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
Rev. Tanya Best, Mt. Calvary UCC
Vice President
Rev. Melinda Keenan-Wood
Pilgrim UCC
Treasurer
Bob Newlin,
Parkwood United Methodist Church
Secretary
Jo Wall
Cole Mill Rd. Church of Christ
Dr. Hope Hartman
Beth El Synagogue, past president
To Be Filled
Bahá’í Community of Durham
Chaplain Priya Amaresh,
Hindu Life at Duke
Rev. Dr. Warren Herndon,
City of Joy Ministries, past president
Rev. Scott Anderson, St. Paul Lutheran Church
Katushka Olave, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Rev. Tobi Nguyen,
Trinity United Methodist Church
Rashad Rahman,
W. Deen Muhammed Islamic Center
Kevin Griffin,
Masjid Muhammed
Dennis Cullen, Westminster Presbyterian Church
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 boards of the Christian Community Development Association, Baptist Women in Ministry NC, and the Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham (RCND). DCIA is represented on the Strategy Council for Duke Health and Food Security.
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.
Mx. Adam Coshal and Ms. Allison Powell , UNC MSW Interns 2026-27
Alli Powell (she/her) is a first-year Master of Social Work student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who is passionate about helping others feel supported, understood, and empowered. Her interest in social work grew from a desire to serve others and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Through her academic, volunteer, and community experiences, she has developed a deep appreciation for meeting people where they are and recognizing their strengths. Alli is especially interested in working with children, families, and individuals navigating difficult life circumstances. She is excited to use her practicum experience to learn from others, grow professionally, and better understand how she can serve her community. Outside of her studies, Alli enjoys spending time with the people she loves, exploring new places, and finding ways to stay connected to her faith and purpose.
Adam Coshal (pronouns: They/them) is a first-year Master of Social Work (MSW) candidate at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Adam already holds a Master of Science (MS) degree in Higher Postsecondary Education from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English and in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies from the College of the Holy Cross.
In addition to being a student, Adam has experience in strengths-based coaching and QPR mental health crisis care. Prior to their time at UNC, Adam worked at Duke University as the Residence Coordinator for First-Year Programming. Because of this, Adam has been in the Durham area since 2022 and loves it a whole lot! They are super excited to be a part of the DCIA community for this academic year!