Maria Binkiewicz
Spring 2025 John Jay Fellow
Hometown: Warsaw, Poland
College: Warsaw University
Degree: American Literature and Culture; English Studies
Maria was born in Warsaw, Poland, where she grew up with her three sisters and a brother.
Her love of literature, culture and learning about what makes society tick led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in English Studies at Warsaw University, where she majored in American Literature and Culture. That is when she joined the student theater company The Cheerful Hamlets, which enabled her to co-direct a play on Zoom– A Midsummer Night's Dream – during the pandemic. In addition to regular classes, she also completed a 2-year teacher's training along with an internship at XL Żeromski High School.
Maria decided to continue her academic journey at the same university, earning a master's degree in English Studies - Literature and Culture. In the summer semester of her first year, she participated in the Erasmus+ program at Heidelberg University. During her entire studies, she was able to obtain the Rector's scholarship for outstanding academic performance and achievement four times, and received two diplomas with distinction.
The community that holds a special place in Maria's heart is the International Union of Guides and Scouts of Europe. She has been its member for more than 17 years; scouting has captured her heart since she was 7 years old. There she learned that to lead means to serve. She was able to use this knowledge first as a patrol leader, then as a troop leader, and finally as a district leader’s assistant. Scouting also allowed her to hone her organizational skills, as she had the opportunity to be part of the organizing team of the Youth Forum, a nationwide annual conference for scout leaders, and to lead the guest section. But most importantly, it was a community that gave her a chance to deepen her relationship with God and bond with people who also wanted to “leave this world a little better than they found it.”
Scouting also played a huge role in influencing Maria's career choices. There she discovered her calling to help others and her desire to see her work make a real difference in other people's lives. That is why she decided to get involved in the third sector and work for the NGO Faces of Depression. Initially as an administrative employee, and later as a volunteer and project activities coordinator, she sought to bring help to those affected by this civilization disease. She is determined to continue her work in NGOs and through this give back to her community. In addition, she puts her education to good use as an English teacher and translator.
In her spare time, Maria enjoys dancing - with swing dancing being her particular love - reading, baking and hiking in the mountains (although any place where there is nature is a good place for a hike).