ACCESS CHANGES LIVES
WHO WE ARE
Discovering Butterflies is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing women ages 21–40 who are navigating barriers to career growth and opportunity. Through structured pathways, experiential learning, and guided access, we help women build confidence, expand professional networks, develop leadership skills, and access opportunities that support long-term success.
We believe exposure creates confidence, experience builds credibility, and access accelerates advancement.
Pathway Planning • Guided Access • Experiential Learning • Global Exposure
OUR VISION
We envision a future where women are not limited by a lack of access, exposure, or opportunity, but are empowered to confidently pursue meaningful careers, leadership roles, and global experiences. Through intentional pathways and real-world experiences, women can build the confidence, connections, and credibility needed to thrive and lead.
OUR APPROACH
The ACCESS Pathway™ is Discovering Butterflies' signature framework for helping women move from aspiration to action through career access, leadership development, experiential learning, and global opportunity. We believe exposure creates confidence, experience builds credibility, and access accelerates advancement. Through intentional guidance, real-world experiences, and meaningful connections, women gain the tools, confidence, and opportunities needed to navigate their careers with purpose.
Assess • Clarify • Connect • Experience • Showcase • Scale
Dedication to completing the program by staying focus and resilient
Fostering a mindset that views challenges as temporary hurdles, that can be overcome with a persistent approach of positivity.
Fostering an environment
of truthfulness and accountability that reflects honest and ethical principles.
Recognizing the value to embracing their uniqueness while understanding the principle of treating others with dignity, kindness and empathy.
Discovering Butterflies operates through industry-specific initiatives, each grounded in The Access Pathway™.
Our inaugural initiative is:
S.H.E. Lab — Supporting Her Elevation in Events & Brand Experiences
A 90-day ACCESS Pathway™ experience designed to provide emerging women professionals with guided exposure, experiential learning, industry access, and leadership development opportunities.
Discovering Butterflies currently offers three cohort experiences each year:
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Summer 2026 Cohort | July - September - Application Deadline June 15, 2026
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Winter 2027 Cohort | January – March
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Summer 2027 Cohort | May – July
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Fall Cohort 2027 | September–November
Application & Selection Process
Women 21-40 interested in participating in Discovering Butterflies begin by submitting an interest application outlining their background, interests, aspirations, and professional goals.
Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a brief virtual conversation as part of the cohort selection process.
Once selected, participants engage in a guided 90-day cohort experience including:
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Professional development sessions
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Advisor conversations
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Networking opportunities
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Industry exposure experiences
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Experiential learning activities
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Leadership and visibility development
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Site visits, shadowing, or project-based experiences
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Community and cohort engagement opportunities
Each cohort experience is intentionally designed to provide participants with greater exposure, confidence, professional connection, and access to real-world opportunities.
Upon completion of the cohort experience, participants remain part of Discovering Butterflies and continue receiving access to future opportunities, experiences, conversations, and community engagement initiatives.
S.H.E. LAB INITIATIVES
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Sherron Washington, M.A. – a visionary leader, professor and esteemed marketing and communication professional and still discovering butterfly with over two decades of experience in the marketing and communications field.
Driven by her own early experiences of navigating the professional world without guidance, Sherron is dedicated to mentoring and supporting the next generation of female leaders. Her commitment is reflected in her numerous initiatives and programs specifically designed to uplift young women, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in their careers and beyond.
Sherron's vision is to create a supportive community where young women are encouraged to embrace their strengths, innovate, and lead with resilience and creativity.
CREATE ACCESS
BECOME AN ACCESS INVESTOR
Your support will help young women around the world gain the access to explore and attain their life aspirations.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Amount
$50
$100
$500
$1,000
Other
BECOME AN ACCESS
ADVISOR
Access Advisors are professionals, leaders, and industry experts who help create meaningful pathways to opportunity for emerging women professionals.
As an Access Advisor, you may share career insights, participate in conversations, provide exposure to your industry, support experiential learning opportunities, or help participants expand their professional networks. Advisors play a critical role in helping women gain the confidence, perspective, and access needed to navigate their career journeys.
Whether you can contribute through a single conversation, ongoing mentorship, industry exposure, or professional guidance, your experience can make a lasting impact.
Interested in becoming an Access Advisor?
Email us at info@discoveringbutterflies.org to learn more about advisor opportunities and how you can support the next generation of women leaders