Mariposa Volandos

Detiny arrived at Mariposa at 8 years old, 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. Detiny was accepted to Pearsons United World College in Canada on a full scholarship and graduated in 2022. She is now studying on a full scholarship at Middlebury College in Vermont, United States. Detiny is an outspoken leader, a passionate artist, and remains at the top of her class in any and every academic setting.

Gigi is a Mariposa Volando who is literally soaring above us all! Her dream is to become a pilot and she has been working tirelessly to make it happen. She has already hit the skies, flying a small plane and is setting her sights higher with her recent acceptance to flight school at the Entrenamientos Aeronáuticos Las Américas in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  

Gigi is a cradle to career Mariposa and is one of 12 children in an incredibly supportive family who has always valued her education. Last year, while on her way to a flight lesson, Gigi learned that her father and younger brother were killed in a tragic motorcycle accident. Despite her tremendous grief, she perseveres with incredible strength and determination in achieving her dreams.

Arianny became has been a Mariposa girl since she was 8 years old. For more than a decade, Arianny has stood out from her classmates as an incredibly eloquent, kind, intelligent, and hard working young woman. She excelled in every program Mariposa offered and graduated from Mariposa in 2022.

Arianny is studying to become a pediatrician in Santiago, Dominican Republic. We are confident she will make a wonderful doctor who advocates for young girls and protects their well-being.

Maria Angelica became has been a Mariposa girl since she was 8 years old and comes from one of the largest families in Cabarete. For more than a decade, Maria Angelica has developed passions for a variety of activities ranging from reading and art to swimming and dance!

Maria Angelica recently graduated from Culinary School and is employed in one of Cabarete’s nicest restaurants, the Beach Club at Seahorse Ranch. Maria Angelica wishes to continue her academic studies in university while maintaining her jobs as a chef.

Mabel has gone literally further than any Mariposa girl to date. As just a little girl from La Cienaga barrio (The Swamp), Mabel has flourished at Mariposa and is known by her community as a leader and change-maker.

Mabel recently graduated from United World College Singapore and is on her way to Macalester College on full scholarship. where she hopes to study aerospace engineering. Mabel loves is part of her school’s softball team and has traveled to a variety of countries to play!

When asked what she wants to do when she grows up, she says, “I want to be President of the Dominican Republic!” She thinks she can do a great job, and we think so too!

Andrea entered Mariposa as a bright and ambitious 9 year old and has been with Mariposa for over 12 years! In fact, Andrea spoke at Mariposa’s opening ceremony in 2014 and has since proven just how effective the Mariposa Model is. 

As a Mariposa, Andrea gravitated towards math and science programs, often surpassing her classmates and asking her teachers to give her more challenges. Andrea’s creativity and ambitious precede her; she has started a variety of her own businesses to support herself and her family.

Today, Andrea is studying Mechanical Engineering in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and is 1 of 4 girls in her class! In her free time, Andrea leads Math, Science, and Environmental classes at Mariposa.

Fabiola entered Mariposa as a spunky and outgoing 7 year old. As soon as she walked into the Mariposa Center, she was drawn to our swimming pool. Over the past decade, Fabiola has learned to swim, boogie board, and surf. In fact, Fabiola is the first and only Haitian female to obtain her Lifeguard and CPR certifications on the island!

Fabiola is now studying Business Management in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and has taught a variety of programs at Mariposa. Fabiola is a unique and empowered young woman who continues to exemplify the power of educating girls to end generational poverty.

Erica is the first Mariposa from the Mountain School in La Finca Alta Gracia to attend college! As a young girl living in a remote and under-resourced community in the mountains of Los Marranitos, the odds were stacked against her, but Erica exceeded expectations. 

Erica is now the first in her family and community to attend college. Erica is on a full scholarship to attend dental school in La Vega, Dominican Republic and will graduate this coming year!

Nicole arrived at Mariposa at 8 years old and, for over a decade, participated in nearly every single program offered by Mariposa. Despite an unstable childhood home, Nicole blossomed into one of Mariposa’s greatest success stories. 

From learning to play guitar, singing in choir, excelling in math, and becoming an expert surfer, Nicole does it all! She earned a scholarship to United World College in Costa Rica and graduated in 2022. 

Nicole is now studying Neuroscience and Psychology at Whitman College on full scholarship. She dreams of becoming a neuroscientist and mental health expert to support girls who come from backgrounds of extreme poverty to help them succeed in life.

Kenia has spent more than half of her life at Mariposa. Despite her status as a stateless Haitian refugee, Kenia did not let her circumstances stop her from chasing her dreams. As a Mariposa girl, Kenia enjoyed participating in music and health programs. 

With support from Mariposa and an international team of advocates, Kenia was able to obtain her residency. She is now studying at United World College in Thailand on a full scholarship! Kenia dreams of becoming a nurse to provide support to marginalized communities and patients from backgrounds similar to her own.

Mariolis joined Mariposa at 7 years old. Her mother was the director of the public school were Mariposa first began programs. Mariolis was always enthusiastic, kind, and an adored leader by her classmates. Raised by a mother and passionate educator, it’s no surprise that Mariolis is getting all A’s in Medical School.

Mariolis is studying in Medical School in Santiago, Dominican Republic. She will choose a medical field to focus her studies this coming year, but is most interested in Orthopedic Medicine. Mariolis has an opportunity to further her medical studies in Mexico and her potential is boundless.

Kimberly comes from one of the oldest families of Cabarete and has grown up against tremendous odds. She entered Mariposa at 9 years old and is thought of quite highly among all Mariposa staff. As a Mariposa girl, Kimberly thrived in health and wellness classes and expressed her artistic ability at a young age.

Kimberly is studying nursing in Santiago, Dominican Republic and is proving that these young Dominican girls are capable of reaching their biggest dreams.