letter from executive director
Our goal since opening the Mariposa Center for Girls has been to make it a first-rate educational facility that inspires achievement. We do that by creating a safe and beautiful space for girls to come and learn. Having a physical space to come to is important for girls to feel safe, but we believe it is also essential that the space be beautiful. Beautification of schools has proven to have positive effects on learning, social behavior, and emotional wellness. The arts have always had a thread throughout the work we do at Mariposa. We believe that the arts are a critical component of a holistic education for all children. Exposure to creative outlets are associated with gains in verbal skills, motivation, concentration, confidence and teamwork. We create an environment rich in culture and arts, enabling Mariposas to develop their imagination and critical thinking skills, adding to overall academic achievement and success. We also aim to show the Mariposas that they can be empowered to bring beautiful spaces into their community and share that beauty with others through our community art projects. Getting involved in the community is a key pillar in our education model and each Mariposa girl will participate in 15-20 hours of community engagement per year. I hope you enjoy this tour around our Mariposa Center for Girls and appreciate the beautiful artwork and spaces. We hope you are inspired by the work we have done and hope you will consider a sponsorship too. Sincerely,
Patricia Thorndike Suriel
The Executive Director, The Mariposa DR Foundation
MARIPOSA CENTER FOR GIRLS
Our beautiful facility is where girls come to engage in sports, receive academic tutoring, have access to libraries and computers, receive job and life skills training and health and wellness care. For the girls, having their own space allows them to develop healthy relationships with mentors and other girls in the community, and feel empowered to make a difference in their lives, their communities and the world. Our innovative center attracts visitors from all over the globe. It is a place where volunteers, educators and girl champions can share knowledge on how empowering girls will lift entire families out of generational poverty.
The Mariposa Center for Girls is what it is today due to thousands of volunteers, staff, Mariposa girls and their families who have helped us achieve our dream to make our campus a beautiful and safe space. When we first purchased the land, we were faced with a building that had been abandoned for more than 5 years. Originally it was one of the first hotels here in Cabarete and then it was a private school. Just before it was in the hands of the bank; we were able to purchase it at an incredible deal and were given a generous low interest rate loan from the Dunn Family Charitable Foundation. We have since paid off the loan and own it outright!
The front wall of the center was designed together with Mariposa girls and Xaivier Ringer, who served as an artist in residency in 2017 and worked with the girls to brainstorm what it means to be a Mariposa girl. Their ideas were reflected on the wall and the beautiful piece serves as the gateway to the center.
M AP
A. MAVERICKS BASKETBALL COURT B. YOGA PLATFORM C. SPORTS SHED D. TOOL SHED E. “THE HUNGRY CATERPILLAR” WALK F. SWIMMING POOL G. “THE LORAX” WALL H. CHICKEN COOP I. SOFTBALL FIELD J. ECO BRICK GAZEBO K. BIKE SHED L. SNACK SHACK 1. Sonia Pierre Volunteer Resource Room 2. Edwidge Danticat Young Adult Library 3. Julia Alvarez Children’s Library 4. María Teresa Mirabal Academic Resource Room 5. Eridania Llibre Ortiz Treasure Chest 6. Raquel Sierra Valdez Locker Room 7. Lilian Josefina Russo Fernández Music Room 8. Paulina Perez Academic Resource Room 9. Salomé Ureña Academic Resource Room 10. Minou Tavarez Mirabal Teaching Kitchen 11. Margo Suriel Main Kitchen 12. Myriam Merlet Performing Arts Room 13. Dede Mirabal Sewing Room 14. Patria Mirabal Art Room 15. Aniana Vargas Environmental Studies Room 16. Mama Tingó Permaculture Garden 17. Bohio de Anacaona Multi-Purpose Space 18. Minerva Mirabal Reading Pavilion 19. Anna Suriel Health & Wellness Room 20. Jacqueline Guzman Mirabal Main Office
BA SK E T BA L L C O UR T
MAVERICKS BASKETBALL COURT For many of the Mariposa girls, our newly renovated court was their first exposure to basketball and the first opportunity that they were invited to learn the techniques and skills of a sport traditionally dominated by boys and men. Our court stands as one of the few on the entire north coast that is exclusively accessible to girls and serves not only to play basketball, but is a safe space to play a myriad of games and activities. In 2019, a student volunteer group from Castilleja painted the tall wall near the basketball court. The mural is a reference to afrofuturism and our desire to be the home of the first girl museum in the Caribbean. The wall design was created by Xaivier Ringer.
SPONSORED BY CHARLES McKINNEY Charlie McKinney first visited us in the fall of 2017 and we are so grateful he did! During his visit he met volunteer Vanessa Smith, a recently graduated Princeton women’s basketball allstar captain. Seeing our broken down court, he recognized an opportunity to help. Through his passion of basketball and his close relationship with the Dallas Mavericks NBA team, he understood the importance of providing the opportunity for girls to play. His donation allowed us to repave and upgrade the basketball court, including adding new hoops and backboards. As an avid kitesurfer, he has also been an amazing advocate of our watersports and environmental programs.
