At The Madrina Project, the belief is simple yet powerful: every high school girl deserves to understand her significance, embrace her worth, and feel empowered to shape her tomorrow. Through a blend of resources, mentorship, scholarships, and special programs, the organization proudly serves as San Antonio’s Fairy Godmother, offering more than dresses—it provides confidence, opportunities, and genuine encouragement.
How It All Started: The Roll of Purple Silk
The Madrina Project traces its origins back to a single act of kindness and a purple dress.
In 2011,
was in her first year of college when she was invited to attend a military ball. Like many college students living on a tight budget, she didn’t have the money to buy a formal gown. A local community shero named Melissa stepped in to help, offering Carmen access to her small coat closet filled with formal dresses she had collected to support her daughter’s high school friends.
Dress after dress seemed more elegant than the last. When Carmen tried on a strapless purple gown adorned with simple stones, it made her feel confident, beautiful, and seen—something she didn’t expect from a borrowed dress.
However, Melissa shared that she could no longer oversee the dress donations. Deeply moved by the experience, Carmen asked one simple question:
“Do you mind if I keep it going?”
That single moment sparked the beginning of what would become The Fairy Godmother mission. What started with one dress evolved into a citywide movement dedicated to empowering young women across San Antonio.
Programs That Inspire and Empower
The Fairy Godmother Boutique
The Fairy Godmother Boutique offers a free, personalized shopping experience for high school girls in need. Each girl leaves not only with a beautiful dress but also with a sense of value and celebration.
Significant U Empowerment Conference
This annual, no-cost conference is designed specifically for high school girls. It provides attendees with a first-look dress shopping experience, inspiring speakers, interactive sessions, and opportunities to build confidence and community.
Founder Carmen Lidia Fajardo
Brave Spaces
Brave Spaces are supportive gatherings where girls can share openly, receive real-life guidance, and form meaningful bonds with one another. These sessions help them build a strong foundation of sisterhood and resilience.
The Mission
The Madrina Project is dedicated to educating, encouraging, and empowering the next generation of young women. Through mentorship, resources, scholarships, and acts of kindness, the organization ensures that girls feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving their dreams.
The organization continues to ask the community:
Will you join us in empowering tomorrow’s leaders?
Contact Information
The Madrina Project
Founder: Carmen Lidia Fajardo
? Email: themadrinaprojectsa@gmail.com
? Phone: 210-620-9463
The Madrina Project remains committed to transforming lives, one purple dress at a time.
