Barbara Zocal Da Silva

Barbara Zocal Da Silva is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Maryland. She specializes in translation studies, decolonial feminisms, and Blackness in Latin America. She coordinates curricula and anti-racist initiatives for the Portuguese Minor Program, co-leads the SPAP Center for Translation and Interpreting, and serves on the ARHU Academic Planning Advisory Committee (APAC). Dr. Da Silva holds a Ph.D. in Spanish/Translation Studies from the University of São Paulo (2022), focusing on the reception of Hispanic-American women’s works in Brazil through decolonial lenses.

Her research bridges translation, race, gender, and postcolonial theory. Recent projects include translating Capoeira Angola masters’ oral histories and co-editing scholarly works on women authors in translation. She actively participates in professional development initiatives like the ADVANCE Program for Women in Leadership and organizes cultural events such as UMD’s first Carnaval Celebration.

Key contributions include translating bell hooks’ Talking Back, Venezuelan poetry collections, and graphic novels from Spain and Peru. Her work emphasizes humanitarian translation practices, anti-racist pedagogy, and fostering inclusive academic spaces for minoritized groups.

• Education: Ph.D. in Spanish/Translation Studies (University of São Paulo, 2022)
• Leadership Roles: PTK Symposium Committee member, Deputy Portuguese Director (Spring 2024), and APAC Representative
• Notable Initiatives: Carnaval Celebration organizer, anti-racist curriculum development, and project coordinator for the Portuguese Minor Program