D’ana Downing, she/they

Rev. D’ana Downing is the Executive Director of the Br. David Darst Center for Justice and Peace, Spirituality and Education, in Chicago, IL.

An ordained AME itinerant elder, movement chaplain, and educator, D’ana is passionate about supporting young adults, preserving cultural memory, and creating spaces where people feel seen, affirmed, and equipped to act. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, live music, and time with her partner, Eric, her children-in-love, and their specially-abled service animal, Bee Gee – lovingly known as the Littlest Chaplain. She looks forward to building authentic relationships and dreaming of new possibilities with the program community.