Y O GA PL A T F O R M
YOGA PLATFORM Our yoga and meditation platform is perfectly nestled under the shade of a cluster of almond and mango trees. Surrounded by nature, this space naturally creates a calm environment perfect for our yoga classes and daily after lunch relaxation meditation sessions. Our yoga classes are funded by the Yoga Effect.
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $15,000
R E AD I N G PA V ILI O N
THE MINERVA MIRABAL READING PAVILION The mosaic reading pavilion was created by a group of women who had originally came on a Dining For Women tour from Scottsdale, Arizona and were inspired by the work we do and mobilized their community into making a series of mosaics. These women came back to visit and brought the completed mosaic butterflies with them and then spent several days on site, installing the butterflies. This project incorporated more than 70 people from Scottsdale, Arizona, who contributed with the beautiful butterfly mosaics. Later the top part of the reading pavilion was completed with our motto, “I am the World’s Most Powerful Force For Change” in Spanish, English and Haitian Creole.
SPONSORED BY THE MINERVA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. The Minerva Educational Foundation, Inc. and the Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. located in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, IL are longtime supporters of the Mariposa DR Foundation. These non-profit organizations support education and empowerment both locally and internationally.
PO OL
POOL Our pool has served as the learning space for hundreds of Mariposa girls to master the critical life skill of swimming. When we revamped our pool, we were mindful of adding a beautiful mosaic butterfly to the centerpiece of the floor. This symbolic piece inspires the girls to want to reach the deep end while they improve their skills. Once the Mariposa girls have successfully learned how to swim in the pool, they are then given opportunities to learn how to navigate the ocean’s water and are exposed to different water sports.
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $15,000
M A I N O F F IC E
JACQUELINE GUZMAN MIRABAL MAIN OFFICE Mosaic artwork on our office building was created as a culmination piece of the River Keepers program. The girls worked together with local mosaic artist, Persio Checo, who helped to create the underwater seascape to remind the girls daily of their commitment and the importance to protect our waterways. Funds for this project were sponsored by the US Embassy in Santo Domingo.
SPONSORED BY THE DUNN FAMILY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION The Mariposa Center For Girls was made possible by the generosity of Raymond Jay Dunn and the Dunn Family Charitable Foundation.
A NA C A O N A M UR A L
ANACAONA MURAL Anacaona was a Taino chief on the island of Hispaniola when Columbus arrived with Spanish invaders. Also known as “The Golden Flower,� she was ambushed by Spaniards at a feast in her honor and chose to be executed rather than submit to being a concubine. The mural dedicated to Anacaona was painted in collaboration with a group of local graffiti artists who took the idea of Anacaona, a Taina warrior who spoke out against the colonizers to protect her people, with a more modern approach and made her into a hip-hip version and what Anacaona would look like today. For the Mariposas she symbolizes the unification of hispaniola, as she is a heroine loved by both Haitians and Dominicans.
THE HUNGRY CATERPILLAR
THE HUNGRY CATERPILLAR The Hungry Caterpillar walk is based on Eric Carle’s classic book. We utilize the images of the book to create an interactive butterfly walk where the girls are reading and learning math while they explore new spaces at the center. This beautiful space was created by more than 300 hundred volunteers who came to us through EF, an international education company that specializes in language training, educational travel, academic degree programs, and cultural exchange.
THE L O R A X
THE LORAX The south side wall was painted utilizing a Dr. Seuss Lorax theme. This wall also has become a teaching tool, reemphasising our commitment to the environment and allows us to teach in creative ways. This space is an extension for our permaculture garden and the girls help to maintain it. This space was painted and prepped by a Central Catholic High School volunteer group, as well as many EF volunteer groups.
BO HI O D E A N A C A O N A
BOHIO DE ANACAONA Bohio is the Taino word for thatched roof shelter. Built in June, 2019 this multi-purpose space serves as a meeting space for teachers, Mariposa girls and visitors. The bohio also serves as our cafeteria where we serve 150 meals a day. Beautiful and ecologically built by local carpenters in the community, the bohio includes a traditional thatch roof.
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $30,000
E CO -B R I C K G AZ E B O
ECO BOTTLE BRICK GAZEBO Built with 4,500 eco bottle bricks collected in the community through a campaign that the Environmental Activist group led. Each eco-bottle brick is stuffed with compacted single-use plastic trash. The project was completed by the environmental activism group together with a volunteer group from Lawrence Academy. The Eco-Bottle Brick Gazebo is dedicated to the Getchis Family, who volunteered tirelessly for our Rivers Keepers and environmental programs in 2019. We are honored to have them as part of the Mariposa family.
