Cleyvis Natera

Cleyvis Natera is an award-winning author and academic affiliated with Antioch University as Visiting Faculty in the MFA in Creative Writing program. She concurrently serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Montclair State University—where she leads the development of an M.F.A. in Bilingual Creative Writing—and holds faculty positions at Barnard College of Columbia University and The New School's M.F.A. program.

Her educational background includes:

• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from New York University (2005)
• Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology with a concentration in Creative Writing from Skidmore College (1999)

Natera's research focuses on fiction writing, literary criticism, and bilingual narratives, with thematic emphasis on immigration, cultural identity, and social justice. Her creative and scholarly output consistently explores Dominican-American experiences and urban transformation through nuanced storytelling.

Her publications reveal a multidisciplinary approach spanning:

• Literary fiction and novel writing (e.g., Neruda on the Park)
• Critical essays on gender and society
• Cultural commentary in major media outlets
• Short stories in prestigious journals

Significant honors include:

• Fulbright Specialist
• Toni Morrison Fiction Fellowship (Bread Loaf, 2024)
• International Latino Book Award
• Multiple PEN America fellowships
• Residencies at Hermitage Artist Retreat and Virginia Center for Creative Arts

She currently leads curricular development for Montclair State's bilingual M.F.A. program and maintains active roles in literary organizations including PEN America and AWP.