Our Mission

We believe in ending poverty through empowerment and opportunity.

While some organizations focus on one aspect of need in an impoverished community, we have a multifaceted approach that helps the whole person. Because poverty is complex, so are we.​ The combination of education, economic development, spiritual formation, and life development is impacting individuals and communities in transformative ways.

Since 2009, we have been pioneering a bold new way to end poverty.

No more charity.
We’re ending poverty through
empowerment and opportunity.

More than a trillion dollars in aid has been poured into Africa in the last 50 years. And yet, extreme poverty remains one of the greatest challenges the continent faces. Now more than ever, it is time to switch our focus toward investing in the development of individuals within impoverished communities. After all, Africa’s greatest resource is her people.

55.5%

of South African population live below poverty line

431 MIL

Africans living in extreme poverty on less than $1.90 per day

40%

HIV/AIDS infection rate in certain areas of South Africa
Our People

The strength of our work lies in our multi-cultural staff, leadership, and directional teams. As diverse as we are, we share a deep passion to lead community transformation from the inside out.

Terry Hilliard
Executive Director

A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelors of Science Degree, he worked for ten years in hospital networks and has start-up business experience from establishing four independent companies over the span of 20 years. He is also an ordained minister with over 15 years of experience in the local church. Terry and his wife Jeanenne left their lives in Florida in 2004 to bring global impact through international missions. This change led to extensive global experience, working in various settings throughout over 12 countries within Africa, Asia, Europe, and Central America with community development and church planting.  During his time, he was stirred by both the struggles and potential solutions of the extreme poor in the developing world. Terry is committed to developing holistic, sustainable Christ-centered solutions to meet the needs of impoverished communities in the developing world.

Kent Bowen
General Manager

Upon his first visit to Hope Africa Collective in 2016, Kent felt an overwhelming love for the people of South Africa. God’s corresponding direction for him to join them in their work of alleviating extreme poverty through holistic life transformation was inescapable. So, in 2019 he retired after 41 years in U.S. Aerospace and Defense sooner than planned to relocate to South Africa in January 2020 with his wife Paula. Kent holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Covenant College and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Shorter University. He is excited to be a part of the Hope Africa Collective team where he can couple his educational background and prior leadership experience with his passion for Christian discipleship, to the glory of God and for the good of others.

Jeremy Hilliard
Resource Development Director

It was on his first trip to several Southern African countries in 1997 where Jeremy saw firsthand the grasp of extreme poverty on people’s lives, and felt the personal call to do something about it.  Since that time, Jeremy has gained extensive experience in intercultural communications and development, and has worked in areas of community development and church planting in nearly a dozen countries throughout Africa and Asia. Along with ministry experience in the US and Australia, he has worked and led businesses in both the nonprofit and business sectors. Jeremy is passionate about people reaching their full potential and bringing hope to their lives and communities. Jeremy graduated from Crown College with a Bachelor’s in Christian Ministry.

Bomikazi Madolwana
Hair Training Coordinator

Bomikazi Madolwana is an inspiration to many young people in her community. She was one of our first students in the Life Development Program and our leadership course in 2012. Having a passion to impact young peoples’ lives socially and spiritually, she started working as a life skills facilitator at Hope Africa Collective in 2012. Bomikazi holds a certificate in Life Skills facilitation and a certificate in Business Management studies from Northlink College in Cape Town. Bomikazi’s growth from student to Life Development Co-Ordinator is testament to the impact of Hope Africa Collective and the transformation that God is bringing about in the community of Philippi and the surrounding townships.

Theo Meyer
Trade Skills Training Coordinator

Theo served as a police officer for twenty years and has extensive management experience. He has led a retail business for three years, been a security manager and a construction site manager. He also owned a building company for more than a decade. At Hope Africa Collective he lives out his love for young adults by serving them through teaching the skills he has graciously received from his Lord Jesus Christ. Theo is married to Marina and together were blessed with a daughter and a son. They love to see the goodness of God in their four grandchildren.

Nombulelo Musangu
Life Development Coordinator

Nombulelo Musangu brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as the Life Development Coordinator at Hope Africa Collective. With a background in facilitating financial education, entrepreneurship, and life skills programs for NGOs, Nombulelo joined our team in 2018 and returned in April 2019 after a brief hiatus. Prior to her current position, she served as a module facilitator, teaching English and Math, while also overseeing graduation and future preparedness. In her role as the Life Development Coordinator, Nombulelo leads the departmental team, develops curriculum, facilitates program classes, mentors students, and manages the administration and budget for departmental programs. Nombulelo feels honored to be entrusted by God with the lives of the youth, the future leaders of our world. Nombulelo’s passion lies in making a positive impact on students’ lives through the acquisition of essential skills and moral guidance. Her commitment to the transformative mission of Hope Africa Collective is evident in her daily work.

