Desiree Elder—originally from Southern California—serves as the Associate Pastor of Arts and Spiritual Formation at First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) in New York. She dually serves as the Executive Visionary of The Dream Center, a multi-generational space in Harlem that focuses on free inventive programming designed to awaken dreams.

Career educator and counselor, Jan is a member of the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem, N.Y. and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of New York Theological Seminary. People are often surprised to find out that I went to both Quaker meeting and church on Sundays during my elementary and middle school years—that’s why I tend to be a quiet Baptist. I’m excited about The Zoe Project because it will give the young adults of our congregation the opportunity to realize one their most ambitious dreams.

Jaron E Dawson, native of Newark NJ, current resident of NY, NY, serves in the healthcare consulting space leading, teaching, innovating with and invigorating other thought leaders on how to effectively impact change within the physician and patient community. People are often surprised to find out that I have an album out. I’m a singer and have recorded album with John Howard and the End Time Levites as well as the Rowan University Inspirational Gospel Choir. I’m excited about The Zoe Project because I get the opportunity to be an agent of change! Many times, it’s the unspoken rule that although I want to see change, I really don’t want to be the one to take on that responsibility to make the change because it takes hard work and commitment. However, anything worth having is worth working for and seeing the end result with lives added to the kingdom, and community building taken place, far outweighs the hard work put in.

I am Charles Holloway Jr a 29 year old, Florida native, with a passion for community development and empowerment. People are often surprised to find out that I facilitate support groups for new moms. I’m excited about The Zoe Project because I believe our church communities can become more effective in kingdom building when we begin to explore new ways of engaging young adults, and supporting their spiritual development.

Olu, originally from Trinidad, made her way through several U.S. cities to New York, to follow her dream of working in the fashion industry- and it was in New York that she found her church home, FCBC! People are often surprised to find out that I moved 11 times before I got to college. I’m excited about The Zoe Project because… I think we can build something truly special for young adults to enjoy and feel comfortable worshiping together.

Pastor Willa is a native of Stockbridge, GA and made her way to New York via Union Theological Seminary, where she met and fell in love with First Corinthian Baptist Church. She now serves as Associate Pastor for Programming & Community Engagement. People are often surprised to find out that I love to dance salsa. I’m excited about The Zoe Project because church that serves the spiritual needs of young adults looks different from church that doesn’t have us in mind. As young adults imagine and craft their ideal church experience, it will not only minister to young adults but will also help the entire church evolve to the next phase that God has for us.