Butterfly Dreamz Cocoon Club publishes third leadership journal to cultivate teen leaders
The “dream” of Butterfly Dreamz has become a reality through inspiring mentees like Regan Brandy, a rising junior at West Side Leadership Academy. This past weekend, more than a dozen teens from across the nation who are enrolled in the program gathered at the organization’s new headquarters, “Grandma’s House” at 4215 West 25th Ave. in Gary.
The weekend event concluded with the release of the annual Butterfly Dreamz Leadership Journal, a combination of writings by the mentees in the internship program.
The organization, led by CEO Joy Lindsay launched the initiative in 2013 in tribute to her youngest sister, Kimberly Lindsay, a victim of gun violence while away in college. Kimberly Lindsay would have turned 30 on Saturday.
“I see a little bit of Kimberly in each of the girls,” said their mother, Heather Lindsay. “My daughters, Tiffany and Joy, and all of the family together have done a wonderful job honoring her legacy.”
Regan Brandy, one of 12 girls mentored locally, shares Kimberly Lindsay’s passion for poetry. The local teen inspires girls and women of all ages through her words of motivation and strong character.
“Regan attends every virtual meeting and always goes above and beyond,” said Joy Lindsay. “She works hard in school, has a job, is in the band; she does it all!”
“Butterfly Dreamz gives Black and brown girls a space to be themselves,” said Brandy. “It gives us that outlet that we need in the world we live in.”
Butterfly Dreamz helps girls develop in roles of leadership through mentorship, youth-led community action, and scholarships.
To find out more about the organization visit: butterflydreamz.org.
