Aya de León

Aya de León is a Lecturer and Director of Poetry for the People at the University of California, Berkeley’s African American Studies Department. She continues June Jordan’s legacy by teaching poetry and spoken word. Her work intersects race, class, gender, culture, and environmental justice through literature and media.

Her feminist heist novels, including SIDE CHICK NATION (the first novel about Hurricane Maria’s impact in Puerto Rico) and an upcoming spy novel about FBI surveillance of racial justice groups, have garnered awards. Publications include Guernica, Essence, and Bitch Magazine.

Awards include top honors from the International Latino Book Awards and Independent Publisher Awards. Her research emphasizes climate action and intersectional justice, reflecting her commitment to marginalized communities.

Office hours are Monday–Friday 9am–12pm and 1pm–4pm at 660 Social Sciences Building, Berkeley, CA 94720.