The Butterfly Effect Scholarship Fund

I am starting this fund in loving memory of my mother, Helen Segarra Gutierrez, whose life was rooted in service, education, and compassion. My mom was an educator, mentor, and community leader who believed deeply in the power of education to change lives — especially when paired with empathy and practical support. Over the course of her career, she taught and mentored hundreds of students, many of whom remained in contact with her long after graduation as a trusted resource and confidant. She also served for many years in volunteer leadership roles, including as Chairman of the Board for Volunteers of America in Tampa. Beyond her professional life, my mother lived her values quietly and consistently. She believed that small acts mattered. She often carried food and small amounts of money with her to help anyone she encountered who was in need. She understood that systems can be complicated, and that sometimes people simply need someone to show up for them. This fund exists to honor that philosophy. My goal is to create personally-funded and donor-funded scholarships — beginning with the Helen Segarra Gutierrez Butterfly Scholarship — that support students who demonstrate resilience, service, and commitment to education, particularly those who may be navigating financial hardship or nontraditional paths. The butterfly represents transformation, perseverance, and forward movement — values that defined my mother’s life. This fund will be supported through personal donations from loved ones and grassroots fundraising efforts, including a campaign called “A Dollar & a Dream,” which invites people to contribute at any level. The intention is to make giving accessible and collective, reinforcing the idea that even small contributions can have meaningful impact. Through this fund, I hope to provide direct educational support to students through Bold.org scholarships, create an annual tradition of giving in my mother’s name, and build a sustainable framework that may grow over time while remaining true to her values. The types of scholarships I would like to create through this fund include memorial scholarships, need-based scholarships, and scholarships for students committed to service, education, and community impact. This fund is meant to be a living tribute — one that allows my mother’s legacy of generosity, mentorship, and belief in others to continue making a difference.