About Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown

Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown is an African American pastor, educator, author, and activist with more than three decades of experience advocating for underrepresented communities.

Her life philosophy being “I give what I need”, Dr. Brown’s work is fueled by her lived experience - and lack - at the intersection of three marginalized populations. 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 passion to increase accessibility of affordable academic and enrichment opportunities for youth and families led her to create REACH Education Solutions, a community education business network operating in 8 school districts. Through REACH, she designed and facilitated more than 160 programs for youth and parent education in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, receiving the Dakota County United Educators Apple Appreciation Award.

In 2012, she co-founded Reaching Up Ministries, a 501(c)3 non-profit with a mission to “create hope, help, and opportunities by bringing community members together to respond to the local needs of youth and families.” In 2015, Dr. Jia received a United States Congressional Award for service in the community after serving more than 500 youth and families.

After receiving the Call to ordained ministry, Dr. Brown received her Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in 2019. She completed her Doctorate of Ministry in "Social Transformation" from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and became a certified interfaith spiritual director in Spring of 2023. Rev. Dr. Starr Brown is ordained in The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and is the Founding Pastor of “The Stable” -  an online anti-racism study church.

A Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), Dr. Brown is the designer of the ACTION Project - a three-year anti-racism 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. 

She has authored two social justice curriculum books for youth and adult leaders in ministry, and writes monthly DEI-related blogs for multiple organizations.  Dr. Jia serves on several committees and advisory councils, working toward equity and justice in Minnesota and around the country.

She is the mother of five inspiring children, all now young adults…and is “GoGo” (Grandmother) to her two grandchildren!