Raysa Amador

Raysa Amador is a Professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at Adelphi University’s College of Arts and Sciences. She has served as Chair of the department (2006–2021) and Director of the Latin American Studies Program since 1990. Her academic leadership extends to numerous university committees and advisory roles, including the DACA, International & Immigration Task Force and the International Studies Committee.

• Ph.D., New York University (1978)
• M.A., New York University (1973)
• B.A., Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, New York University (1972)
• Certificate, Data Processing Programmer, New York University (1979)

Her research centers on Hispanic literature, Latina writers and artists, second language acquisition, and the intersection of law and literature in colonial chronicles. She explores themes of identity, gender, transculturation, and narrative power, particularly in the works of Frida Kahlo, Cristina Garcia, Julia Alvarez, and other Latina figures. Her pedagogical focus includes intermediate Spanish curriculum development and cultural literacy.

The recent scholarly output reflects a strong trend in feminist and transnational studies, analyzing the female body, self-representation, and cultural identity across literature and visual art. Her work bridges interdisciplinary fields such as law, rhetoric, anthropology, and history, particularly in her studies of the Chronicles of the Indies and colonial legitimacy.

• Adelphi Presidential Award for Diversity and Inclusion (2020)
• Distinguished Faculty Excellence Award (2005)
• Septima Clark Distinguished Faculty Award (1999)
• President’s Faculty Development Award (multiple)
• Certificate of Award for Advancing Women's History (1999, 2000)
• Selected speaker, New York Council for the Humanities (multiple years)

Amador has advised numerous undergraduate and graduate students in research and theses, particularly in Hispanic literature, identity, and social justice. She has secured multiple grants, including from the U.S. Department of Education and the New York Council for the Humanities, supporting seminars, speaker programs, and cultural festivals. Her leadership in organizing the Spanish Film Series with Pragda highlights her commitment to public humanities and cultural engagement.

She has been instrumental in developing academic programs such as the Latin American Studies Concentration and has served on key search and governance committees. Her long-standing advisory role with Latino Students United (formerly La Unión Latina) underscores her dedication to student support and diversity initiatives.