Laura Vena
About Laura Vena
Laura Vena is a Content Editor and writer with extensive experience in academia and the arts. She holds an MFA from the California Institute of the Arts and has authored a book that won the 1913 Press First Book Prize.
Current Role at Academic Partnerships
Laura Vena has been serving as a Content Editor at Academic Partnerships since 2019. In this role, she is responsible for creating and editing content that supports the organization's educational initiatives. Her experience in writing and editing allows her to contribute effectively to the development of instructional materials and resources.
Education and Expertise
Laura Vena holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing and Critical Thinking from the California Institute of the Arts, where she studied from 2006 to 2008. She also earned a Bachelor's degree in Literary Theory and Latin American Literature from Loyola University New Orleans. Additionally, she studied Animal Behavior and Ethology at the University of Washington, which adds to her diverse educational background.
Professional Background
Laura Vena has a diverse professional background that includes roles in academia and the arts. She worked as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California from 2012 to 2014 and served as a College Professor at the California Institute of the Arts from 2008 to 2020. Prior to her academic roles, she was the Art Department Manager at Vans from 2001 to 2006 in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.
Achievements in Writing and Advocacy
Laura Vena is the author of 'x/she: stardraped,' a book that explores radical ecopoetics of the Los Angeles River. This work won the 1913 Press First Book Prize and was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She also co-founded Two If By Sea Press, a multidisciplinary art journal that addresses themes of displacement and environmental injustice. Additionally, she founded and serves as President of Blockhead Brigade, an advocacy organization.
Contributions to Interdisciplinary Education
Throughout her career, Laura Vena has designed and taught interdisciplinary and critical studies curriculum at various institutions, including CalArts, USC, and Orange Coast College. Her courses encompass writing, art, literature, and cultural studies, reflecting her commitment to integrating diverse fields of study.