Neomi D. De Anda

Neomi D. De Anda is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Dayton. A Tejana scholar/activist and Catholic Lay Marianist, her work bridges theology, social justice, and Latin@/Latin American experiences. She focuses on historical women writers in religion, Christology, and border theology in collaboration with the Hope Border Institute.

• Grants & Fellowships:
  • Louisville Institute First Book for Minority Scholars Grant
  • Hispanic Theological Initiative Fellowships
• Key Research Themes:
  • Intersection of race, migration, and gender in theological contexts
  • Reimagining Marian theology through Latin American lenses
  • Critique of sanctuary spaces for Latinas
  • Using games and storytelling in pedagogy
• Public Engagement:
  • Regular contributor to Radio Maria
  • Co-leads the International Marian Research Institute
  • Collaborates with the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative Racial & Immigrant Justice Team

Her recent scholarship explores Gen Z’s theological education, gamification in academic settings, and religious symbolism in popular culture, such as the film Blue Beetle. She advocates for trauma-informed, anti-racist teaching practices and co-creates open-access tools like MaryoftheAmericas.org.