Staff Department: Dream Collective

Jimeka Jones Setzer was born and raised in the District of Columbia. Years later she and her family moved to Maryland and called Prince George’s County home.

Jimeka is a fourth-generation pastor and preacher, with her maternal great-grandmother and maternal grandfather leading the way. She is a third-generation graduate of Howard University earning a Master of Divinity degree; also earning a graduate certificate in Muslim-Christian Studies and Peacemaking from the Washington Theological Consortium.

Reflecting the heart of a servant leader, Jimeka teaches spiritual development through pastoral care and mentorship. She walks with others as they navigate various rhythms of life and creates intimate community connections through dialogue, spiritual direction, and prayer.

With Spirit and scholarship, she helps others understand, identify and embrace Imago Dei and has developed a keen awareness of how to companion women on their faith journey as convener of I Am the Balm Wellness Retreat, The Well-Woman Program, and Grown Woman Society. Collectively, these offerings allow women to create deep connections with God as they (re)discover the beauty in sacred texts, center faith, and increase their commitment to become the hands and feet of Jesus.

Jimeka still resides in Prince George’s County, along with her husband, Gene, and their daughter, Jahna. When they are not contending against DC traffic, you’ll find them enjoying family vacations and discovering local ice cream shops with vegan options.

Born and raised in Columbus, OH, Joel has been leading worship for 20 years and he claims to be only 25! His passion in life is to become what God designed him to be (along with eating the greatest food in the world) while mentoring young people and writing songs. Joel has performed on many platforms across the country and around the world leading people into the presence of God. It’s his desire to help raise up other worship leaders and impact DC with a sound of worship that changes lives.

Nina was raised in northern California, in the heart of the Silicon Valley. She originally moved to the nation’s capital to work for the United States Congress which she did for just under a decade. After many years as the NCC Family Ministry Pastor, Nina now serves as the NCC Pastor of Ministries. She is also the Director of Church Partnerships for the newly launched Dream Collective – a network of church leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs. Check it out at thedreamcollective.com.

Growing up in California, Nina attended a performing arts high school which is possibly where she caught her flair for overly expressing emotions! She is a graduate of Westmont College in beautiful Santa Barbara. She received her Master’s in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University in Lakeland Florida. Nina is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Missiology through Southeastern University.

Nina and her husband, Joel, are the authors of Praying Circles Around Your Marriage. They are raising their three incredible kids on Capitol Hill, just steps from the United States Capitol and around the corner from at least five great coffee shops.

Drake was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and grew up in Bel Air, Maryland. After he and his family accepted Christ when he was 4, he got his start in the world of ministry working with a Spanish speaking church plant and Teen Challenge in Baltimore city. Since then, he has been serving in whatever capacity he can in various churches, including 4 church plants. Drake has a passion for expressive storytelling through various artistic channels including writing and music. He also has a passion for church planting, developing community, and equipping others with the tools they need to be healthy members of the body of Christ. Drake went to the Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts where he studied A/V Technology. From there, he received his associates in Mass Communications from Harford Community College and his bachelors in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University. Drake is currently studying to receive his Masters of Divinity from Southeastern.

A native Alabamian, Heather Zempel currently leads the discipleship efforts at National Community Church in Washington, DC where she oversees small groups, directs leadership development training, and serves on the weekend teaching team.

Heather followed a circuitous route into full-time ministry. Having obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biological engineering from Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!), she worked as an environmental engineer and as a policy consultant on energy and environment in the United States Senate before coming on staff at National Community Church. Using her educational background, Heather now can be found exploring environments that foster spiritual growth.

She lives on Capitol Hill where she can be found enjoying the adventures of parenting with her husband Ryan as they raise Sawyer, their fun-loving and energetic daughter. Heather is the author of Sacred Roads, Community is Messy, and Amazed and Confused.