Amania Drane

The Northern Illinois Conference is deeply grateful for the dedicated service and faithful leadership of Amania Drane, who will be transitioning out of her role as Project Manager after more than seven years of meaningful work among us. Amania will pursue a personal calling related to missionary service effective January 2027. We celebrate her willingness to respond to where God is leading her and give thanks for the many ways she has blessed our Conference.

Amania’s journey with the NIC began in the fall of 2019, when she was contracted as Project Manager. Earlier that summer, three Task Forces had been formed to focus on implementing and advancing the three goals established by the Conference. Amania was entrusted with shepherding the work of the Discipleship and Anti-Racism Teams, helping translate the Conference's vision and commitments into meaningful action.

“Her contribution to the Conference’s anti-racism work has been particularly significant,” said Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, NIC Director of Connectional Ministries. “Through her guidance and coordination, the Discipleship and Anti-Racism Task Forces developed and implemented several initiatives to equip and support local churches as they began and deepened their anti-racism work.”

As the Conference's needs evolved, Amania continued supporting several standing committees. Throughout these years, she has been instrumental in connecting people, coordinating efforts, and providing the support necessary to move important initiatives forward. Her contributions have gone beyond project management; they have been about building relationships, strengthening ministries, and helping people work together toward a shared vision.

Reflecting on her journey, Amania shared: “I have desired to live a missional and purposeful life for years. Being blessed to work with the Northern Illinois Conference Task Forces and then transitioning to work with several of the conference committees has been a dream come true.”

She also reflected on the meaning of these years of service through the words of Howard Thurman: “Keep alive the dream; for as long as a man has a dream in his heart, he cannot lose the significance of living.” Amania continued, “These words encompass the seven plus years of learning, growing, and serving with my siblings in Christ in the Northern Illinois Conference. My partnership in service with so many in our conference and across the denomination has enriched my life in so many ways.”

“As Amania prepares to embrace this new chapter, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for her wonderful work, dedication, and faithful partnership,” said Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer. “Her commitment has made a lasting contribution to the life of our Conference, and the relationships, ministries, and connections she helped nurture will continue to bear fruit.”

We celebrate Amania’s courage to follow her missionary call and the new ministry opportunities that lie ahead. We trust that the same passion, wisdom, and commitment she has shared with the Conference will continue to bless others wherever God leads her.