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About Us

Empowering Black youth to explore the world, connect with culture, and lead with purpose.

About AfroGlobal Travel

AfroGlobal Travel was founded in 2023 with a powerful mission: to make international travel, cultural connection, and environmental action accessible to Black youth. What began as a vision from educator and global advocate Marlena Mitchell has grown into a dynamic nonprofit creating life-changing experiences for young people across the U.S.

Based in Washington, D.C., AfroGlobal Travel offers immersive programs that go far beyond tourism. Our journeys reconnect students with African and Indigenous heritage throughout Latin America, with a special focus on Afro-descendant communities.

Our founder, Marlena Mitchell, brings a career’s worth of experience in multicultural education, bilingual leadership, and global learning. AfroGlobal Travel reflects her commitment to equity and access, creating travel opportunities that are meaningful, affordable, and rooted in community.

Where purpose meets exploration

Our Mission

To connect Black youth with African and Indigenous communities through cultural exchange, environmental sustainability, and leadership development, fostering pride, purpose, and global awareness.

What We Do

AfroGlobal Travel takes you beyond tourism—into the heart of the AfroLatino diaspora. Our two-week journeys and four-week leadership course are built on four pillars:

  • Culture & Heritage – Experience the African legacy in the Americas.
  • Language & Connection – Build Spanish skills and cross-cultural friendships.
  • Environment & Action – Join sustainability and community projects.
  • Leadership & Service – Grow as a changemaker.


From dancing with local artists to sharing meals with community chefs, every trip is a journey of culture, service, and self-discovery.

What Sets Us Apart

  • We center Black and Indigenous voices in every experience.
  • We work with communities, not for them.
  • We remove financial barriers through scholarships and fundraising.
  • We are Black woman-led and rooted in purpose.
AfroGlobal Travel is building a global network of socially conscious youth leaders who stand for justice, heritage, and sustainability at home and abroad.

People behind the mission

Meet Our Team

At AfroGlobal Travel, our strength lies in the passion, experience, and dedication of our leadership. Together, our team brings decades of expertise in education, leadership development, program management, and community engagement—uniting to create transformative experiences that prepare the next generation of global leaders.

Founder & Executive Director

Marlena Mitchell

A visionary educator and leader, Marlena combines deep experience in multicultural education, program design, and community partnerships to connect students with life-changing opportunities. Her work bridges cultures and inspires young people to lead with confidence, cultural pride, and a global perspective.

Program Director

Nakia G. Marsh

With a dynamic background in engineering, education, and community empowerment, Nakia brings technical expertise, leadership skills, and a heart for service. She equips students with career-ready skills and fosters personal growth through mentorship, innovation, and hands-on learning.

Finance Director

Darshell Woods

A strategic thinker with program management and business operations experience, Darshell ensures our programs run efficiently and sustainably. Her expertise in process improvement, fiscal management, and operational excellence strengthens our capacity to deliver meaningful, impactful experiences.

Together, we are committed to empowering students, building cross-cultural connections, and creating opportunities that last a lifetime.