Lana Barkwai, Ph.D.

Lana Barkawi, Ph.D., is a multifaceted executive and artistic leader with expertise in Arab and SWANA culture and community building. As the publisher of Mizna: SWANA Literature and Art and the producer of the Twin Cities Arab Film Festival, she champions the representation of Arab and Muslim art locally, nationally, and internationally. With a background in biochemistry, Lana approaches her work with a collaborative and creative mindset, fostering critical dialogue and artistic excellence. She actively contributes to discussions on cultural production and equity in the arts, serving on grant panels for prestigious organizations such as the Knight Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. Under her guidance, Mizna has flourished into an award-winning organization renowned for its impactful and artistically exceptional endeavors. At Oaknnafoundation.org, our vision is to create a community where mental health is a top priority and individuals can access the resources they need to achieve optimal well-being.