Maddie Bruins

Administrative & Programs Assistant

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Maddie began visiting the Dominican Republic when she was 15 years old. Maddie has been involved in the Mariposa Foundation since she first came down on a high school service learning trip and in 2017-2018 Maddie served as a full time volunteer and in 2022 Maddie joined the team again. Maddie is currently finishing her last year at Portland State University (online), majoring in Social Science and has  experience in marketing, digital marketing and customer service. Maddie also spent two years studying at the University of Hawaii, learning about different cultures and working in the surf industry. Her personable demeanor and knowledge of both Dominican culture and American culture are a large asset to the organization as she builds a healthy, conscious and respectful relationship between the two backgrounds. Her mother and younger sister are also involved in the Mariposa Foundation. 

Maddie’s favorite part of her work is watching the girls grow. For Maddie it is a beautiful experience to witness these young girls transform from being terrified to be in the pool to being eager to get in the ocean and go surfing. Even though Maddie was not a Mariposa herself, she feels like she is a “Mariposa Volando” who has gone through all programs when she is working at the Center.