I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Liberal Studies from two distinctive institutions of higher education: The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA, where I had the opportunity to craft and write my own curriculum, and St. John’s College in Santa Fe, NM, where we immersed ourselves in Western philosophy and engaged in discussions in small classes of no more than twelve students. Throughout my academic journey, my focus has consistently centered on the intersections of sustainability, art, ethics, philosophy, religion, and politics and society.
Get in touch: anakhurley@gmail.com
My full name is Anastasia Nabil El-Kilani Hurley, but Anastasia feels too "fancy" for me, and the "El-" in El-Kilani caused record-keeping headaches, so I've gone by Ana Kilani for most of my life. After marrying, I took my husband's last name, so now I go by Ana Hurley, though I truly embrace the entirety of my name.
My husband, Brian, holds a Ph.D. in History and wrote his dissertation on the history of walking. He's also remarkably fast. I have two stepsons, Gus and Paddle, whom I met when they were 8 and 10, but I always wish I could have held and loved them as babies.
My father is a jack-of-all-trades entrepreneur and chef, born in Palestine in 1944 amidst challenging times. He immigrated to the US in the early '80s, where he met my mother, a PhD in Psychology, researcher, entrepreneur, and advocate in digital altruism. She is the greatest force I have ever known. My brother, after a long stint in Philosophy, practices law in NYC and is possibly the most well-informed person I've ever met. I also cherish my nephews, Aristotle and Alexander, who are adored by many.
My stepfather owned a local shoe store in my Arkansas hometown and has been a constant presence in my life for longer than he hasn't. I cannot imagine life without him. My aunt is a renowned designer who has worked with major brands for decades and has her own line of rugs and furniture. My grandmother, a nurse at St. Jude's Hospital, was a pillar in local women's organizations, while my grandfather, a Navy Seal reportedly in the CIA, achieved titles like Mr. America and Mr. Universe in the 1950s. Amidst the richness of our family history, there have been pivots, struggles, sadness, loss, and challenges like mental illness, divorce, abortions, and addiction, but also moments of recovery, hope, love, connection, and growth.
My path has been relatively smooth compared to those who came before me, yet I believe pretending perfection serves no one, especially those who follow.
Important details not yet shared:
In junior high, my track coach, Coach Fisher, promised our gym class a pizza party if someone could beat me in a mile run. It posed a dilemma whether to let someone win for the sake of the party—I didn't allow it.
I climbed Mt. Fuji alone in the middle of the night and reached the summit at sunrise.
Acting was a passion for many years—from roles in The Velveteen Rabbit to The Vagina Monologues.
In seventh grade, I was voted the funniest, and in another life, I might have pursued stand-up comedy with dreams of SNL.