top of page
336641319_893461801712179_1845345247602141156_n.jpg

Our Mission

Maria and Antonio founded Papilio in 2015 after seeing the impact of sex trafficking on other countries and realizing that it was just as prevalent in the town where they reside in southern Spain. Volunteers with Papilio go out to the streets to bring comfort, resources, and hope to women who are victims of sex trafficking. Their goal is to rescue women and children by leading them to safe houses where they can experience healing, restoration, and training for their futures.

 

The Papilio leadership team partners with local relief agencies such as the Red Cross as well as other NGOs and both the local and national Spanish Government to provide a unique presence on the frontlines through direct contact with women of all ages and from across the world, who through deception and abuse have become trafficking victims. 

 

In addition to their frontline work on the streets, Papilio partners with local municipalities to provide anti-trafficking education in local high schools and to promote awareness in the communities. 

 

Papilio means butterfly in Latin, and the name was chosen by the founders as a reminder that all people should have such freedom as the flight of a butterfly and that each young woman has such beautiful potential.

Our Organization

Papilio USA was born out of a simple but powerful conviction: that our faith calls us to act. When we learned about the devastating reality of human trafficking in Southern Spain — women and girls exploited in the shadows while the world looked away — we could not remain silent. We believe the Gospel compels us to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly alongside the most vulnerable.

​

Founded in 2026 as an independent Washington State nonprofit, Papilio USA exists to raise funds, build awareness, and support the life-changing work of our partner organization, Asociacion Papilio, on the front lines in Spain. 
 

Corporate matching is available on the majority of platforms managed by employers in the US.

​

Papilio USA is committed to full financial transparency. Our annual Form 990 will be posted here upon filing.

​

Board of Directors

Our 2026 board members are:

  • Konnie Drews - Board Chair

  • Katie Gallaher - Board Vice Chair

  • Allison Birkmeyer - Board Secretary

  • Marci Petro - Board Treasurer

  • Jennifer Smith - Board Member

  • Amy Mildes - Board Member​

​​

Tax Information

​​Papilio USA adheres to financial principals and practices for accountability recommended by independent financial watchdog organizations. We feel that all charities must be fully accountable to their donors. That is why we follow accounting procedures established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

 

Papilio USA is a Washington State nonprofit corporation (EIN: 41-4558922) that has applied for federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our application was filed on May 6, 2026. Under IRS rules, upon approval our tax-exempt status will be retroactive to our incorporation date of March 13, 2026, meaning donations made today are expected to be fully tax-deductible upon IRS approval. We will update this page immediately upon receipt of our IRS Determination Letter. For questions about the deductibility of your contribution please consult your tax advisor.

bottom of page