About Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown

Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown is an African American queer pastor, educator, author, and activist with more than two decades of experience advocating for underrepresented communities. With a heart for community and access for all, she stands - and activates - as a truth-teller at the intersection of faith, education, and justice. 

Her life philosophy being “I give what I need” (derived from 2 Corinthians 1:4), Rev. Dr. Starr Brown’s work is fueled by her lived experience - and lack - at the convergence of three vulnerable populations. 

Conversationally fluent in three languages, she has served as a diversity trainer and community educator, continuing to be a fierce advocate for underrepresented and marginalized communities. Pastor Jia's passion to increase accessibility of affordable academic and enrichment opportunities for youth and families (including her own) led her to design - and facilitate - more than 160 educational programs in the Twin Cities, receiving a Congressional Award for her community-centered leadership in 2015. She has since authored two curriculum books via social justice lens. 

In 2019, Rev. Dr. Starr Brown was the recipient of the Frederick Buechner Preaching Award and an honoree of the MN African American Heritage Calendar Award. Equipped with a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary, a Doctorate of Ministry from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in the field of “Social Transformation”, Rev. Dr. Starr Brown is ordained in The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

A certified interfaith spiritual director (Still Harbor), Dr. Jia has authored two social justice facilitator guides for youth and adult leaders in ministry, published by 1517 Media. She is the designer of the ACTION Project, a three-year antiracism program that was selected to be a part of Minnesota Council of Churches’ Truth and Reparations initiative in 2023, which has now expanded to operate on its own nationwide.

Pastor Jia is the mother of five inspiring children ranging in age from teenagers to young adults…and is “GoGo” (Grandmother) to her first grandchild!