María Celleri

Dr. María Celleri is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). As a transnational feminist scholar and dedicated educator, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her experiences as a first-generation queer Latinx migrant born in Venezuela to Ecuadorian parents and raised in New York City.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies from UC San Diego
• Master's degree in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Ohio State University
• Master's degree in Hispanic Languages and Literature from Stony Brook University

Dr. Celleri's scholarly work critically examines identity, national belonging, and social justice in Latin America and throughout the diaspora. Her research is deeply informed by her personal experiences navigating multiple countries, cultures, and languages, forging hemispheric connections that challenge bounded nation-states. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges ethnic studies, gender studies, and Latin American studies to address pressing social issues from a transnational feminist perspective.

As a committed mentor and passionate community organizer, Dr. Celleri integrates her obligation to social justice, diversity, and equity work into both her academic career and community engagement. Beyond academia, she is described as a rock climber and lover of the outdoors, reflecting her holistic approach to life and scholarship.