Richa Nagar

Richa Nagar is the inaugural Gloria Steinem ’56 Endowed Chair in Women & Gender Studies at Smith College. Her work bridges academia, arts, and activism, focusing on transnational feminism, radical vulnerability, and collaborative co-authorship. Previously, she was a Professor at the University of Minnesota, where she held roles like Associate Dean and earned multiple awards.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
• M.A., University of Pune, India
• B.A., Lucknow University, India

Research Interests: Her work agitates against stabilized knowledge systems, emphasizing solidarity with marginalized communities through collective creativity. Key concepts include 'situated solidarities' and 'hungry translations,' explored in collaborations with grassroots movements like the Sangtin Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan.

Awards:

• 2021 Global Development Studies Book Award (ISA)
• 2019 James Blaut Award (AAG)
• Russell M. Bennett Chair & Fink Professorship (UMN)

Advising & Grants: Co-founded AGITATE!, an open-access journal, and led community theater projects like Parakh. Advised global collaborations with activists in India, Tanzania, and the USA through her research and writing.

Labs/Teams: Core member of AGITATE! and co-creator of Parakh theater project, fostering transnational solidarity and knowledge-sharing.