Mboniswa Lucas Mpendulo
Spiritual Formation Coordinator

Mboniswa Lucas is a born-again, Bible-believing Christian. He is the founder and senior pastor of Community Church International and is actively involved in the life of the church. A graduate from the University of Pretoria, he holds a Master’s degree in Practical Theology. He joined Hope Africa Collective in September 2017 as a community liaising pastor. He was appointed as the Coordinator of Spiritual Formation department in November 2018. He has a passion for pastoral care and he desires to minister the Word of God authentically and inspire others to serve Christ. He is married to Yolisa and they have been blessed with three daughters.

Jody Armbruster
Communications & Donor Relations Manager

Jody is a 2023 graduate from the University of Oklahoma who recently relocated to the Sunshine State after college. Through Mosaic Church she discovered Hope Africa and quickly felt a connection with their vision.

With a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Communication Jody has explored different opportunities, including public affairs and digital media internships at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and WedSociety.

As a newcomer to the world of communication, she cannot wait to bring some fresh ideas to the table and continue her learning journey with Hope Africa Collective.

Cyndi Staudt
Content Strategist

Early in her walk with Jesus, Cyndi developed a passion for people and a heart for helping others find and foster a deeper, more intimate relationship with our Savior. Serving many years in global and local outreach, she shares God’s desire to reach and care for the “least of these” in personal and practical ways.

Cyndi is passionate about using her gift of storytelling to highlight how God weaves His Word, His ways and His wisdom into the fabric of our lives. She is excited to be a part of the Hope Africa Collective team and is eager to share the stories of how God is working in and through this organization to serve South African people and communities  Through her writing, she hopes to ignite your desire to read God’s Word, invite your heart to experience God’s love, and inspire you to participate in the Kingdom work God is doing in the world.

Randall Morcom
Operations Manager

Randall first fell in love with the staff, the students, and the South African people upon his first visit to Hope Africa Collective in 2018 with a team from Mosaic Church. On that trip, he felt God’s still small voice calling him to “Dream Bigger,” and he has been experiencing God putting together the pieces of His larger puzzle ever since.

Randall spent most of his career in various roles over nearly nine years at Walt Disney World, moving from an internship to a full-time career in project management. His broad experience working with diverse teams in both design/construction projects and sustainability programs led him to a passion for people, a love of creativity, and an appreciation for stewardship. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in Engineering Management from the University of Central Florida. An engineer by degree but a project manager at heart, Randall loves to organize ideas and people, and he’s grateful to have the opportunity to translate that passion into serving with Hope Africa Collective.

Daniel Devine

Daniel is committed to “helping people help themselves” through many social, philanthropic, and educational ventures. A well-recognized distance learning pioneer, Mr. Devine co-founded and led Compass Knowledge Group for almost 20 years creating the marketplace leader in serving the distance learning needs of top higher education institutions. He was named the Ernst & Young Florida Entrepreneur of the Year in the technology category, as well as other honors including the University of Florida Outstanding Service Award. Mr. Devine is a University of Florida Engineering graduate and completed the Harvard Business School 3-year Owner President Manager (OPM) Program. Mr. Devine currently serves on the boards of Esperanza International, a micro-finance organization based in the Dominican Republic, and Lighthouse Works which supports job growth for the visually impaired.

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Mike Etchison

Michael develops various real estate investments throughout the world and his knowledge in economics and investment opportunities give Michael an edge in a variety of worldwide projects. A graduate from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management in 1969, he owned and managed a manufacturing company in Indiana for 20 years while also developing commercial properties. Michael has served on the boards of United Way and Salvation Army, and has served as Board Chairman of Great Commission Ministries for 17 years. Michael co-pastored two churches, was the chairman of the Muncie, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and currently serves as development manager for Grandstaff Development. Mike is married and has 7 children and 5 grandchildren.

Brian Grandstaff

Brian began his career in commercial real estate in 1995. His firm, Millenia Partners, is a full service commercial real estate firm that advises its clients in sales & leasing as well as construction and development of retail and office properties. Millenia Partners has offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Orlando, Boca Raton, Miami Beach, and Naples, Florida. Brian graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1993 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance.  He serves on the board at Summit Church, Circle Christian School as well as Identity for Children, which works to provide forgotten children with protections and legal identity in third world countries. By far Brian’s favorite and most important job is Husband and Dad. He lives in Winter Park, Florida with his wife, Sarah, their five daughters and their niece.