SPONSORED BY THE GETCHIS FAMILY This eco bottle brick kiosk is dedicated to the Getchis family. Tessa, a Marine Biologist and Ryan, a JetBlue pilot along with their two daughters, Cameron and Makena spent 4 months in Cabarete, volunteering with Mariposa, teaching girls all about ocean conservation, marine life, river systems and more. We are grateful for the generosity and expertise that they shared with the Mariposa girls.
SO L A R PA N E LS
SOLAR PANELS The Mariposa Center For Girls is powered by a 10 kilowatt solar PV system. This sustainable energy project inaugurated for Earth Day April 2014 was sponsored by the Energy Access Foundation, Inc. The project reduces the costs of electricity at the center and provides an educational opportunity in the context of the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All (20142024).
SPONSORED BY ENERGY ACCESS FOUNDATION, INC. The mission of Energy Access Foundation, Inc. (EAF) is to accelerate access to sustainable energy in developing countries, alleviating energy poverty without destroying the environment, and giving people the opportunity to develop their human potential.
CL AS S R OO MS
Each room is dedicated to different women who have made social change both here in the DR and in Haiti. Some women you will find in history books and others may not be as famous, but are important to us as an organization. Each room has a plaque with the woman’s information in both English, Spanish and the family or foundation who donated a named sponsorship to support the space. We like to celebrate both sides of the island nation and approximately 30% of our girls are first or second generation Haitian. For this reason, you will see many quotes in Creole and portraits of Haitian activists as well.
VOLUNTEER RESOURCE
SONIA PIERRE VOLUNTEER RESOURCE ROOM Solange Pierre, known as Sonia Pierre, was a Dominican of Haitian ancestry who became the leading female activist for Haitian rights and Dominicans of Haitian decent. At 14 she was already organizing the sugar cane workers to protest for better treatment and improved rights. She went on to direct a non-profit organization, Movement for Dominican Women of Haitian Descent, and won both an International Women of Courage Award and a Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award.
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $10,000
Y OU NG A D U L T L I B R A R Y
EDWIGDE DANTICAT YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY Edwidge Danticat is a renowned Haitian-American author, who touches upon themes such as national identity, mother-daughter relationships, and immigration politics in her works. Her writing has raised international awareness about the plight of Haitians in the Dominican Republic.
SPONSORED IN HONOR OF OUR DAUGHTERS ALISON AND AMANDA Guiding young girls through adolescence is a challenging experience, and we were fortunate that the love of learning which we fostered in our girls helped them navigate that difficult passage and emerge as strong women and compassionate professionals. We would like to help foster that same love of learning and belief in oneself in the Mariposa girls.
CHI LD R E N ’ S L I B R A R Y
JULIA ALVAREZ CHILDREN’S LIBRARY Julia Alvarez is a Dominican-American poet, novelist, and essayist whose work explores Dominican identity and history, among many other themes. One of her most famous works, In the Time of the Butterflies, is about the life and death of the Mirabal sisters. Julia is a writer-in-residence at Middlebury College and has been a long-time supporter of the Mariposa DR Foundation. The mural inside Julia Alvarez children’s Library was painted by Ricardo Toribio, a local Dominican artist, who used his iconic islands of traditional Dominican casitas floating and incorporated characters from Julia’s children’s books. Here is also a portrait of Anne of Green Gables, an orphan who grew up on an island, which is a favorite book of Christine Doyle, whose family sponsored the room. (2014)
SPONSORED BY THE DOYLE FAMILY Christine and Michael Doyle are the parents of Hilary, Patrick, Aislinn, and Brian. Christine is a children’s librarian in a public elementary school, where she helped create an innovative English/Spanish bilingual program. Michael is an emergency room physician. Aislinn has served as the President of the Mariposa DR Foundation Executive Board, and she and Brian were also volunteers. The entire family is passionate about reading and education.
A CAD EM I C C L A S S R O O M S
MARÍA TERESA MIRABAL PAULINA PEREZ SALOMÉ UREÑA ACADEMIC CLASSROOMS (3) María Teresa Mirabal was the youngest of the Mirabal sisters assassinated by the dictator Trujillo for being part of an underground resistance movement. She left behind husband Leandro Guzmán and daughter Jacqueline Guzmán Mirabal, the Honorary Chairwoman of the Mariposa DR Foundation. María Teresa studied math at the university level and became an international symbol of courage.
SPONSORED BY LOUISA, OGDEN AND OLIVER O’REILLY-HYLAND Louisa is a young woman who has traveled extensively and has a wide worldview. She studies Mandarin Chinese at Avenues: The World School in New York City and loves fencing and acting. Her hero is Malala Yousefzai. She is extremely excited to be a part of the Mariposa DR Foundation after visiting the grounds at the very beginning and to see something so inspirational take form and spread its beautiful wings.
