We are excited to announce that QuianaDenae Perkins will be joining the MidAmerica Staff Team this summer in a new, 2-year position as a Congregational Life Resident. This is an intentional learning position for a seminarian pursuing ministerial fellowship or a Religious Educator pursuing Advanced or Leadership level credentialing. The position is designed as a ¾ time (.75 FTE) position to ensure the Resident has the time to focus on completing their education, fellowship, or credentialing processes while also learning through service on the Congregational Life Staff.

QuianaDenae will be joining our staff on June 5th, after completing a ministerial internship with three UU Faith Communities in Southern Oregon. QuianaDenae previously was the Coordinator of Congregational Life and the Social Justice & Pastoral Care Coordinator for the UU Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

She has served in collaboration roles with Side with Love, the Church of the Larger Fellowship, and in various roles with Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU) on Team Sankofa, and as Lead Organizer for the BLUU Berries program providing spiritual and culturally relevant children and youth programming. QuianaDenae is the co-organizer of the Black Women of the Chalice in support of Black Women Seminarians.

She is projected to graduate from Starr King School for the Ministry in 2025. She brings with her not only a depth and breadth of experience across our religious movement, but also decades of experience as an activist, educator, and organizer. QuianaDenae lives in Ann Arbor, MI where she co-parents two teenagers.

Welcome to the MidAmerica Region and the UUA Staff, QuianaDenae!