The People Behind EGCC

Originally from South Africa, Etienne has spent decades serving Christian ministries and initiatives around the world. Etienne brings vision, strategic leadership and a heart for unity and collaboration to EGCC. His journey that includes pastoring churches, leading international prayer movements, holding regional leadership roles within the Mergon Foundation and his involvement as Board Member of various international ministries has shaped him to bring vision and strategic execution to EGCC. Etienne joined EGCC in 2025 as Chief Operating Officer bringing a calm, strategic approach anchored in intimacy with Jesus to the team. He values unity, trust, joy and relational leadership. He lives in the Czech Republic with his wife Wilma and they have two married children who resides in South Africa.

Community builder focused on developing Giving Collaborations across Europe. Jakub combines leadership training, practical experience, and a passion for helping givers grow together. Jakub joined EGCC in 2019 after career in sales & marketing, bringing with him a strong interest in leadership, education, and community development. He holds master’s degrees in Leadership and Education and now leads the development of Giving Collaborations across Europe. Jakub is actively involved in his local church and enjoys worship music and ice hockey. He is married to Zuzana and together they raise their two children.

Ilona is a leadership and organizational development advisor who bridges the worlds of business and nonprofit organizations. She brings more than two decades of senior HR leadership experience together with hands-on involvement in mission-driven initiatives. Earlier in her career, she co-founded two Christian educational institutions. Her work focuses on leadership development, people strategy, and building healthy organizational cultures. At EGCC, she develops collaborative platforms, strengthens stakeholder partnerships, and supports strategic initiatives through facilitation, coordination, and analytical insight.

Wojciech Kowalewski is passionate about helping people follow Jesus in the everyday rhythms of home, work, and community. As the founder and president of the Golden Apple Institute in Poland, he equips leaders to grow as disciple-makers in practical ways. Wojciech draws from both academic study (PhD in Practical Theology) and many years of walking alongside leaders as a certified executive coach, mentor, pastor, and motivational speaker. He teaches and mentors across Europe and contributes to initiatives such as the European Leadership Forum, the ALL Initiative, John Maxwell Team, and others. He is gifted at convening leaders and is passionate about collaboration and strategic generosity. Within EGCC, he is responsible for building European partnerships by initiating new Giving Collaborations and providing support and training for national leadership teams. Wojciech and his wife, Agnieszka, live in Wrocław, Poland.

Supports EGCC’s daily operations with care and reliability. Sára brings a people-centered approach shaped by her background in social work and administration. Sára joined EGCC in 2025 after completing her master’s degree in Social Work and gaining professional experience in the insurance sector. She supports EGCC’s administration with attentiveness, structure, and care for people. Outside of work, Sára enjoys hiking, cycling, and spending time with loved ones. She is also part of a local folklore dance group.