busy with deep cleaning, organizing, and giving the Mariposa Center for Girls a refresh as programs are in full swing and visitors return.
Read MoreAt the Mariposa DR Foundation, we are committed to developing life-long, healthy habits while protecting the environment and respecting the abundant resources the Dominican Republic has to offer. We are proud to announce that as of this year, all of the food that is prepared at our Center is entirely plant-based!
Read MoreShe is a reader. She is a ballerina. She is a swimmer. She is a mathematician. She is a seamstress. She is a yogi. She is a cyclist. She is a surfer. She is… anything that she wants to be!
Read MoreAs the 2021 school year gets underway, The Mariposa DR Foundation is excited to welcome a new group of 40 Maripositas to our Center. Wide eyed, curious and excited to begin their transformative journey, these new Mariposa girls are on their way to change the course of their lives and the future of their families. Always first on our list to serve are the siblings and relatives to active Mariposa girls. Once these spots are filled, we begin to reach out to the community at large. All new girls go through an orientation process which includes home visits and intake information with parents and families to get a better understanding of their individual needs.
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