About Us
Durham Congregations In Action (DCIA) organizes communities of diverse faiths to work for racial justice, social equity, and human dignity. We lead inter-faith learning and cooperation to overcome poverty, racism and violence.
DCIA Affirmation
In a spirit of reconciliation and with gratitude for the gift of diversity, DCIA seeks to inform, connect, and engage all people to create a community of justice and peace through our common prayers and acts of compassion; and with prophetic courage to act as advocates for the dignity and well-being of all persons, recognizing that behind every human face is the face of God.
2025 Officers & Board Members
President
Dr. Hope Hartman,
Beth El Synagogue
Vice President
Rev. Tanya Best,
Mt. Calvary UCC
Treasurer
Bob Newlin,
Parkwood United Methodist Church
Secretary
Dennis Cullen,
Westminster Presbyterian
Larry Brown,
Bahá’í Community of Durham
Chaplain Priya Amaresh,
Hindu Life at Duke
Rev. Dr. Warren Herndon,
City of Joy Ministries, Past President
Katushka Olave,
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Rev. Tobi Nguyen,
Trinity United Methodist Church
Rashad Rahman,
W. Deen Muhammed Islamic Center
Kevin Griffin,
Masjid Muhammed
Gordon Whitaker,
Watts St. Baptist Church, Past President
Jo Wall,
Cole Mill Road Church of Christ
Rev. Melinda Keenan Wood,
Pilgrim United Church of Christ
Staff
The Rev. Breana van Velzen (none/they) is an ordained Baptist minister. Breana holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div) from Duke Divinity School, a Master of Social Work (M.S.W) from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and a Bachelor in English Education with Secondary Licensure and a Minor in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington.
Breana is a certified spiritual director and a non-profit consultant experienced in non-profit leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion change-making, and theo-ethical praxis for parachurch ministry and faith-based institutions.
In addition to the role of Executive Director for Durham Congregations in Action (DCIA), Breana serves on the board of Innovative Space for Asian American Christianity and is part of Baptist Women in Ministry NC and the Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham (RCND).
Breana’s passions include advocacy at the intersections of racial, economic, and environmental justice, education, and writing. When not volunteering or traveling, Breana enjoys slam poetry, science fiction, and baking for family and friends.
Mitchell is a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Despite originating in Chapel Hill, he has deep roots throughout the RDU area with spurts in Michigan, New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta. While studying at UNC-Chapel Hill, he majored in Communications focusing on Performance for Social Change. After years of working in entertainment, he received a Masters of Divinity from Emory’s Candler School of Theology. His academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to community building and carrying out The Great Commission in a context that reaches beyond the walls of a church or typical worship settings.
Throughout his professional career he has focused on community building through service- acting as a bridge between various populations. Uniting resources and support for traditionally marginalized populations. Mitchell is inspired by acts of service and movements that radically shift the trajectory of human consciousness.
Outside of the professional sphere, Mitchell values time with family and friends. Whether traveling the world or simply enjoying time by the lake, it is his goal to ensure all those within his vicinity feel safe, seen, and celebrated! Making music and other creative projects that blend storytelling, theology, and Pop Culture are a major passion of his, driving him to continue as a beacon of respect, inspiration, and empathy for all beings.
Mr. David Barlow, 2025 MSW Intern and Ms. Linda Sanyika, 2025 M.Div. Intern
David Barlow is a first-year Master of Social Work student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology at UNC, where he developed a strong interest in the intersections of mental health, identity, and literature.
David’s academic and professional interests focus on LGBTQIA+ mental health, childhood/young adult trauma, and family dynamics. He is particularly drawn to exploring how affirming care and compassionate support can foster resilience and healing. His long-term goal is to become a therapist working with queer individuals and communities, helping clients navigate challenges around identity, self-worth, and belonging.
Outside of academics, David enjoys readings, creative writing, and spending time with his nieces and nephews!
My name is Linda Sanyika. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe. I am currently a third-year student at Duke Divinity School, where I am deeply engaged in theology and ministerial work, with a focus on preaching, Anglican/Episcopal and Black Church studies. I am interested in Church history, and if I were to pursue PHD it would be in Church History. I enjoy being in the gym, hiking, cooking and reading. I have also been learning how to bake.
I am actively discerning my call to ministry. As I explore the path ahead, I am committed to understanding where God is guiding me. My dedication to the emancipation of young girls and the eradication of child marriages in Africa drives my work, and I stand firmly for the inclusion of women and the pursuit of reconciliation. I am excited about the impact I can make in these vital areas. I appreciate your support as I work and grow in this space.
John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.