BBF Marist

Located on the historic Hudson River, Marist College is a comprehensive, independent institution grounded in the liberal arts. Its mission is to “help students develop the intellect, character, and skills required for enlightened, ethical, and productive lives in the global community of the 21st century.”

As part of this mission, a number of students have come together and created The Blue Butterfly Foundation Club at Marist. The students do numerous events to help spread awareness about the issues of trafficking and modern-day slavery around the world. Their dedication and hard work are a beautiful testament to a brighter future.

Pictured here are some of our amazing student leaders. Pictured to the right is the new president of Marist College, Kevin Weinman, who spent a lovely afternoon with the two boys from The Blue Butterfly Foundation, Sanjay Basnet and Kamlesh Baral.

Isabella Libreros is an international student from Colombia whose passion to help children and young women motivated her to join the Blue Butterfly family! Before transferring to Marist, she went to school in Boston where she volunteered as a college mentor to bring social media literacy to young girls and helped them see that it's the media who needs to change. Working with middle school girls completely changed Isabella's perspective, which is why when she learned about the mission of the Blue Butterfly Foundation, to empower and educate vulnerable populations, especially females, as well as the admirable job Professor Yanks has been doing, she knew she needed to be part of this journey and provide support in any way that she can.

Lola Piccolo is a student at Marist College studying journalism and has been an intern for The Blue Butterfly Foundation. She is very passionate about women's rights and giving a voice to those who are silenced. She is so grateful to be part of an organization that does such amazing work. Lola plans on being a writer to help the world become a better place for all.

Delaney Blizman studies Criminal Justice and Psychology. She is very passionate about social and criminal justice and hopes to have the opportunity to work with young women and children specifically regarding issues of human trafficking and special victims. She looks forward to working with The Blue Butterfly family and helping spread its important message through social media.

My name is Mackenzie Zeytoonjian, and I am at Marist College for Psychology and Studio Art. I am an active artist and love digital art, photography, sculpture, ceramics, painting, and design. Art to me is a way I support my mental health but also spread knowledge throughout the world. Whether it is showing at art exhibitions or creating digital art for organizations, I push myself to create art with a powerful meaning and message. I am a part of The Blue Butterfly Foundation to use my artwork as an outlet to spread knowledge on their incredible organization.

Rachel is a student at Marist College majoring in psychology and elementary/special education. She has had many jobs working with kids and is currently employed at Alternatives for Children, a preschool for children with special needs. Rachel is a strong advocate for social justice, particularly for feminist issues. She loves being a part of the Blue Butterfly family and has helped start a Blue Butterfly Foundation club at Marist, enabling numerous students to help and get involved. She can't wait for all that's to come.

Hi everyone! I am a junior at Marist College with a Criminal Justice Major and I live on Long Island, NY. I got involved with BBF in Fall 2021 after hearing Professor Lauren Yanks discuss the vital issue of human trafficking. I knew I had to get involved in some way to raise awareness and make a change. Blue Butterfly has been an eye-opening experience, and I am grateful to be apart of the amazing and critical contributions the foundation has done.

Anusha Vaidyanathan is a student at Marist College in New York, majoring in fashion merchandising. An international student, Anusha was born and raised in Mumbai, India. Along with other student leaders, she has started the Blue Butterfly Foundation Club at Marist College. Anusha says, "Coming from a city where I see poverty every day, it feels great to do something that helps children in need. Furthermore, I am glad I can provide those who wish to come to the US to study with an understanding perspective."