Mara Naaman is a New York-based independent scholar, author, and editor whose work explores contemporary Arabic and American literature and culture. She has built a career characterized by in-depth study, global experience and a clear commitment to thoughtful research.
Naaman earned her doctorate in Arabic literature from Columbia University. Her dissertation on literary representations of downtown Cairo received high honors. She lived in Cairo for several years and traveled throughout the Middle East. In the process, she developed both language skills and cultural insights that continue to influence her work.
Her academic career includes serving as an assistant professor of comparative literature and Arabic at Williams College from 2007 to 2014. She has also held teaching positions at Columbia University, New York University, Hostra University, and Hunter College. Earlier in her career, she worked as deputy program director at the Modern Language Association in New York.
Naaman’s approach is based on the idea that processes are more important than results. She often describes herself as a “cultural worker” who focuses on the intersection of literature and lived experience. Her work connects academic research with broader cultural conversations.
She is currently pursuing an MFA in creative writing at the City College of New York and is working on a novel. Through her teaching, writing, and research, Naaman continues to contribute to her field with an approach that values depth, reflection, and human connection.
Mara Naaman about culture, career and the selection process
Q: You began your career in the arts as a dancer. How did that shape your path into literature and science?
I started out as a serious dancer and attended Interlochen Arts Academy while in high school. At that time I thought I would become a professional dancer. But writing was always in the background; I found it educational to write both creatively and academically. In high school, I won a creative writing award and began to think more seriously about writing. I don’t see a sharp transition in this. It felt more like one form of expression was flowing into another.
Q: What drew you to Arabic literature specifically?
I began studying Middle Eastern history at Wesleyan University and took my first Arabic courses at the American University in Cairo as part of a study abroad program. I realized that the language was really difficult and that it would take many years to master it. I decided to continue working on learning the language and wrote my thesis on magical realism in Arabic literature. Researching this project opened a door for me. I realized that there was a whole world of stories and perspectives that I wanted to understand better.
Q: You lived in Cairo for some time as a student and during your doctoral research. How has this experience influenced your work?
It changed everything. I felt the class divide in Cairo keenly and identified with writers who were committed to detailing the experiences of the working class and the poor. And of course I lived in many of the places I wrote about, which was very inspiring. The focus of my dissertation was on downtown Cairo as a symbolic space and the history of protest in the 20th century. This gave me a deeper understanding of how urban spaces and the built environment have their own story to tell. It also gave me a sense of how literature not only reflects the narrative of social justice movements, but also helps shape it. My years in Cairo based my work on lived experiences.
Q: Your career includes roles at multiple universities and institutions. What characterizes these years?
Teaching at Williams College has been an important part of my career. It gave me time to develop my ideas and connect with students. I have always valued the classroom as a space for conversation. Later, my work at the Modern Language Association gave me broader insight into the important work that professors do in language and literature departments and how many of these departments are threatened by budget cuts for the humanities in higher education.
Q: You have described yourself as a “cultural worker.” What does this mean for you?
This means that I do not separate my work from the world around me. I’m interested in how literature reflects everyday life and how it inspires us to want to stand up against injustice. I’m also interested in how people engage with ideas. For me, it’s about making a meaningful contribution to culture and sharing inspiring work with others.
Q: You spoke critically about the idea of a “success mentality.” Why is this important to you?
I think the language of success, efficiency and results can be limiting. It pushes people to focus on results and self-improvement rather than processes. For me, the process is where learning takes place. This is where growth happens. If we lose that, we lose something important.
Q: How has this mindset influenced your career decisions?
This allowed me to take a longer perspective. I didn’t always take the most direct or conventional route and I made a lot of mistakes along the way. But I stayed connected to what interests me. This led me to opportunities that felt meaningful and not just strategic.
Q: What does your current day-to-day work look like?
I spend my days caring for my children, writing, and taking classes in the MFA program at City College of New York. I try to keep things simple. I write lists, organize my time carefully and limit distractions. It’s about creating space to think and work.
Q: You are currently working on a novel. How does this fit into your future professional career?
It feels like a natural extension of my academic work. Novels require research, patience, and revision. They also require hours of sustained concentration and attention to detail. For me, working on this project was another opportunity to explore certain intellectual ideas that interest me, but it also made me think a lot about the human psyche and the complexities of human behavior. The work feels like one piece.
Q: What motivates you in long-term projects?
I try to stay grounded. I run, practice yoga, try to read a lot and talk to friends. I also think about my mother a lot. She worked very hard to support us. This perspective helps me keep going even when things feel difficult or uncertain.
Q: What do you think is most important in a career today?
For me it’s not about job titles or recognition.
