About

I’m Amaya, the Sun From Leo. I am a toddler mom, nontraditional student, student-parent, and founder. I am a Senior philosophy major and Ronald E. McNair Scholar at the University of Maryland, College Park pursuing a Philosophy PhD/JD dual degree program.

I’m a Renaissance Womban who sets the container to follow her pleasure and passions (Leo Sun, Sag Moon, Cap Rising). From Psychology to Physics to a Double Major in Physics and Kinesiology, to landing in Philosophy.I live to honor something my grandfather always told me to do: get my share of this world. I am pursuing a PhD/JD dual degree program to further explore consciousness, reality, identity, and sovereignty. I am growing a family wellness and enrichment business (Pod & Pride) so that the entire family has a space to cultivate their health and habits. I am building a life, career, and business that bridges the humanities and sciences. My journey reflects my tenacity and love for asking questions— especially about how our inner worlds create the world and realities we live in.

I have special interests in indigenous studies (especially African and Kānaka Maoli), history, orcas, panthera, quantum physics, films, birth work, wombanhood, and literature (All of which I love to talk about, hint hint). My special interests are often connected to my work and personal philosophies.

“My granddaddy always told me about the importance of having a solid foundation and not playing games with people. My nana instilled the importance of education and reading in me (and supporting the libraries!). I honor their foundation and legacy with the creation of Sun From Leo because I wouldn’t be Amaya without William Royster Johnson or Christine Johnson.”

— Amaya Johnson, Royster’s Child