Hello
About Our Founder
I’m Kyla Nicole, an educator, mentor, and community advocate with a Master’s degree in Education and Public Health. For over five years, I have dedicated my career to empowering Black and Brown youth in Milwaukee and Chicago public and charter schools, bridging academic gaps through culturally responsive and holistic approaches.
Through my journey as a classroom teacher, I quickly realized that education alone isn’t enough to transform outcomes for our students. True change requires addressing the social, emotional, and leadership development needs of young people. This led me to spearhead sports programming and implement project-based learning strategies that fostered significant academic growth, with many students achieving on-grade or above-grade-level success.
My passion lies in mentoring and equipping young women with the tools, skills, and mindset necessary to become confident, purpose-driven leaders. I believe that girls are never too young to start building the foundation of success, both personally and professionally.
This belief inspired me to create The Butterfli Effect NFP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing the holistic development of young women through mentorship, life skills training, leadership workshops, and personal growth programs. Much like the transformation of a cocoon into a butterfly, we focus on cultivating the inner beauty, strength, and resilience of every young woman we serve.
At The Butterfli Effect, our mission is clear: to empower the next generation of women leaders through intentional mentorship, practical life skills, and community-centered programming that fosters confidence, self-worth, and leadership excellence.
Empowering Young Women Through Mentorship & Purposeful Learning
At The Butterfli Effect, we combine intentional mentorship with daily project-based learning to equip young women with the skills, confidence, and mindset to thrive. Through our six Core Elements, participants engage in hands-on experiences that foster leadership, personal growth, and real-world readiness.
Leadership
At The Butterfli Effect, we believe leadership starts early. Our programs are designed to empower young women to step confidently into their full potential by fostering mentorship, critical thinking, and real-world decision-making skills. Through interactive workshops, collaborative projects, and guided leadership experiences, we equip participants with the tools to become influential changemakers in their communities. By cultivating self-awareness, accountability, and visionary thinking, we prepare young leaders to create a lasting impact in their schools, careers, and beyond.
Career/College Planning
At The Butterfli Effect, we are dedicated to preparing young women for success beyond the classroom. Our Career and College Planning curriculum provides students with the essential tools to explore their passions, set meaningful goals, and navigate their future with confidence. Through personalized guidance, career exploration activities, and college readiness workshops, participants gain valuable knowledge in areas like resume building, interview preparation, scholarship applications, and professional networking. We believe that early exposure to career pathways and higher education opportunities empowers young women to make informed decisions about their futures, equipping them to pursue purpose-driven careers and educational journeys. Our goal is to ensure every young woman leaves our program with a clear vision, practical skills, and the confidence to thrive in college, career, and life.
Etiquette
At The Butterfli Effect, we understand that first impressions and social grace are powerful tools for success. Our Etiquette program is designed to teach young women the fundamentals of professionalism, effective communication, and refined social skills that will serve them in personal, academic, and professional settings. Through interactive workshops and real-life scenarios, participants learn the importance of poise, respectful interactions, dining etiquette, digital etiquette, and cultural awareness. These essential skills not only open doors to new opportunities but also help build lasting impressions and meaningful relationships. By fostering confidence, self-respect, and polished presentation, we prepare young women to navigate diverse environments with grace, respect, and authenticity—empowering them to leave a positive mark wherever they go.
Team Building
At The Butterfli Effect, we recognize that leadership and success are built on collaboration, not competition. Our Team Building curriculum focuses on fostering cooperation, problem-solving, and trust-building among young women, helping them understand the power of unity in achieving shared goals. Through engaging group activities, collaborative projects, and leadership challenges, participants learn to navigate group dynamics, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively within a team. We emphasize active listening, empathy, and accountability, creating an environment where every voice is valued and every contribution matters. By developing these essential interpersonal and collaboration skills, we prepare young women to thrive in academic settings, professional environments, and community initiatives, reinforcing the truth that we rise by lifting each other.
Financial Literacy
At The Butterfli Effect, we believe that financial empowerment starts with education. Our Financial Literacy program equips young women with the essential knowledge and practical skills to manage money wisely and build long-term financial independence. Through interactive workshops, hands-on budgeting activities, and real-world simulations, participants learn the fundamentals of saving, smart spending, investing, credit management, and wealth-building strategies. We focus on demystifying complex financial topics, ensuring students feel confident navigating personal finances, setting financial goals, and planning for their futures. By fostering a strong foundation in financial literacy, we empower young women to make informed money decisions, avoid common financial pitfalls, and develop the mindset of generational wealth creation and economic self-sufficiency.
Feminine Health
At The Butterfli Effect, we are committed to educating and empowering young women to understand and care for their whole selves—mind, body, and spirit. Our Feminine Health program provides participants with the essential knowledge and tools to confidently navigate their physical health, menstrual wellness, mental well-being, relational boundaries, and spiritual growth. Through engaging workshops and open conversations, we cover topics such as reproductive health, hygiene practices, body literacy, emotional regulation, self-care, and healthy relationships. We create a safe and supportive space where young women can ask questions, debunk myths, and build self-awareness and self-respect. By fostering a holistic approach to feminine health, we equip participants with the skills to advocate for their well-being, make informed choices, and embrace their womanhood with confidence, dignity, and grace.
Liza B, Calumet City, IL
"The Butterfli Effect has been a game-changer for my daughter. She used to struggle with confidence and speaking up, but through the leadership and etiquette programs, I’ve watched her blossom into a young woman who carries herself with poise and purpose. The mentorship she’s received is priceless—it’s so much more than a program, it’s truly a sisterhood that builds up our girls for success."
Angela R., Chicago, IL
"As a mom, it’s important to me that my daughter is prepared for life beyond the classroom. The Butterfli Effect provided her with real-world skills like financial literacy, college readiness, and critical thinking. But more importantly, they poured into her as a whole person—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. She’s now more focused, goal-oriented, and proud of who she is becoming."
Tamar W., Chicago, IL
"The Butterfli Effect created a safe and empowering space for my daughter to learn, grow, and connect with other young women. The project-based learning made every lesson hands-on and meaningful, and the mentors truly cared about her development. I’ve seen a huge shift in how she approaches challenges and communicates with confidence. Every young girl deserves this experience."
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BUTTERFLI EFFECT
OUR PURPOSE
The Butterfli Effect NFP exists to empower and equip young individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate their futures with purpose. Through immersive programs centered on leadership, career and college planning, etiquette, team building, financial literacy, and feminine health, we create transformative experiences that inspire growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Our mission is to provide the tools and resources necessary for youth to break barriers, embrace their full potential, and become leaders in their communities and beyond.
