Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi is a leading scholar on peace, social justice, and systemic racism. Since 2012, she has held The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, College Park. She collaborates with global experts to advance interdisciplinary research on peace, human rights, and governance. Her work addresses the most pressing challenges facing society, including racial inequality, gender disparities, and institutional barriers to peace.
Academic Leadership and Research
Dr. Mahmoudi has dedicated her career to fostering a deeper understanding of peace and justice. Before joining the University of Maryland, she served as Research Department Coordinator at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel. In this role, she contributed to scholarly research on global governance and human rights.
She also held leadership positions in higher education, including serving as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northeastern Illinois University. At Olivet College, she was Vice President and Dean, where she played a pivotal role in a nationally recognized institutional transformation. Her leadership helped shape programs that emphasized equity, inclusion, and the empowerment of students from diverse backgrounds.
Contributions to Peace and Social Justice
Dr. Mahmoudi’s research explores critical themes such as structural racism, gender equality, governance, and human dignity. She is committed to examining the root causes of prejudice and developing strategies to dismantle systemic barriers to equality.
Her dedication has been recognized with multiple awards. In 2017, the University of Maryland honored her with the President’s Commission on Ethnic Minority Issues Annual Award for her work on systemic racism. In 2016, she received the Outstanding Honors Faculty Award for her course, “The Problem of Prejudice: Overcoming Impediments to Peace and Justice.” This course has inspired students and scholars alike to engage in meaningful dialogue on bias, discrimination, and social change.
Published Works and Global Impact
Dr. Mahmoudi has authored and co-edited several influential books that contribute to discussions on peace, justice, and human rights:
- Systemic Racism in America (2022) – Co-edited with Professor Rashawn Ray, this book examines racial inequalities in education and society, providing a framework for social change.
- A World Without War (2020) – Co-authored with Dr. Janet Khan, this book explores the principles necessary to achieve lasting global peace.
- Women and Inequality in a Changing World (2024) – A groundbreaking open-access volume that examines gender disparities and proposes new paradigms for peace.
- Fundamental Challenges to Global Peace and Security (2022) – Investigates global conflicts and security concerns, offering insights into international governance and diplomacy.
- Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Human Dignity and Human Rights (2019) – Highlights the intersection of human dignity and social justice, exploring how societies can uphold human rights.
Beyond her books, Dr. Mahmoudi has co-authored academic articles on peace education, gender equality, and systemic racism. Her work has been featured in respected journals, including the Journal of Peace Education (2022, 2023). She actively engages in scholarly discourse, bringing together experts to tackle complex global challenges.
Ongoing Advocacy and Influence
Dr. Mahmoudi’s impact extends beyond academia. She frequently organizes symposia and conferences that address critical global issues. Through The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace, she has hosted discussions featuring leading scholars and practitioners, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to peace and justice.
Her research informs policymakers, educators, and activists, offering strategies for building more just and inclusive societies. She continues to be a driving force in efforts to dismantle systemic oppression and promote a world rooted in equality and cooperation.
Learn More
For more information on Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi’s work, visit The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland
