Dr. Rania Masri. Since 1990, Rania Masri has organized for justice and against systems of oppression and wars—through protests, teach-ins, and conferences; political organizing; public speaking training; and writings, research, and media work. She taught holistic environmental sciences (including environmental justice) at the university level for nearly two decades. She served as an expert in the Court of Conscience, where she presented testimony on the environmental impact of the 2006 Israeli War on Lebanon, and as a juror in the 2025 Merchants of Death War Crimes Tribunal.

She recognizes the intersectionality of struggles and the need to stand in solidarity, not in charity. In awe of the wonder, language, and beautiful socialist nature of trees in a forest, she dreams of a world in which we all strive to be Mother Trees. In honor of the land and the resistance fighters, she asks: What can we achieve today for tomorrow’s world?

Rania joined NCEJN in June 2022 as Co-Director and Director of Organizing and Policy. She got her PhD from NCSU in 2000, and her Masters in Environmental Management from Duke University in 1995. Dr. Rania Masri is from the artificially divided land of Greater Syria.

Hailey Reed (she/her) is the Communications and AV Coordinator at Epworth UMC in Durham North Carolina and has worked there since 2024. She has a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Francis Marion University. As a person who grew up in a rapidly changing technological landscape, Hailey cares deeply about ensuring that technological advancement is paired with responsible stewardship of God’s creation and the ethical treatment of all of his children. She is passionate about education on the dangers of generative artificial intelligence to the environment, communities, and society as a whole. This year, she submitted a resolution to the Annual Conference of the North Carolina Conference of the UMC called, “Urging Churches/Congregants to Minimize Generative AI Use and Call for Limitations on Unsustainable Data Centers”

Ian Urriola-Schonewolf is a Provisional Elder in the Upper New York Annual Conference, preparing to serve in extension ministry as a Chaplain Resident at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. He holds a M.Div. from Wesley Theological Seminary and a B.A. in Music from American University. A lifelong United Methodist, his heart lies in coming alongside the communities he serves so they may proclaim the gospel of holiness and justice grow deeper in love of God and neighbor.

Jennie Birkholz, MHA, is a Deaconess Candidate with United Women in Faith in the United Methodist Church, an environmental justice advocate, and a community health leader working at the intersection of faith, health, and civic life. She currently works with Coastal Watch Association on the Texas Gulf Coast, supporting frontline communities as they fight threats from oil, gas, plastic, and ammonia plants. With support from the United Women in Faith mini seed funding, Jennie is starting Creation Justice programming in San Patricio County, TX. Through her calling, Jennie partners with communities, faith organizations, foundations, healthcare systems, and cross-sector leaders to build equitable systems rooted in relationships, belonging, and shared purpose. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare and community organizing, she brings a trauma-informed, person-centered approach grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience.

A community weaver, Jennie leans into complex challenges by strengthening relationships and building civic muscle, helping people deepen their sense of belonging, grow their collective voice, and take action together. Her work spans grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, and coalition-building, always centering those closest to the challenges. Jennie has advised national efforts through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Partnership Center on faith and health initiatives and is a co-author of Gone for Good?, exploring the evolving role of rural churches. She has passion working with rural and under-resourced communities. Living in Texas, she is raising her family while answering a call to service rooted in faith, justice, and care for creation.