Cleyvis Natera

Cleyvis Natera is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Barnard College, Columbia University, where she teaches creative writing at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She holds an M.F.A. in Fiction from New York University and a B.A. in English and Psychology with a concentration in Creative Writing from Skidmore College.

Education:

• M.F.A., Fiction, New York University
• B.A., English and Psychology with a concentration in Creative Writing, Skidmore College

Cleyvis is a celebrated writer whose work centers on themes of identity, immigration, Afro-Latina voices, and urban life. Her debut novel Neruda on the Park (2022) explores gentrification, family, and cultural memory in Harlem. Her fiction and essays have been published in The New York Times Book Review, TIME, The Kenyon Review, The Washington Post, and Kweli Journal. Her creative interests include literary fiction, memoir, cultural criticism, and storytelling as a form of resistance and community building.

Her recent publications reflect a strong focus on personal and cultural narratives, exploring topics such as masculinity, memory, healing, and belonging. These works appear in both literary journals and mainstream media, indicating a broad engagement with both artistic and public audiences.

Literary Honors and Fellowships:

• PEN America Writing for Justice Fellow (2019–2020)
• Carol Houck Smith Returning Contributor Award, Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference (2019)
• Fiction Fellow, Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA)
• Merit Scholar, Juniper Summer Writing Institute
• Merit Scholar, VONA Voices Foundation
• Alum, Disquiet International Literary Program
• Support from Rowland Writers Retreat and Hermitage Artist Retreat

Cleyvis is actively involved in mentoring and literary community initiatives. She has participated in numerous panels and workshops, including events at the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP), Brooklyn Book Festival, and PEN America World Voices Festival. She has facilitated writing workshops for emerging writers and contributed to programs supporting underrepresented voices in literature. Her public engagement reflects a commitment to literary citizenship and social justice.

Labs and Literary Communities:
She is a proud alum of Kweli Journal and has been featured in its programs. She is also affiliated with literary collectives such as VONA and Disquiet, which support writers of color and international voices.