Dr. Anita Nahal Arya, a scholar of American and African American women’s history, diversity, and civics, brings decades of interdisciplinary expertise in research, teaching, and leadership across global academic institutions. She possesses a distinguished record in creative writing, public scholarship, and the fostering of inclusive learning environments.
Experience
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in American Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University Master of Philosophy in American History, Delhi University Master of Arts in History, American History and Modern Indian History Emphasis, Delhi University Bachelor of Arts in History, Philosophy Minor, Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University Fulbright Scholar in Residence, African American Women's History, Binghamton University
Certifications
Certification in Diversity & Inclusion, Humanext Certificate in Cultural Competency, Unite for Sight, Global Health University Certified Diversity Professional (CDP), Institute For Diversity
Roles
Member and Co-chair, Standard VII, Self Study Committee, UDC, 2024-Present IIE Campus Internationalization Committee, Howard University, 2010-12 Middle States Reaffirmation of Accreditation Self-Study Committee on Educational Offerings, Howard University, 2007-09 Chair, Graduate Research Day, Howard University, 2011
Courses Taught
IGED 140 Foundation Ethics IGED 280 Discovery Civics US History Post 1865 CapstoneUS History 1776-1865 Other courses such as Modern India taught at other universities
Expertise
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Academic: History; African American women's history; women's history; diversity and civics; modern Indian history
Creative writing: Author of four poetry collections, one novel, one flash fiction collection, and five children's books; editor or co-editor of five poetry anthologies
Leadership
Maryland Writers Association, Montgomery County Branch, Secretery Poetry Society of Virginia Journal, Former Editor Northern Virginia Writers Club American Association of University Women Task Force on Diversity & Inclusion, 2012-15
Impact
Selected Publications
Nahal, A. (2022). Kisses at the espresso bar. Kelsay Books. Nahal, A. (2021). What’s wrong with us Kali women? Kelsay Books. Nahal, A. (2025). Silver years: Senior contemporary Indian women’s poetry. Sahitya Akademi. Nahal, A. et al. (2023). Soul spaces: Poems on cities, towns and villages. Authorspress Publishers. Nahal, A. et al. (2022). Pixie dust & all things magical: Global poetry in English.Authorspress Publishers.
Selected Grants
The U.S./India Studies Initiative Endowment Fund. Howard University. The Tokyo Foundation. Program development award.
Recognitions
Writer for US/Asia Studies. Howard University and Chiang Mai University, Thailand, 2004-05 Writer for Studies at Jadavpur University and Howard University, 2004-05 Best super short film: Clubs my sinful dance muse. Five Continents International Film Festival, Venezuela, 2024 Nissim Prize for Excellence in Literature: Drenched thoughts, 2024 Finalist: Tagore Literary Prize: Kisses at the espresso bar, 2023 Nominee: Pushcart Prize in Poetry, 2022 & 2023 Best Poetry Book of the Year: What’s wrong with us Kali women?, British Ars Notoria, 2023
Invited Participations
Numerous national and international literary festivals
