Women Changing
the World
Mariposas is a charitable organization established in 2013 to develop and implement programs that empower young women from rural communities in Mexico.
Our mission
Our mission is to provide educational programs for young women from marginalized communities in central Mexico to empower them to break the cycle of poverty caused by lack of educational opportunities and limited access to educational services.
Our Programs
Currently, Mariposas has four programs that provide opportunities for empowerment, leadership, and professional growth.
Camp Mariposas
Camp Mariposas is a weeklong leadership and empowerment camp for young women, ages 14-18. The goal of the camp is to provide these young women with a variety of experiences and tools that they can immediately use to improve the lives of their communities, their families, and themselves.
Club Mariposas
To ensure sustainability and to reach out to as many young women as possible, camp participants go on to form back home in their towns and villages. The girls put their newly acquired leadership skills into practice as they organize community beautification campaigns, educational events, and environmental activities.
Environmental Service Adventures
To help promote environmental stewardship, foster global citizenship, and improve professional development we offer an annual Environmental Service Adventures program to previous Camp and current club participants of Mariposas. As part of the 10-day program the girls travel to another city in Mexico and volunteer over 20 hours with local organizations including leading workshops with local kids, organizing beach cleanups, and increasing awareness about environmental conservation efforts.
Mariposas Scholarships
Investing in education is one of the most effective ways to fight poverty and empower girls. We are also committed to helping these girls continue their education. All camp participants are eligible for university scholarships which enable these young women to achieve something many thought was impossible: a college education.
“I want to open my own business and be able to offer employment opportunities to people who were unable to finish their studies and also help people in my community to open their own businesses.”
-Monse, Mariposas Scholarship Recipient
“My goal is to complete my degree and then later apply my knowledge and skills in the workplace eventually being a manager someday. I would also like to continue my studies and get a master’s degree in something.”
-Sarahi, Mariposas Scholarship Recipient
Our impact
150+
participants
21
scholarship
recipients
90%
of Mariposas’ participants state that their opportunities have increased by participating in the Mariposas’ programs70%
of Mariposas’ participants contribute their strengthened leadership skills to their participation in the Mariposas’ programsGet involved
When we support the growth and empowerment of women and girls, we raise the quality of life for a family, a community, a state, a country and the world. This is because when women lead they not only lead businesses, but they also lead in their community, they fight for their children, and they give voice to issues that are important to our collective future — like education and health care. Your support has already impacted five communities and over 150 young women, join us or continue your support to ensure more young women are allowed to fulfill their dreams and find their voice.
Sponsor a scholarship recipient
The low cost of higher education in Mexico means that just a little money can go a long way! A donation of just $1,600 can pay for a full year of college for a girl who maybe never thought a university education was possible.
Become personally involved
Raise money and awareness by hosting a party for Mariposas. Bringing friends and family together to share the causes that are dearest to us is a great way to join the movement. Whether you raise funds or just spread the word about our good work, we’d love to have you get involved!
Make a donation
All donations will directly fund the annual Camp Mariposas and Environmental Service Adventures, on-going club activities and the scholarships.