The Rev. Breana van Velzen

As the Chapel's community minister, the Rev. Breana van Velzen is present at the intersection of faith and justice on behalf of the Chapel. In her role, Breana seeks to create opportunities for growing in faith and knowledge among students, staff, and community members. She often partners alongside non-profits, churches, other faith communities, and local residents of Durham around racism, affordable housing, and prison justice.

Breana is an ordained Baptist minister and holds a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School. She also holds a Master of Social Work degree from UNC Chapel Hill and a B.A. in English Education from UNC Wilmington. Her passions include advocacy at the intersections of racial, economic, and environmental justice, and hospitality. These passions led her to work in faith-based advocacy, financial coaching, affordable housing, and immigration reform. When she is not volunteering or traveling, she enjoys slam poetry, science fiction, and nature walks.