New Horizons: Maria Johnson Reflects on Global Passport’s Trip to Panama

Maria Johnson’s roots in Southeast DC’s Ward 8 run deep.

She was born in Ward 8. Her children were born in Ward 8. Her grandchildren were born in Ward 8. As a Martha’s Table Community Activator, Maria brings that lived experience, deep love, and personal understanding to her work every day.

So when she had the opportunity to travel to Panama as a chaperone with Martha’s Table’s Global Passport program, Maria knew the trip would be meaningful for the young people. What she did not expect was how deeply it would move her, too.

“It was mind-blowing and very humbling,” Maria shared.

Through Global Passport, teens from Martha’s Table have the opportunity to travel, serve, learn, and experience new cities and cultures across the United States and abroad. For many students, this recent trip was their first time leaving the country. For some, it was their first time flying on a plane.

Maria could relate to that feeling. Before her trip to Panama, she had never been on a plane, either. “I shared my experience with them,” she said. “I told them, ‘I had never been on a plane before.’ And now I’ve come back saying, ‘Oh my God, it was amazing!'”

As a chaperone, Maria encouraged the teens to try something new, even when it felt scary. She reminded them that growth often begins with taking a chance.

“You can never be afraid to learn and push each other toward greatness,” she said. “I tell the kids, ‘Come on y’all, let’s go.’”

In Panama, Maria watched the teens open themselves up to every part of the experience. They participated in service, visited museums, learned about history and culture, and connected with local children and community members.

For Maria, one of the most powerful parts of the trip was watching the young people serve with open hearts. “They were not tired,” she said. “They had an unselfish heart. They loved the interaction with the children.”

The trip also gave the teens a chance to see the world, and themselves, differently. Maria remembered one young person reflecting on the experience and saying, “I thought it could be tough where we are.” But after spending time in Panama, the teens noticed something deeper than material resources. They saw joy, generosity, and pride in community.

Maria saw it, too.

“They were so happy,” she said. “No matter what situation or living arrangement, they were happy.”

That joy stayed with her. So did the generosity.

Maria shared that when community members in Panama welcomed the group, they served them with abundance and care. For Maria, it was a powerful reminder not to take anything for granted.

Throughout the trip, the teens were introduced to new ideas, new careers, and new ways to imagine their futures. During a diplomatic visit to the US Embassy in Panama, students learned what it means to work as a diplomat and to travel the world through public service.

Maria watched their curiosity grow in real time.

“You had all these kids saying, ‘I think I want to be a diplomat,’” she said.

Another young person was inspired by the nonprofit leaders they met during the trip. “I want to have a nonprofit like hers, to be able to do what she’s doing right now for us and look out for the community,” Maria shared. “And I said, ‘You can do that. Yes, you can.’”

For Maria, that is the heart of Global Passport. The trip is not only about travel. It is about exposure. It is about helping young people see new paths, new careers, new cultures, and new versions of themselves.

“Traveling helps broaden your horizon,” Maria said. “It can change the way you see things and the way you live.”

Maria believes young people need opportunities to experience the world beyond what they know. Not because their community lacks strength, but because they deserve access to every opportunity the world has to offer.

“They need to see other things,” she said. “They need to open their minds to other things.”

She also believes programs like Global Passport are especially powerful because they meet young people where they are. For Maria, that is central to community work.

“You have to meet people where they are,” she said. “Come meet them where they are and help them get that path toward where they want to go.”

When the teens returned home, Maria saw the impact immediately. They were excited. They were asking questions. They wanted to know where they could go next.

“They come back saying, ‘I’m going to this place. I’m going to that place,” she said. “They’re ready to get on that plane again!”

That excitement matters. It means a door has opened. It means a young person has seen something new and can now imagine more for their life.

For Maria, that is why Martha’s Table’s youth programming is so important.

“Our kids are amazing,” she said. “Some of them are just misunderstood. You never know what their living arrangements are. You never know what their situations are. Places like Martha’s Table, doing this amazing thing with Global Passport, they need that. It is very much needed in this community.”

As someone born and raised in Ward 8, Maria knows the brilliance and promise that lives within the community. She also knows that young people deserve opportunities to explore, lead, serve, and dream beyond the limits others may place on them.

Through Global Passport, Martha’s Table is helping make those opportunities possible.

And for Maria, the message to young people is simple:

“You only got one life,” she said. “Live life. Don’t let life live you.”

Your support makes transformative experiences like Global Passport possible for Ward 8 youth. Donate today at www.marthastable.org/donate/

Learn More about Global Passport here