Today we’d like to introduce you to Leomise McClendon.
Hi Leomise, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my mentoring journey long before it blossomed into a business. It all began when my oldest son came home from the park with a group of friends who were experiencing hardships at home. With their parents’ permission, I opened my doors to them and became a safe place—an extension of their village. It was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. While supporting these young people, I was also raising my own family, and that experience ultimately revealed my purpose.
Wanting to make an even greater impact, I began looking for organizations with mentorship programs and applied to become a volunteer mentor at Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services. I was accepted and spent three years mentoring youth every Tuesday evening alongside an incredible group of mentors. During that time, parents began reaching out to ask if I would continue mentoring their children after they left the shelter, and my answer was always yes. I also began receiving referrals from the church where I was serving.
Those experiences inspired me to found Butterfly Effect Girls Mentoring Inc. in 2018. I launched the organization with just five girls while continuing my volunteer work at the shelter until the pandemic. Through word of mouth and the trust of families in our community, the organization grew quickly.
Over the past eight years, I have had the privilege of witnessing incredible transformations. I’ve seen girls who once struggled to find their voices become confident, influential leaders. I’m especially proud that 100% of our high school seniors have graduated and gone on to college, trade school, entrepreneurship, or meaningful careers. Dreams that once seemed out of reach have become reality because of the opportunities, guidance, support, and resources we have been able to provide.
Looking back, what started with simply opening my home has grown into a mission dedicated to empowering young women to recognize their worth, discover their potential, and create lasting change—not only in their own lives, but in their families and communities. I truly believe that when you change the life of one girl, you create a butterfly effect that impacts generations to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Everything was going well until the pandemic changed the way we operated. We quickly transitioned our mentoring program to a virtual format, and with parents’ permission, we also held small gatherings at my home to ensure the girls continued receiving the support they needed.
After the pandemic, we lost our dedicated meeting space and had to become mobile. We continued meeting at my home when necessary and utilized libraries and other community spaces whenever they were available. We also faced challenges with transportation, ensuring the girls could get to and from meetings, and securing sustainable funding to support our growing organization.
Despite those obstacles, our commitment to the girls never wavered. We adapted, remained resourceful, and continued to grow while providing high-quality mentoring and meaningful opportunities. Those experiences strengthened our organization and reinforced our belief that every challenge can be met with creativity, perseverance, and a commitment to the young women we serve.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My career path is different from my purpose-driven work, but both reflect who I am. I currently serve as a Revenue Manager in a healthcare organization.
I am known for my passion for serving others, regardless of their background or walk of life. I believe in meeting people where they are and building from that place.
I am also known for my joyful personality—always smiling and striving to create an atmosphere of warmth and encouragement for those around me. I show up authentically in every space I enter; what you see is what you get. That authenticity helps others feel safe, seen, and comfortable in my presence.
At my core, I see myself as a vessel of light and encouragement in this world, committed to uplifting others wherever I can. I am also an intercessor, continually committed to prayer and yielding myself to God’s guidance in my life and work.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
The advice I would give is to do your research and become well educated on how to establish a nonprofit. There were several mistakes and missteps I made along the way while learning how to properly build and structure everything.
I also encourage others to take advantage of cohort programs and training opportunities, such as those offered through the YWCA and The Master Resource. These resources can save both time and money and help you avoid common pitfalls in the early stages.
Lastly, I would emphasize the importance of community. Find your network and invest time in building relationships with others in the field. Those connections are invaluable for support, guidance, and long-term growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.butterflyeffectgmp.org
- Instagram: be_girls_inc
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/Butterflyworld1017