Paulina Perez was the first Cabarete resident to become a director of a public school in Cabarete. As a pioneer for education, she was chosen to direct the first full-day program at Puerto Cabarete Public School and works hard to improve the quality of local education. Her daughter Mariolis is a Mariposa, and the whole family has been actively involved in the Mariposa DR Foundation for many years.
Ogden’s mother and sister may have started the family’s dedication to educating and empowering girls, but Ogden is now a young leader in his own right. He not only understands the important role of girls in breaking the cycle of generational poverty at the social and economic levels, but that the involvement of boys and men is of equal importance to achieve success. Ogden studies Spanish and computer coding at Avenues: The World School in New York City. He loves playing squash, surfing, and skiing. He is happy to support this exciting transformational center and hopes to see it continue to grow.
Salomé Ureña was a renowned poet and pedagogist, as well as an innovator of women’s education in the Dominican Republic. Her poems are tragic and included themes of family and country. Salomé opened the first center of higher education for young women in the Dominican Republic called “Instituto de Señoritas.”
Oliver is an avid scientist with many inventions that have received recognitions and awards. He is also a keen sportsman as a varsity Crew team rower with the stroke seat. He loves skiing and kite surfing. Oliver studies Spanish at Avenues: The World School in New York City and hopes to volunteer at the Mariposa DR Foundation to share his love of learning and sports. He truly understands the power of empowerment and is proud to be part of this project from the cocoon.
TR E AS UR E C HE ST
ERIDANIA LLIBRE ORTIZ TREASURE CHEST Eridiana Llibre Ortiz was born in Sosúa and has served as the governor of Puerto Plata during the founding years of the Mariposa DR Foundation. She has two children and has supported the Mariposa DR Foundation in various projects, by providing over 100 beds and helping our program feed our girls.
SPONSORED BY THE DAILEY FAMILY Todd and Jenna Dailey, parents of Noah and Oliver, first partnered with Mariposa through their MBA program at Indiana University in 2012. Inspired by the mission and impact, they have continued to leverage their technology and business strategy professions to offer insights and resources to Mariposa over the years. They have fallen in love with the Cabarete people and culture and are in process of adopting from the area. Todd and Jenna especially thank their friends and family in Indiana who supported Todd’s Boston Marathon fundraising efforts to sponsor this room. The Dailey’s are excited to continue supporting Mariposa’s ongoing growth and impact.
LOC K E R R OO M
RAQUEL SIERRA VALDEZ LOCKER Raquel Sierra Valdez was raised by her mother on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic and has lived in Cabarete for many years. She studied in public schools then went on to get a degree in law. Raquel is the mother of three children. She became the first female mayor of Cabarete in December of 2013.
SPONSORED BY THE CROSTHWAITE FAMILY In 2013, Julia Crosthwaite came on a service-learning trip to the Dominican Republic. So inspired by what she saw, she was able to raise funds to sponsor this room. She has inspired her entire family to support the Mariposa girls, showing the power of what an adolescent girl can do.
MUS I C R OO M
LILIAN RUSSO MUSIC ROOM Born in La Vega, Lilian Josefina Russo Fernández has given her heart to Puerto Plata through more than 50 years of tenacious work to improve the country’s education system, helping to develop the love of reading and values in the children and youth of the province. Tireless fighter against the remnants of the dictatorship, in her youth she was an acitvist in the “14 de junio” revolutionary movement. In the 60s she joined the “Renovation Cultural Society,” dedicating herself for more than four decades to the work of forming a new generation of intellectuals and writers, and serving as an active leader in the culture of the country.
SPONSORED BY MOTHER HUGGERS Mother Huggers is a membership-based not for profit (501c3). They are an organization creating social entrepreneurs by supporting women’s empowerment & child enrichment projects worldwide. They believe that all women and children, regardless of race, religion or financial status deserve to be loved, supported, educated and equally cherished and uplifted. Mother Huggers members sponsored the Music Room as part of a service trip with Mariposa in 2016.
TE ACHI N G K I TC HE N
MINOU TAVÁREZ MIRABAL TEACHING KITCHEN Minou Tavárez Mirabal is the daughter of Minerva Mirabal and Manuel Aurelio Tavárez, two founders of the underground resistance movement against Trujillo, who were assassinated for their political activity. She has been active in academics and politics, working as a professor and as a Representative for the National District. This painting in the teaching kitchen was done by a group of Girl Scouts who came to complete their Gold Award during the summer of 2018. Their troop came and did a variety of workshops and completed the mural together with our girls, leaving their mark forever on our walls.
SPONSORED BY THE GARRETSON FAMILY Katie, Annie and Emilie Garretson have a heart for the young ladies of the Dominican Republic. The sisters lived for several months in Cabarete in 2013 with their parents (Matt and Jill) while finalizing the adoption of Emilie. Prior to that time, the Garretson family had been serving together in the Dominican Republic working to support a local and sustainable point-ofuse water filter initiative. The Garretson Family Foundation is honored to support Mariposa, as Mariposa shares their commitment to “whole person” development. In this regard, their hope for this kitchen is that young women not only will ignite a vocational passion but more importantly nourish one another in body, mind and spirit.
