Amaya Johnson

Her story

Caring for families has always been the work.

At fifteen, Amaya started at a home-based daycare, and for five years she cared for children from six months to sixteen years old. She learned early that caring for children and caring for the people around them is the same work.

Months after becoming a mom, she went back to college after a five-year break, first as a physics and kinesiology double major pursuing a double degree. As a non-traditional student and a busy mom, she founded Students for Parenting and Care at the University of Maryland, College Park, met with deans and campus leaders about what parenting students need, and graduated early with a BA in Philosophy (2026).

Parents often tell her they're astounded by her energy. Pod and Pride is how she shares what keeps it going: moving together, routines that bend instead of break, and a village that shows up.

• Founded and led Students for Parenting and Care at the University of Maryland
• Co-presented Beyond the Roster: Cultivating Belonging for Student Parents, Maryland Student Affairs Conference (2026)
• Served on the Community Thrives Lab's Undergraduate Student Parent Advisory Council and was featured in Maryland Today
• Ronald E. McNair Scholar · Do Good Institute Accelerator Fellow · TEAM-UP Together Scholar (2024)
• True Moon HIIT Fusion Training certification, and taught sculpt at True Moon Yoga
• Cornerstone Doula Training: Rights Informed Birth Advocate