College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

 

Ava Homa

Ava Homa’s teaching philosophy integrates trauma-informed, equity-centered, and anti-racist pedagogies, emphasizing writing as an emotional and ecological process. She is dedicated to creating inclusive, process-driven learning spaces that amplify marginalized voices and challenge systemic barriers. Holding each student in her mind and heart, she nurtures future writers and critical thinkers, guiding them toward academic success and civic engagement.

An award-winning author and speaker, Homa’s debut novel, Daughters of Smoke and Fire, has been recognized as one of the "best books" by the Wall Street Journal, the Independent (UK), and the Globe and Mail (Canada). It was featured in Roxane Gay’s Book Club, won the 2020 Silver Nautilus Award, and was a finalist for the 2022 William Saroyan Prize. Her short story collection, Echoes from the Other Land, was nominated for the 2011 Frank O’Connor Short Story Prize.

A graduate of the University of Windsor with a master’s degree in Creative Writing, Homa’s essays, poetry, and fiction has been anthologized and appeared in outlets such as the Globe and Mail, BBC, Literary Hub, and the Literary Review of Canada. In 2023, she was awarded the California Arts Council Fellowship.

Passionate about storytelling, activism, and nurturing students' talent, Ava Homa’s work bridges creative expression with advocacy.  To learn more, please visit www.AvaHoma.com.