K I T C HE N
MARGO SURIEL MAIN KITCHEN Margo Suriel is the mother of nine children but has raised over 30 children in her lifetime. A poor campesina, she has been extremely resourceful in making sure that there is always food on the table and no one goes hungry.
SPONSORED BY NELL NEWMAN Nell Newman, daughter of Paul Newman, was raised to be an entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is the CEO of Newman’s Own Organics and the founder of The Nell Newman Foundation which supports small, visionary organizations that relieve human suffering through experiential and environmental education for youth.
PE R F OR M I N G A R T S
MYRIAM MERLET PERFORMING ARTS Myriam Merlet was a Haitian political activist and feminist who served as Chief of Staff of the Haitian Ministry of Women’s Affairs. She fought to raise the status of women in Haiti, combating issues such as rape culture and gender violence. She died in the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
SPONSORED BY CASTILLEJA SCHOOL The Castilleja School is an independent school for girls in grades 6-12 in Palo Alto, California. In 2013 they held an event called “Arts with a Heart” in which they created video choreography in collaboration with the Mariposa girls. The event was a great success, raising more than enough funds to sponsor our performing arts room and allow our girls to continue to develop their performing arts passion in a beautiful space.
SEW I N G R OO M
DEDÉ MIRABAL SEWING ROOM Dedé Mirabal was the last surviving Mirabal sister. She helped to raise her sister’s children and worked to preserve their memory. She dedicated her entire life to continuing their legacy and telling their story.
SPONSORED BY SHERRY HERDMAN Sherry Herdman is a nurse practitioner from rural Western New York. As a part-time resident of Cabarete and a champion of the girl movement, she created the Mariposa sewing program through collecting donated machines and teaching sewing classes.
AR T R OO M
PATRIA MIRABAL ART ROOM Patria Mirabal was the oldest of the Mirabal sisters assassinated by the dictator Trujillo for being part of an underground resistance movement. She joined the movement after witnessing a massacre at the hands of Trujillo’s troops, and became a symbol against the victimization of women. She left behind her husband and three children. During her life she enjoyed art.
SPONSORED BY THE BOUKNIGHT FAMILY The Bouknight Family sponsors this art room in loving memory of Joyce Avery Harmon, a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and Aunty Joyce. A woman who crossed the ocean to follow her heart and instilled the love of art and the importance of caring for others in so many.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
ANIANA VARGAS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES ROOM Aniana Vargas was a dedicated revolutionary, defender of the ecosystem and leader of the poor from Bonao, Dominican Republic. Vargas was fervent opponent of Trujillo and the US intervention of 1965. She was a strong defender of the natural resources in her area, and was declared “Mother Nature� by the Dominican Senate. There is a national park named after her and the Ministry of Education named a school for her efforts to teach the rural population the techniques of self-help and technology.
SPONSORED BY EDWARD & ELIZABETH THORNDIKE Edward and Elizabeth Thorndike taught their children the importance of reusing a plastic bag. They still believe that a hike in the woods or a night in a tent is more valuable than a trip to a 5-star hotel. Their lifelong fight to save the environment will be carried on by their middle daughter here in the Dominican Republic as the Executive Director of the Mariposa DR Foundation.
PERMACULTURE GARDEN
MAMÁ TINGÓ PERMACULTURE GARDEN Florinda Muñoz Soriano, known as Mamá Tingó, was a peasant farmer and mother of 14 children who defended her lands in the face of a powerful landowner who wanted to claim them as his own. She was assassinated by an employee of the landowner when she tried to denounce the injustice of the landowner’s actions when he dug up the crops of the peasants with tractors. She is a national symbol of female courage, strength, and resistance. The permaculture garden began as a sandy field and has flourished into a food forest. Everything on site gets recycled into the garden (leaves and branches get turned into mulch and scraps of food become chicken feed that later turns into rich compost to feed trees and garden. All scraps and waste from Cabarete Coffee, also get sent to our garden as chicken feed. Ongoing process and the girls are actively involved in the maintenance and upkeep. The garden is also a wonderful practical learning tool for the girls – they are able to work in the garden and eat the fruits of their labor. SPONSORED BY KAREN GRASBERGER SILVERMAN In loving memory of our Grandma Anna Wolf, who instilled in us the love and joy of gardening, and dedicated also to my beloved parents, Marty and Fritz, whose wisdom, love and kindness continue to nurture and enhance the lives of so many, to my supportive sisters, to my adored daughters, Samantha, Allison and Rachel, students embarking upon careers to help those in need, and to my oldest and dearest friend Tricia Thorndike Suriel, for sticking by my side through thick and thin, always making me laugh, and whose selfless and tireless dedication to the betterment and empowerment of girls will, like this garden, feed and nourish, and flower happiness, for generations to come.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
ANA SURIEL HEALTH & WELLNESS ROOM Ana Suriel is the mother of six, raised 27 children, was Cabarete’s first butcher, and is a local healer. As one of the original residents of Cabarete, she is a well-known female figure.
