Martha Ojeda

Dr. Martha Ojeda is a Professor at Transylvania University specializing in Latin American and Afro-Latino literatures. She holds a Ph.D. in Spanish from the University of Kentucky (1998), an M.A. in French (1993), and a B.A. in French from Berea College (1991). Her work emphasizes critical engagement with cultural identity, historical memory, and marginalized voices, particularly in Afro-Peruvian contexts.

Teaching focuses on fostering cross-cultural understanding through courses like Latin American Culture and Civilization, Medical Spanish, and Afro-Hispanic Literature. She pioneered the course Latinos: One or Many Cultures, emphasizing student reflections on identity and empathy. Her classroom integrates local Latino community partnerships and global perspectives through guest speakers and documentaries.

Research explores Afro-Latino literatures, testimonial narratives, and Peru’s internal armed conflict (1980–2000). Key publications include analyses of Nicomedes Santa Cruz’s poetry and Lucía Charún-Illescas’ Malambo, emphasizing cultural hybridity and resistance. She has been awarded the Bingham Award for Excellence in Teaching (2002) and multiple Kenan Faculty Development Grants.

Professional memberships include the Modern Language Association (MLA), College Language Association (CLA), and Afro-Latin American Research Association (ALARA). Academic outreach includes May Term travel courses to Peru and advocacy for linguistic and cultural diversity in education.