Banah Ghadbian

Banah Ghadbian is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Comparative Women's Studies at Spelman College. Originally from Syria and raised in the U.S. South, Banah graduated as Valedictorian from Spelman College with dual degrees in Comparative Women’s Studies and Sociology. Their academic journey continued at the University of California, San Diego, where they earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies, focusing on the creative work of Syrian women during revolution and war.

Education:

• Ph.D., Ethnic Studies, University of California, San Diego
• M.A., Ethnic Studies, University of California, San Diego
• B.A., Sociology and Comparative Women's Studies, Spelman College

Banah’s research and creative work intersect with themes of social justice, refugee experiences, and Middle Eastern gender dynamics. Their academic focus includes arts-based healing methodologies and the intersection of poetry with sociopolitical commentary. They have collaborated internationally with refugee youth in Greece and Jordan, co-founding the Arab Youth Collective (now Majdal Center) in California to support Syrian refugees through artistic expression.

Scientific Awards:

• Diverse Voices Prize (2021) for their poetry book La Syrena.

Banah’s creative writing has been featured in prominent publications such as The Women’s Review of Books, Poetry Northwest, and The Feminist Wire. Their work bridges academic inquiry with grassroots activism, exemplified by cofounding the Students for Justice in Palestine at Spelman and participating in programs like the Toni Cade Bambara Scholar-Activist-Writers Collective.