EMI South Africa

Professional Training & Experience

Courtney Fester studied Architecture at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, beginning her academic journey in 2021 and completing her Advanced Diploma in 2025. During her studies, she developed a strong passion for contextual design, site analysis, and community-centred architectural thinking.

In July 2023, Courtney began a year-long internship with EMI South Africa, serving until June 2024. What began as an internship grew into a deep vocational calling, and she now serves on staff. Through her time at EMI, she has engaged in mission-driven design projects, research, and cross-cultural collaboration, particularly within community and healthcare contexts. Courtney believes architecture is not merely about buildings, but about stewarding space in a way that restores dignity, empowers communities, and reflects God’s heart for people.

Ministry Experience

Courtney’s heart for ministry began in childhood, serving alongside her family in NGOs and NPOs that supported underprivileged and historically segregated communities. From an early age, she witnessed both the hardship and resilience within these communities, shaping her compassion and sense of justice.

At 17 years old, Courtney encountered Christ in a life-transforming way. This pivotal moment deepened her faith and ignited a passionate, intentional pursuit of God’s calling over her life. Thereafter, she became actively involved in church leadership, serving on the prophetic team and investing in the next generation through youth leadership and children’s ministry. She discipled young people, prepared Sunday lessons, and carried a burden to see youth grow in identity, healing, and purpose.

Courtney chose to study architecture in obedience to God’s prompting, trusting to be used for Kingdom impact. Today, she serves wholeheartedly with EMI, committed to offering her gifts fully for God’s glory and His redemptive work across communities.

Family

Courtney grew up in an underprivileged coloured community in Cape Town, an upbringing that deeply shaped her resilience, empathy, and determination. She carries a strong conviction that one’s circumstances do not define one’s future, and she strives to live as a testimony that wholehearted surrender to the Lord can transform generational narratives.

She is the oldest of four siblings, with two brothers and a sister, and holds a deep sense of responsibility and devotion toward them. Courtney is passionate about guiding families and parents in raising children with emotional awareness, intentional love, and mental well-being at the forefront. She desires to see generational cycles broken and replaced with healing, faith, and strong foundations.

Her life reflects a commitment not only to professional excellence, but to family, discipleship, and building a legacy anchored in Christ.