Meet MaCara Santiago | Founder & President

We had the good fortune of connecting with MaCara Santiago and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MaCara, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factors behind the success of Projects 2 Passports are God’s guidance and the incredible team surrounding this vision. From the very beginning, this journey has been rooted in faith. I truly believe that God placed this mission on my heart not just as an idea, but as a divine calling to uplift and empower young girls who, like me, needed to see that there is more to life than their current circumstances. His grace has opened doors I couldn’t have imagined and provided strength during every challenge.

But this vision could never thrive alone. The support, dedication, and shared passion of an amazing team have helped bring Projects 2 Passports to life. Together, we are creating something far greater than ourselves, a movement that is changing lives, one girl at a time.

With God as our foundation and a team committed to purpose and impact, Projects 2 Passports continues to grow and touch lives, proving that when faith meets action, extraordinary things happen.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Projects 2 Passports is truly a labor of love and purpose for me. It was born from my own lived experiences growing up in public housing and foster care, where resources were limited, but my imagination and hunger to explore the world were limitless. As a young girl, I would lose myself in books and travel shows, dreaming of faraway places I never thought I’d have the chance to visit. That dream eventually became my reality and now, I’m passionate about creating that same possibility for other young girls who come from similar backgrounds.

Projects 2 Passports is different because it’s personal. We don’t just expose girls to new countries, we expose them to new perspectives, new skills, and new versions of themselves. Our focus is on access, access to global education, mentorship, personal development, and of course, travel. I’m proud that we’re not just helping these girls see the world we’re helping them see their worth, their potential, and their power to make a difference.

Getting to where I am today professionally has not been easy but it’s been worth it. I’ve had to learn many lessons the hard way, from navigating life with little support to building my career and starting my accounting firm Around the World Ledger all while raising a family. Challenges taught me resilience, and setbacks fueled my determination. I realized early on that education and opportunity can change the trajectory of a person’s life and I want Projects 2 Passports to be that change for the girls we serve.

One of my proudest moments so far is receiving our first grant it confirmed that others see the value and need in what we’re doing. Also, continuing to build myself and getting my college degree while being a single mom. But more than that, I’m most excited about what’s to come in the future, watching these young girls grow, lead, and impact their communities and the world.

What I want people to know about my story and brand is this, Projects 2 Passports is about breaking cycles, building dreams, and bridging worlds. It’s about empowerment through exposure and the belief that no matter where you start in life, you are worthy of opportunity, adventure, and success. My journey wasn’t easy, but it gave me the heart and vision to help others, and I carry that into everything I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, I love this type of question. Dallas has a LOT going on. I’m a chill and vibe type of person and so is my best friend.

Food Places: At the Hudson House (oysters + martinis), Uchi Dallas sushi, Sixty Vines, Monarch Dallas, Tei-An Japanese soba house, Lucia in Bishop Arts, and Glorias in BA.

Artsy Must Visits: Rainbow Vomit, Perot Museum, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Aquarium, & Museum of Illusions.

Outdoor Chill Spots: Dallas Arboretum & Klyde Warren Park

Places to go: Catch a show at AT&T Performing Arts Center or a comedy night at Dallas Comedy House, Reunion Tower, Midnight Rambler, Sandaga 813.

And a spa day at Spa Castle.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a huge shoutout to our Vice President, Britiany Merriweather. From the moment I shared my vision for Projects 2 Passports with her, Britiany jumped in without hesitation and brought my ideas to life with structure and clarity. She’s been instrumental in building this organization leading the development of our curriculum, creating most of our social media content, planning events, and supporting every step of the journey. The most incredible part? I’ve never had to ask she simply shows up, time and time again. Her dedication and presence have been invaluable, and I truly couldn’t do this without her.

Website: https://www.projects2passports.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projects2passports/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macarasantiago/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projects2passports/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Projects2Passports

Image Credits
2902 Media