SPONSORED BY THE GALLEGOS FAMILY The Gallegos family from Orinda, California fell in love with the people of Cabarete while spending family vacations here each summer. They are honored to be part of the Mariposa DR Foundation family.
PO R T R AI T S
The portraits along the corridors on our campus are painted with a variety of portraits, all reflecting notable women and girls who have made social change or movements here in the DR, Haiti and the US. The hallways are lined with quotes from prominent women in Spanish, English and/or Creole.
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST JACQUELINE GUZMÁN MIRABAL DOMINICAN REPUBLIC • Daughter of Maria Teresa Mirabal • She has served as our honorary chairwoman from 2009-2015
ARTIST Obed Gonzales Dominican Republic • Graduated from the prestigious Altos de Chavon here in country • Young, inspiring artist • Did both portraits of Jaqueline Guzmán Mirabal and Julia Alvarez
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $2,500
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST SONIA PIERRE DOMINICAN - HAITIAN DESCENT • Fought against Anti-Haitianism in the Domincan Republic • Began the organization MUDHA in Santo Domingo protecting sugar cane workers rights in country • Won the 2006 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award
ARTIST Rosenda Alvarez Puerto Rico • Interesting, unique technique using drawing paper and then gluing it to the wall • The portraits were completed in PR and brought over on the ferry and plastered on the wall and installed by artist • PR artist who did an artist in residency program here in the past working with girls and competed a mural in the public school in front of Janet’s Supermarket
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
Sponsored by Ned Wingreen and Emma Wingreen in honor of Rachelle Simon For Mother’s Day
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST JULIA ALVAREZ DOMINICAN - AMERICAN • Acclaimed Dominican author • Mariposa DR Foundation Honorary Chairwoman • Visits and volunteers with the foundation regularly
ARTIST Obed Gonzales Dominican Republic • Graduated from the prestigious Altos de Chavon here in country • Young, inspiring artist • Did both portraits of Jaqueline Guzman and Julia Alvarez
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
Sponsored by Mariposa US Executive Board President, Tesha Poe
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST BELKIS RAMIREZ DOMINICAN REPUBLIC • One of the most well recognized contemporary Dominican visual artists in the DR. Belkis was a well celebrated installation artist and did the illustrations for Julia Alvarez book, “A Cafecito Story”
ARTIST Rosemary Grace England • Lived in Cabarete for many years and worked as an artisan here • Rosemary is very gifted working with meticulous details and fine lines
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $2,500
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST DOÑA DEDÉ DOMINICAN REPUBLIC • Dedé Mirabal was the last surviving Mirabal sister. She helped to raise her sister’s children and worked to preserve their memory. She dedicated her entire life to continuing their legacy and telling their story.
ARTIST Monchi Dominican Republic • Monchi is a local artist who has his workshop in Callejón de la Loma. • This was the first portrait that we completed on the walls, finishing it just four days before our inauguration and just days before Doña Dedé passed away • The poem was written by Julia Alvarez soon after Doña Dede’s death
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $2,500
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST SUSI MAI GERMANY - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC • Grew up in Cabarete • Susi reflects the demographics of our international community • Susi went on to become one of the most well-known professional kiteboarders in the world • Susi has supported the organization in numerous ways
ARTIST Marieles Arias Dominican Republic • Young, talented Dominican artist who studied at the Fine Arts School in Santo Domingo
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $2,500
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST RITA INDIANA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC • Dominican writer, composer, singer and poet • Her books and writings are often based on the actual reality of the DR and the Caribbean, beyond the beaches and picturesque postcards • LGBTQ+ community • Has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential Latin American women of this generation
ARTIST Marieles Arias Dominican Republic • Young, talented Dominican artist who studied at the Fine Arts School in Santo Domingo
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $2,500
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST WADLEY HAITI • Wadley was featured in the film, Girl Rising • After being displaced as a refugee during the Haitian earthquake of 2010, Wadley’s undeniable spirit and drive to learn brings her to school everyday, despite them denying her of admission because her mother is unable to make payment
ARTIST Rosenda Alvarez Puerto Rico • Interesting, unique technique using drawing paper and then gluing it to the wall • The portraits were completed in PR and brought over on the ferry and plastered on the wall and installed by artist • PR artist who did an artist in residency program here in the past working with girls and competed a mural in the public school in front of Janet’s Supermarket
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
Sponsored by a student group from Phillips Andover Academy
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST MYRIAM MERLET HAITI • One of the leading Haitian feminist in the feminist movement who parished during the Haitian earthquake of 2010 (alongside with 3 other leaders in the movement)
ARTIST Rosenda Alvarez Puerto Rico • Interesting, unique technique using drawing paper and then gluing it to the wall • The portraits were completed in PR and brought over on the ferry and plastered on the wall and installed by artist • PR artist who did an artist in residency program here in the past working with girls and competed a mural in the public school in front of Janet’s Supermarket
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $2,500
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST MARGO SURIEL DOMINICAN REPUBLIC • Mother-in-law of Executive Director and Founder, Patricia Suriel • Margo feeds more than 25 people a day on a cookstove • Margo represents the rural, countryside women in the Dominican Republic
ARTIST Rosemary Grace England • Lived in Cabarete for many years and worked as an artisan here • Rosemary is very gifted working with meticulous details and fine lines
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $2,500
AV AI L A B L E UP C OM I N G PORTRAITS “I AM THE MOST POWERFUL FORCE FOR CHANGE” MIRROR The full length mirror, with our motto, “I am the World’s most Powerful Force for Change”, reminds the Mariposa girls that they, too, are a part of a lineage of women making social change and movement in their community. This daily reminder helps to inspire and ignite their own unique activism. We are currently looking for a mosaic artist to create a more permanent, beautiful piece to frame the existing mirror.
