Elmien Claassens serves as Associate-chair with C12 Business Forums in Gauteng, South Africa. C12 is the world’s largest peer-learning organization for Christian CEOs, business owners, and executives, serving 4,000 members throughout the United States and internationally. Elmien has been serving as a C12 Chair since 2024 and currently serves 13 spouses in the Spouses table in Pretoria.

Currently Elmien is serving in C12 part-time, as she is also a lecturer in the Department of Social Work and Criminology, at the University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa. Before joining academia full time, she worked for approximately 20 years in social work and community practice. She was the Managing Director of S.A. Cares for Life (2009-2012) and Chief Executive Officer of Funanani Trust (2012-2019), both non-profit organizations rendering psycho-social services and skills development programs, aiming to empower marginalized communities to be more sustainable. She has overseen both organizations with over 100 staff members.

Under her leadership, a primary school was established in 2012 in Mamelodi, a community outside of Pretoria, making affordable independent primary school education, accessible to hundreds of children in their own community. Throughout Elmien’s career, she has been a sought-after coach and mentor in non-profit organizations. She and her husband have been helping many individual men and women who struggles in relationships in families especially marriages.

She is currently submitting her thesis for examination with her doctoral study in hybrid social work practice, focusing on bridging the digital divide and advocating for inclusive modes of social service delivery. Technology and bridging the digital divide remain a passion, and as an advocate for social justice, her practice ensures that no one is left behind!

Additionally, Elmien actively serves as chairperson on the board of a non-profit organization Kohin for the Youth, a national organization placing youth coach in schools across South Africa. Elmien lives in Pretoria with her husband Stephen. They have two children, Emile (22) and Milan (20).

Elmien’s life verse is, “Micah 6:8” – “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you. Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?” Micah 6:8 AMP