Asra Q. Nomani
An accomplished author, journalist, and former reporter for the Wall Street Journal, is widely recognized for her insightful commentary and thought-provoking analysis across prominent media platforms such as MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, Washington Post, and BBC, among others. With a notable focus on issues related to anti-Semitism, her writings have been featured in esteemed publications including the New York Times, Sojourners magazine, and Jewish Journal.
Raised in Bombay, India, and Morgantown, West Virginia, Nomani embodies a courageous voice of reason and integrity. Following the events of September 11, 2001, she demonstrated her commitment to journalism by reporting from Pakistan for Salon magazine, earning accolades including an Online Journalists Award for feature reporting. Nomani’s dedication to seeking truth and justice was further exemplified by her involvement in the investigation following the tragic kidnapping and murder of her friend Daniel Pearl in Karachi, Pakistan. Her remarkable journey is portrayed in the film “A Mighty Heart,” featuring acclaimed actress Angelina Jolie.
Nomani transitioned into academia as a professor in the practice of journalism at Georgetown University, where she co-led the Pearl Project—a faculty-student investigation into the tragic murder of Daniel Pearl. Through this endeavor, she emerged as a passionate advocate for Israel and the Jewish community, raising awareness about the perils of anti-Semitism and lending her voice to platforms like HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher.” Her profound insights were recognized with an award-winning article in Washingtonian magazine, detailing the transformative impact of Pearl’s murder on her life and her journey of post-traumatic growth.
Awards
Aug 2011
Distinguished Teaching in Journalism Award
Society of Professional Journalists
Asra Nomani and Barbara Feinman Todd were nominated by their students for their team leadership in the Pearl Project, an investigative, hands-on course for Georgetown undergraduate and graduate students to uncover the truth behind the kidnapping and murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. Nomani and Feinman Todd are praised by students for their dedication not only to fine journalism, but for igniting “a passion within us to pursue truth and justice.”
Jun 2011
Distinguished Service Award
Society of Professional Journalists, Washington, D.C., Chapter
SPJ D.C. Pro chapter presented its 2011 Distinguished Service Award to Barbara Feinman Todd and Asra Nomani of Georgetown University, co-founders of the Pearl Project.
Mar 2008
Eberly College Alumni Recognition Award
West Virginia University
The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences established this recognition program to acknowledge and celebrate living Eberly College alumni who are making important contributions in their community and within their professions. The award seeks to honor successful alumni for their professional and business life, their civic leadership and social welfare activities, and their intellectual and cultural pursuits.
Jan 2007
Best Practices in Teaching of Gathering Information
Association for Education in Journalism & Mass Communication
Barbara Feinman Todd and Asra Nomani won first place for their teaching of the Pearl Project, a faculty-student investigation into the murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl.
Nov 2006
11th Annual Walter Cronkite Faith & Freedom Award
Interfaith Alliance
Asra Nomani received the prestigious 11th Annual Walter Cronkite Faith & Freedom Award from the Interfaith Alliance for her work on the Pearl Project.
Sep 2005
Courage Award
Al-Fatiha Foundation
Al-Fatiha is a US-based organization that describes itself as dedicated to supporting and empowering queer Muslims. It sponsored a conference, with the theme, “Sexism, Misogyny and Gender Oppression: Breaking Down the Systems of Patriarchy,” at which it hosted mixed-gender prayers and keynote talks by Dr. Amina Wadud and Ms. Asra Q. Nomani, gender-rights activists in the U.S.
Al-Fatiha presented awards to Dr. Wadud and Ms. Nomani for the bravery, courage and valor in struggling to gain gender rights and gender equity for Muslim women. Both women welcomed the gesture and hoped for future collaboration between the LGBTIQ Muslim community and the Muslim women’s rights movement in the U.S. and abroad.
Asra Nomani 