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $2,500
ARTISTS TBA
US E MBA S S Y R O W This corridor is dedicated to the US Embassy as they have supported a number of projects both on and off site
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST MICHELLE OBAMA UNITED STATES • Former First Lady of the United States • Lawyer • Served as the Associate Dean of Student Services at the University of Chicago • Advocate for girls education around the world • Portrait representing her as a young woman ready to take on the world
ARTIST Killia Llano Dominican Republic • Studied fine arts and illustration and graduated from Altos de Chavon (prestigious art school in the DR) • Artist, illustrator and art teacher • Recognized contemporary artist and muralist in the DR
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
Sponsored by Sherry Herdman, long time supporter and friend of MDRF
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST RUTH BADER GINSBERG UNITED STATES, APACHE NATION • Supreme Court Justice • Ginsburg has been a long-time advocate for women’s rights and gender equality in the United States • Ginsburg co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union, where she became general counsel in 1973
ARTIST Rosenda Alvarez Puerto Rico • Interesting, unique technique using drawing paper and then gluing it to the wall • The portraits were completed in PR and brought over on the ferry and plastered on the wall and installed by artist • PR artist who did an artist in residency program here in the past working with girls and competed a mural in the public school in front of Janet’s Supermarket
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
Sponsored by Sherry Herdman, long time supporter and friend of MDRF
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST NAELYN PIKE UNITED STATES, APACHE NATION • Extraordinary 16-year-old Chiricahua Apache activist from San Carlos, AZ, co-leads the Apache Stronghold group to defend her people’s sacred sites, tribal sovereignty, culture and language.
ARTIST Xaivier Ringer United States • US - Dominican based artist • Xaivier Ringer has done 2 large mural projects with us and has done an artist in residence here on site twice • Xaivier has a unique way of including the participants in the project to help in the design and creation of the murals she has painted on site and within our community
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $2,500
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST HARRIET TUBMAN UNITED STATES • American bondwoman who escaped from slavery in the South to become a leading abolitionist before the American Civil War • Harriet Tubman led hundreds of bondmen to freedom in the North along the route of the Underground Railroad—an elaborate secret network of safe houses organized for that purpose.
ARTIST Anne Marie Zwack United States • Mosaic artist who worked with all girls on site to create the individual pieces that formed the final mosaic. All girls were actively involved in the creation • Comparison women’s history project where they studied the life of Harriet Tubman and the life of Mamá Tingó and the similarities and differences between their struggles.
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
In loving memory of Blanche Johnson Donated by The Lawson Family & Friends
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST MAMÁ TINGÓ DOMINICAN REPUBLIC • Activist for agricultural workers rights in the Dominican Republic • She was assassinated fighting against the unjust plunder of the resident farmers’ land in Hato Viejo
ARTIST Anne Marie Zwack United States • Mosaic artist who worked with all girls on site to create the individual pieces that formed the final mosaic. All girls were actively involved in the creation • Comparison women’s history project where they studied the life of Harriet Tubman and the life of Mamá Tingó and the similarities and differences between their struggles.