Terry Hilliard

A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelors of Science Degree, he worked for ten years in hospital networks and has start-up business experience from establishing four independent companies over the span of 20 years. He is also an ordained minister with over 15 years of experience in the local church. Terry and his wife Jeanenne left their lives in Florida in 2004 to bring global impact through international missions. This change led to extensive global experience, working in various settings throughout over 12 countries within Africa, Asia, Europe, and Central America with community development and church planting.  During his time, he was stirred by both the struggles and potential solutions of the extreme poor in the developing world. Terry is committed to developing holistic, sustainable Christ-centered solutions to meet the needs of impoverished communities in the developing world.

Steve Flandorp

Steve is the Senior Pastor of the Cape Gateway International church, which he planted 25 years ago with the relentless support of his wife and family. He is a graduate of the Cape Bible Training College. Currently, he is the President of a growing fellowship of over 22 churches South Africa. He is the Chairman of the Western Cape Movement Day – which includes hundreds of Inter-Denominational, Non-Denominational, Independent churches, businesses, and government leaders. Prior to his time as a pastor, he was the head of an investment initiative between the South African Government and Eskom (the Electric Utility Company). Today Steve continues mentoring many businessmen across Africa. Along with this, he is a director of a solar & renewable energy company, and is a guest lecturer at the University of the Western Cape on Ethics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Governance.

Daniel Rossouw

Daniel graduated with Honors from Global School of Theology with a BA in Theology.  After this, he spent 5 years as Associate Pastor at Faith Tabernacle Full Gospel Church in Bellville, South Africa.  Along with pastoring, Daniel has also gained experience as a Secondary School Maths teaching, Master Maths Centre Manager, and Project Officer for the Bible Society of South Africa.  In 2011, Daniel was appointed as Managing Director of a large South African non-profit organization specializing in uplifting poor communities through various holistic projects. Daniel is married to Therina and is also the proud parent of 2 lovely children.

Mandisa Makubalo

Mandisa Makubalo, founder and CEO of Unlimited Experiences SA Group
Consulting Firm and South African Black Women Think Tank (SABWTT),
established in 2014 and 2023 respectively. She is currently listed in the Top 2%
LinkedIn CX Voices and in 2023 she was listed in the Top 100 Globally Recognised
Multidisciplinary Thought Leader recognised in the areas of Customer Experience,
Design Thinking and Project Management. She has been leading both national and
international projects in business since 2011 and uses her expertise, insight and
experience to lead consultancy by sharing her wisdom, knowledge, expertise and
experience with others.

Mandisa is an experienced business leader, who has held various senior leadership
roles at large corporates, including Head of Business Services in a consulting firm in
South Africa where she was responsible for the management of all outsourced
services including vendor relationship management. She’s held a number of senior
positions in organisations such as Engen Petroleum, Carphone Warehouse etc. Her
consultancy has worked with both local and international brands such as UVU Africa,
Bertha Centre, UCT GSB Solution Space, Lexden, Medallia to name a few.

Some of her accolades include being appointed as a Business Expert Advisor by
Akro Capital on their Township Acceleration Programme where she was nominated
as the Top Expert Advisor at the end of the programme, she currently serves on an
all-male board at Hope Africa Collective, she’s an International Awards Judge
(ICXA), Conference Speaker and Moderator, Guest Lecture at UCT GSB, Judge at
UCT GSB Business Pitch for MBA students and more. In 2021, 2022, and 2023 she
was listed in the Top 100 CX Global Thought Leaders and in the Top 33 Women
Influencers to follow in 2021.

A seasoned and highly regarded business woman, she’s an author of the Customer
Experience 3 book selling on Amazon which she co-authored with 23 other
international authors.

She is a University of Stellenbosch Business School graduate and alumni.

Terry Hilliard

A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelors of Science Degree, he worked for ten years in hospital networks and has start-up business experience from establishing four independent companies over the span of 20 years. He is also an ordained minister with over 15 years of experience in the local church. Terry and his wife Jeanenne left their lives in Florida in 2004 to bring global impact through international missions. This change led to extensive global experience, working in various settings throughout over 12 countries within Africa, Asia, Europe, and Central America with community development and church planting.  During his time, he was stirred by both the struggles and potential solutions of the extreme poor in the developing world. Terry is committed to developing holistic, sustainable Christ-centered solutions to meet the needs of impoverished communities in the developing world.

