ABOUT US – Katowice Internationals Foundation

In the vibrant city of Katowice, Poland, the Katowice Internationals Foundation stands as a light of unity and understanding. Comprised of dedicated volunteers, this organization is on a mission to support and integrate foreigners living in Katowice while raising awareness among Polish citizens about the diverse cultures within their city.

Our team

My name is Marco, I’m from Italy/Sicily. I am currently working as Engagement Manager in Capgemini Poland. I love multicultural environments, football, cooking, eating and traveling. – I decided to build this Foundation with the goal to create a community and talk on behalf of all the international people who choose Katowice and Silesia as their “place to live”. Together is better and it’s our duty to contribute and foster diversity and inclusion values in our local community.

I am Alessandra, originally from Sardinia. Since I was a child, I have had a passion for exploring and discovering new cultures and environments. This passion led me to seize the opportunity of three incredible Erasmus projects during my academic career, which deeply changed my future perspectives. During these Erasmus projects, I was lucky enough to immerse myself in different cultures, expanding my horizons and enriching my understanding of the world. These experiences fuelled my desire for personal and professional growth, eventually leading me to the heart of Europe, to Poland. My arrival here was a real turning point in my life. Meeting extraordinary people like Marco Cillepi was a real privilege and through his foundation, the Katowice Internationals Foundation, I had the opportunity to contribute to projects promoting intercultural dialogue and social inclusion through sport and to become part of Garage Erasmus 4 Silesia. Being part of the Garage Erasmus 4 Silesia network is a natural and meaningful choice for me. This professional network is more than just a link between former Erasmus students; it is a community dedicated to supporting the formation of a more integrated and cohesive Europe. Through Garage Erasmus, I have the opportunity to connect with people who share my passion for international experiences and who are committed to improving their communities and the world around us.For me, being part of Garage Erasmus means being part of a movement that promotes personal, professional and social growth. It is a way to continue to cultivate my passion for exploration and to contribute to creating a more inclusive and collaborative future for Europe and beyond.

My name is Simona, and I’m from Italy. I relocated to Poland for personal reasons and embarked on a new journey here. With a Master’s degree in Tourism Economics and Management, I have been working for about 2 years in the Order to Cash department, where I handle company orders from processing to invoice issuance. I am a native Italian speaker, fluent in English, proficient in Spanish, and currently studying Polish to better integrate into the country I now call home. In my leisure time, I love traveling, trekking, and climbing—these are my greatest passions. I chose to be part of the Foundation Garage Erasmus for Silesia because I want to contribute to the integration of foreigners in Silesia. My personal experience has taught me how challenging it can be to assimilate into a new culture and society, and I aspire to use my experience to assist others facing similar circumstances. Joining this association represents an opportunity for me to engage with diverse individuals, learn about their cultures and traditions, and grow both personally and professionally. It’s a chance to broaden my horizons and contribute positively to my community.

My name is Jan, and I am currently finishing my Master’s Degree in International Business at the University of Economics in Katowice. Outside of university, I work as a recruiter, focusing on finding top talent for multilingual customer service positions. With over two years of experience, including roles at major banks for the UK market, I’ve successfully matched hundreds of candidates with their ideal positions, driving growth and enhancing diversity. Fluent in Polish, English, and Italian, I’m also enhancing my Spanish to broaden my intercultural competence further. Outside of work, I’m a passionate football player and an avid traveler. I would describe myself as an open-minded and dynamic person, always looking for new challenges and out-of-the-box solutions to problems

My name is Ania, I’m from Poland. I have completed my bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Social Communication, and now I’m starting my master’s degree in Marketing and Sales. I have a passion for music and photography. Being part of Ge4 Katowice is significant to me for two main reasons: firstly, I resonate deeply with the foundation’s mission, as I’ve been involved in mentoring international students for several years during my studies, and secondly, it allows me to develop my skills and personal growth.

Together, Marco, Alessandra, Simona, Jan, Ania and their fellow volunteers at the Katowice International Foundation are working tirelessly to bridge divides, promote understanding, and create a more inclusive society in Katowice. Through their collective efforts, they are building a city where everyone, regardless of background, can feel welcomed and valued.