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $2,500
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST MARY KIM TITLA UNITED STATES, APACHE NATION • Mary Kim Titla is an American publisher, Native American youth advocate, journalist, former TV reporter • Mary Kim was a 2008 candidate for Arizona’s First Congressional District. She is an enrolled member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe • Mary Kim and Radmilla came to visit the Center on a grant through the US Embassy, and shared their stories with the Mariposa girls and staff
ARTIST Liz Gomez United States • • •
Afro-Latina activist artist BFA from the prestigious Chicago Art Institute Her portraiture practice focuses on broadening the range of representation within history, to include those whose legacies have been minimized or misrepresented
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $2,500
PO R T R AI T S
FEATURED ACTIVIST RADMILLA CODY UNITED STATES, APACHE NATION • Radmilla A. Cody born 1975 is an American Navajo model, award-winning singer, and anti-domestic violence activist who was the 46th Miss Navajo from 1997 to 1998 • She was the first biracial Miss Navajo and thus so far the only Miss Navajo partially of African-American heritage • Radmilla and Mary Kim came to visit the Center on a grant through the US Embassy, and shared their stories with the Mariposa girls and staff • Radmilla is a member of our Mariposa DR Foundation Advisory Board
ARTIST Johanill Napoleon Dominican - American • • • •
Dominican-Haitian descent Activist and community art therapist Graduated with a MFA from the prestigious Chicago Art Institute Served as a long-term volunteer for the Mariposa DR Foundation
SPONSORSHIP STATUS
AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP $2,500
AR T W O R K I N T HE COMMUNITY
WITH ONGOING SUPPORT OF INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS, DONORS, ARTISTS AND LOCALS, WE HAVE DESIGNED, CREATED AND INSTALLED OVER 40 MURALS AND ECO-BOTTLE BRICK PROJECTS IN AND AROUND CABARETE, ACROSS THE NORTH COAST, AND AS FAR AS THE BORDER OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AND HAITI. IMAGINATIVE PROJECTS ALLOW OUR GIRLS TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR CREATIVITY AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS, WHILE INVOLVING THOUSANDS OF SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN, BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. MANY OF THESE PROJECTS HAVE BEEN SUPPORTED BY THE US EMBASSY. ONE OF THE MURALS INCLUDED 3 DIMENSIONAL MOSAIC PIECES HANDCRAFTED BY THE CHILDREN FROM THE PRIMARY EDUCATION LEVEL AND IMAGES FROM OUR VISITING PHOTOGRAPHERS. THE DESIGN IDEAS WERE CREATED BY OUR GIRLS IN COLLABORATION WITH VISITING ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE MURAL
Painted on the entrance wall of the Elementary School Prof. Manuel Gomez Polanco was created by the following artist collaboration: • • •
US - Dominican based muralist. Xaivier Ringer has done 2 large mural projects with us and has done an artist in residence here on site twice. Xaivier has a unique way of including the participants in the project to help in the design and creation of the murals she has painted on site and within our community.
Xaivier Ringer Muralist/US
•
Mosaic artist who worked in developing individual clay pieces with all 250 primary school children at the public school to create the individual pieces that formed the final mosaic. All children were actively involved in the creation and painting of the individual pieces that were installed on the mural.
•
Documentary photographer who uses her camera’s lens to increase awareness, understanding and compassion across physical and social barriers. Images utilized in the mural were based on several of Amy Martin’s photographs.
Annemarie Zwack Mosaic Artist/US
•
Amy S. Martin Photographer/US
UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S RIGHTS MURAL Painted on the entrance was of the Puerto Cabarete Elementary School.
• •
Rosenda Alvarez Puerto Rico
Rosenda uses an interesting, unique technique using drawing paper to sketch the image and then applies it to the wall for installation. All of the images used in this mural were of children who participated in the project.
LA CIÉNEGA MURAL
Collaborating artist, Vanessa López and Xaivier Ringer, together with a Community Engaged Learning group, worked closely with the Mariposa girls to develop a series of affirmation murals to spread positivity and Mariposa empowerment throughout the community of Cabarete. The murals were purposefully painted in high traffic neighborhood areas to be seen and to uplift all community members.
DAJABON MURAL
The Mariposa wings reach as far as the border of the north coast. In fall of 2014, we worked collaboratively with the Dajabon community and Border of Lights to create a beautiful, movable mural that silhouettes the flags of both countries and was made with collected bottle caps from the community of Cabarete. This mural is now a permanent installation at the bustling border market between both countries.
• • • • Johanill Napoleón Artist
Dominican-American with Haitian descent Activist and community art therapist Graduated with a MFA from the prestigious Chicago Art Institute Served as a long-term volunteer for the Mariposa DR Foundation
SCHOOL MURALS
In addition to providing extensive wrap-around services for a select group of 150 girls, we are providing high quality and life-changing education for well over 1000 Dominican children and international students every year. By beautifying the schools where our girls and their friends attend, Mariposas reach continues to expand.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE PORTRAITS AVAILABLE $ 2,500 VOLUNTEER RESOURCE ROOM $10,000 POOL $15,000 YOGA PLATFORM $15,000 BOHIO DE ANACAONA $30,000 If you are interested in sponsoring a space or artwork, please e-mail: Patricia Suriel: tricia@mariposadrfoundation.org