Jennifer Browdy

Dr. Jennifer Browdy is a Professor of Comparative Literature & Media Arts at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, where she has taught since 1994. She leads the Languages & Literature Division and specializes in women’s literature, environmental activism, and memoir as a tool for social change. Her research focuses on purposeful memoir by women addressing environmental and social justice issues. She holds a PhD and MA from New York University and a BA from Bard College at Simon’s Rock.

Education:

• PhD and MA in Comparative Literature, New York University
• BA (magna cum laude) in English and Journalism, Bard College at Simon’s Rock

Research & Teaching Interests: Dr. Browdy’s work bridges literature and activism, emphasizing memoir, journalism, and media strategies for social/environmental justice. She teaches courses on global women’s literature, leadership development, and environmental writing. Her research includes editing anthologies like Women Writing Resistance and African Women Writing Resistance.

Awards & Grants:

• 2017 Nautilus Silver Award for The Elemental Journey of Purposeful Memoir
• 2018 International Book Awards Finalist for What I Forgot...And Why I Remembered
• Bard Center for Civic Engagement grants for courses on women’s leadership and activism

Labs & Initiatives: She founded the Berkshire Festival of Women Writers (2009–2016) and the Butterfly Leadership Program for teen girls. As publisher of Green Fire Press, she focuses on works by activist writers.

Publications & Outreach: Dr. Browdy has published widely in journals and conferences, including presentations at MLA, Bioneers, and Kripalu. Her recent work includes workshops on memoir writing and climate resilience, reflecting her commitment to aligning personal narrative with planetary stewardship.