Susan Muaddi Darraj

Susan Muaddi Darraj is one of the most popular Palestinian-American authors who doubles up as an educator and editor. Over the years, she has made many contributions to modern literature that explore complex themes of the immigrant experience, heritage, and identity. Darraj was born to Palestinian immigrants in Philadelphia who moved to the United States in 1967. As such, her upbringing was colored by the rich narratives from her cultural heritage, which her parents did their best to instill in her. The foundation would become a significant influence on Muaddi Darraj’s literary voice. From this, she has been able to weave stories that resonate with depth and authenticity. Outside of her writing, her academic journey took her to Baltimore, where she became a pillar of the educational and literary community. She nurtures the next generation of writers whom she teaches creative writing at Johns Hopkins University and Hartford Community College. Her commitment to education is only paralleled by her work as an editor, where she is the editor of the national literary journal The Baltimore Review, which is known for showcasing diverse voices.