Jeremy Hilliard

It was on his first trip to several Southern African countries in 1997 where Jeremy saw firsthand the grasp of extreme poverty on people’s lives, and felt the personal call to do something about it.  Since that time, Jeremy has gained extensive experience in intercultural communications and development, and has worked in areas of community development and church planting in nearly a dozen countries throughout Africa and Asia. Along with ministry experience in the US and Australia, he has worked and led businesses in both the nonprofit and business sectors. Jeremy is passionate about people reaching their full potential and bringing hope to their lives and communities. He graduated from Crown College with a Bachelor’s in Christian Ministry.  Without a doubt though, his great love is his wife Bridget and 3 adventurous boys.

Bridget Hilliard

In 1999 Bridget spent two months with poverty-stricken communities in South America, and saw the immense possibilities within people to overcome extreme poverty. She then spent over 10 years in international ministry, and has worked in areas of community development, church planting, vulnerable children, music, and the arts.  She has served poor communities with various NGOs throughout South America, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa. Over the years, she has launched small businesses, Christian ministries, and churches. Bridget is passionate about community development and reaching out to the whole family unit with effective and compassionate Christ-centered initiatives.

Terry Hilliard

A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelors of Science Degree, he worked for ten years in hospital networks and has start-up business experience from establishing four independent companies over the span of 20 years. He is also an ordained minister with over 15 years of experience in the local church. Terry and his wife Jeanenne left their lives in Florida in 2004 to bring global impact through international missions. This change led to extensive global experience, working in various settings throughout over 12 countries within Africa, Asia, Europe, and Central America with community development and church planting.  During his time, he was stirred by both the struggles and potential solutions of the extreme poor in the developing world. Terry is committed to developing holistic, sustainable Christ-centered solutions to meet the needs of impoverished communities in the developing world.

Bryan Hunsberger

Bryan is a Canadian from the beautiful island of Salt Spring, in British Columbia. Since 2004 he has been a Missions Leader in Queensland, Australia. His involvement has been with an organization known as Youth with a Mission (YWAM) founding and leading a Bible School. Bryan has traveled to many countries by discipling nations in God’s Word.
Bryan and his wife, Tiffany, have 4 beautiful children. They are passionate about inspiring and transforming lives through the power of God’s Word.

Terry Hilliard
Founder / Executive Director

A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelors of Science Degree, he worked for ten years in hospital networks and has start-up business experience from establishing four independent companies over the span of 20 years. He is also an ordained minister with over 15 years of experience in the local church. Terry and his wife Jeanenne left their lives in Florida in 2004 to bring global impact through international missions. This change led to extensive global experience, working in various settings throughout over 12 countries within Africa, Asia, Europe, and Central America with community development and church planting.  During his time, he was stirred by both the struggles and potential solutions of the extreme poor in the developing world. Terry is committed to developing holistic, sustainable Christ-centered solutions to meet the needs of impoverished communities in the developing world.

Jeanenne Hilliard
Founder

It was through early stories of missionaries in the developing world that Jeanenne first started to feel the calling to engage with the poorest of the poor. Jeanenne is a registered nurse, serving in the medical profession for over 6 years, and worked in elementary and high school education for 20 years. Along with her husband, she has led teams to a number of countries focusing on community development, church planting, primary healthcare, and work with vulnerable youth. She has worked alongside NGOs in India, Thailand, Uganda, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, South Africa, and Zambia. Jeanenne is passionate about caring for the poor, especially young adults, holistically on both physical and Christ-centered levels.

Bridget Hilliard
Founder

In 1999 Bridget spent two months with poverty-stricken communities in South America, and saw the immense possibilities within people to overcome extreme poverty. She then spent over 10 years in international aid work and ministry, and has worked in areas of community development, church planting, vulnerable children, as well as music and the arts.  She has served poor communities with various NGOs throughout South America, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa. Over the years, she has launched small businesses, Christian ministries, and churches. Bridget is passionate about community development and reaching out to the whole family unit with effective and compassionate Christ-centered initiatives.

Jeremy Hilliard
Founder / Resource Development Director

It was on his first trip to several Southern African countries in 1997 where Jeremy saw firsthand the grasp of extreme poverty on people’s lives, and felt the personal call to do something about it.  Since that time, Jeremy has gained extensive experience in intercultural communications and development, and has worked in areas of community development and church planting in nearly a dozen countries throughout Africa and Asia. Along with ministry experience in the US and Australia, he has worked and led businesses in both the nonprofit and business sectors. Jeremy is passionate about people reaching their full potential and bringing hope to their lives and communities. Jeremy graduated from Crown College with a Bachelor’s in Christian Ministry.