Aneta Montano is the President of Fundacja Novus and Director of undergraduate theological and counselling studies at a seminar in Poland.
When did you trust Christ?
Upon completing my studies in the USA, I was employed by a large corporation that moved me around once a year. It was hard for me to find a church I liked. I was not saved then and preferred to attend Catholic churches, but there were very few of these in the South of the US, especially in the small towns where I had lived. I started to attend a Free Will Baptist Church in Somerville, Ga. I loved the people, the pastor, and the message. I got saved at Easter in 1998.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
In 2018, I realised that I was not obedient to God and that he was calling me to do something else. After one year of prayers, I have decided to take a step of faith and leave the corporate world. I sold my share of a large travel business and, in December 2019, parted ways with my old life. In March 2020, COVID shut down the world and ruined travel-related businesses. I knew then that everything that happened in my life was God's timing. I trusted he would have a new assignment for me. He did! Soon, I met the college president, where I am currently working, and was offered an online teaching job. Later, I got more responsibilities and knew God had even bigger plans for me. Everything I have learned in leadership, mentoring, and coaching is now needed in my work. I am still learning and experiencing His goodness every day. I am happy and fulfilled with the change he brought to my life.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I have participated in the ELF once before, and it was a deeply formative experience that shaped me and contributed significantly to my spiritual growth. This time, I will be returning not only as a participant but also as a speaker, which I consider both an honour and a responsibility. I am eager to take part in every possible session, to learn, listen, and engage fully. I also hope to connect with new people who can mentor me, walk alongside me, and grow with me as I continue to develop my ministry. I see this experience as another opportunity to be stretched, equipped, and encouraged for the work God has entrusted to me.
What is your ministry?
I am the co-founder and the President of the NOVUS Foundation, a Christ-centred ministry dedicated to spiritual formation, theological and Christian counselling education, and holistic restoration. Founded in obedience to God’s calling, NOVUS exists to equip leaders, counsellors, and communities with biblically grounded teaching that integrates faith, wisdom, and compassionate care. Through educational programs, mentorship, counselling initiatives, and international partnerships, the foundation addresses both spiritual and practical needs, helping individuals and families experience lasting transformation.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
Throughout my career, I have held senior leadership roles across corporate, academic, and nonprofit settings, combining strategic responsibility with a strong people-centred approach. For over seventeen years, I served as Managing Director and Vice President at FCM Travel Solutions Poland, where I led a 60-person organisation, managed complex international contracts, secured key global and local clients, and acted as an HR Business Partner supporting organisational growth and change. Alongside this role, I have served as President of the Board of Gooday Sp. z o.o., where I designed executive development programs and coached senior leaders. More recently, I transitioned into academic leadership as Director of the English-language Ministry and Theology Studies (MATS) program and Director of Development at the University of Theology and Social Sciences, where I was responsible for program strategy, curriculum design, faculty recruitment, and quality assurance, while supporting the university’s long-term development vision. Across all these roles, my leadership has been grounded in integrity, servant leadership principles, and a deep commitment to developing people and organisations for sustainable impact.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I believe that nothing is more important than training and preparing the next generation of leaders. I lead the program that provides students with formal, accredited EU education that focuses on both theology and the social sciences. My job is to choose relevant courses, topics, and faculty. I know that the program that I manage is successful because of the mix of subjects that are being taught - we emphasise leadership skills, mentoring, and coaching skills, as well as theological preparation.
