The Black Butterfly Way

Get to know us

Empowering our daughters                  through every stage of their journey

to thrive

to thrive

Hi Queen, I'm Mrs. Colleen Miles Apodei

Meet the woman behind the mission

Colleen Apodei is an Educator, Mentor, Former Beauty Queen and Youth Motivational Speaker who gets it.

Too often, young Black girls are overlooked, underestimated, or denied access to the opportunities they deserve. Without affirming spaces and intentional mentorship, the potential of these bright young leaders risks being stifled by societal barriers. We change that.

At Black Butterfly Finna Fly, cultural identity isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation. Our programs help girls embrace their heritage, discover their voice, and develop the leadership skills to make a lasting impact on their communities.

As an educator in the Philadelphia school system, I see how first hand young Black girls full of so much potenial are overlooked. ...

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Their voices quieter in the data, their accomplishments treated as a footnote instead of a headline, their presence barely acknowledged and its tiring. Yes, we believe all girls deserve to feel nurtured, loved and important. Yes, we believe all girls need a safe space. Yes, every girl matters. What we are saying is that right now those in immediate need of our support and love, are Black girls. Girls of the African decent. Society often sends Black girls harmful messages: that they’re “too aggressive,” “too ghetto,” “too angry,” or that they should shrink themselves to be accepted. They’re told they are less beautiful, less worthy. On social media, they see a double standard --- when they do something, it’s criticized, but when others do the same, it’s considered funny or cute. Even the celebrities who look like them often don’t truly represent or uplift them. From every angle, these messages work against their confidence and sense of self. So here I am. Here WE are, to remind them or show them exactly who they are and who they can be. This space was created specifically for them. Unapologetically and proudly because I see them. I hope you do too.

GO back

We promise to see her greatness, even when she forgets it.

We promise to help her build confidence that no one can take away.

We promise to surround her with a tribe that lifts her higher.

We promise to teach her to love every part of herself — wings, scars, and all.

We promise to help her fly, but never clip her freedom to be who she is.

The Black Butterfly finna fly promise

Our commitment to care

What we're known for

We are more than a program — we are a promise. A promise to nurture her roots, celebrate her glow, and teach her to fly without fear. In this garden of queens, she doesn’t have to feel alone.

Making empowerment contagious

Building tribes, not just programs

Crowning confidence one girl at a time

Turning self-doubt into royal struts.

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a crown

Because every stage of her story deserves

claim her crown

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