CRCC Staff
Click on a bio to connect with a staff member with the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, or email crcc@usc.edu.
Soraya AhyaudinAMCLI Director and Assistant Director, Learning Design and ProgramsSoraya Ahyaudin directs the American Muslim Civic Leadership Institute at the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture.
Richard FloryExecutive DirectorRichard Flory is a sociologist whose work focuses on religion and urban life, religious and cultural change, and youth and young adults.
Napah Phyakul QuachManaging DirectorNapah Phyakul Quach manages CRCC’s contracts and grants as well as oversees operations.
Najuma SmithAssistant Director of Community and Public EngagementRev. Najuma Smith combines her experience as a pastor and expertise as a community leader to train Murray Center Fellows.
Megan SweasEditor and Director of CommunicationsMegan Sweas is a journalist specializing in social and economic justice issues and world religions.
Affiliates
The USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture works with scholars and leaders. The listed individuals are actively engaged with our current projects.
Daniel BennettDaniel Bennett is an economist whose research focuses on economic development and global health in South Asia and Southern Africa.
Quaiser AbdullahQuaiser Abdullah is a professor of communications interested in identity, conflict, leadership and religion.
Christopher BakerChristopher Baker is a public theologian in the UK who studies the role and impact of religion and belief on public life.
Tobin BelzerTobin Belzer is an applied sociologist who develops research and program evaluations to support the work of non-profit organizations and philanthropists.
Ken ChitwoodKen Chitwood’s work specializes in global Islam, the Americas and Christian-Muslim relations.
Brad ChristersonBrad Christenson is a sociologist who has written extensively in the areas of religion, race, ethnicity, and globalization.
Maureen DayMaureen Day is a sociologist and theologian who studies the influence of religious beliefs on public life, especially among Catholics.
Vanessa Gomez BrakeDr. Vanessa Gomez Brake (she/her/siya) is the Senior Associate Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California.
Brandon HarrisRev. Dr. Brandon Harris is the Associate Dean for Religious & Spiritual Life at USC. His research focuses on gentrification, urban religion and Black Church history.
Bruce PhillipsBruce Phillips is among the leading researchers in the sociology of American Jewry and is an avid historian of Los Angeles.
Rev. Frank Jackson, Jr.Rev. Frank Jackson, Jr. couples his experience in business and investment with his passion for community development.
Tarra McNallyTarra McNally is an anthropologist specializing in evaluation and global health.
Diane WinstonAs a journalist and scholar, Diane Winston is a national authority on religion, politics, the news media and entertainment.
Kimiko YamadaKimiko Yamada, an associate professor in clinical physical therapy at USC, works with CRCC on physical wellness and faith fluency programs.