EPEK’S TEAM IS COMPRISED OF Dedicated PROFESSIONALS with proven TRACK RECORDS LEADING AND WORKING WITH AFGHANS AND NONPROFITS.

Wakil

Founder/Executive Director

A key to Epek’s effectiveness is our leader is both a US citizen and an Afghan.

The Founder and Executive Director of EPEK International, Inc., Wakil, has more than 25 years experience working in nonprofit organizations in cross-cultural leadership positions, specifically within Afghan communities.

Wakil was born in Afghanistan and his family fled as refugees to Pakistan when he was a boy. From a young age, Wakil has felt a strong connection to the plight of Afghans struggling on the margins, and feels called to devote his life to their physical, educational, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Today Wakil is an American citizen. He and his family live among a large population of Afghan refugees in New York City. He is fully committed and excited to devote his resources, time, and leadership to build the work of Epek International to positively influence and transform lives for generations.

TINA BRUNER

Chairman of the Board

Tina is an entrepreneurial executive leader with more than 25 years experience developing and leading missional organizations. She has a heart for the Afghan people, and for serving in places where others may be reluctant to go. She has been to Afghanistan many times, and has traveled the world fulfilling her work. She excels in cross-cultural relationship building and implementing strategies in cross-cultural settings that maximize ministry outcomes.

Margot Kreutzer

Board Secretary

Margo first felt drawn to Afghanistan after watching a video detailing the plight of Afghans. She was inspired by the hope and spirit of the Afghan people and has made several short-term and medical training trips to Afghanistan. Margot worked in Thailand for many years, educating villagers in Community Health and Community Development. She is a Registered Nurse and is currently working on her master’s degree in Advanced Practice Nursing with a focus on family medicine. In her free time, she loves to hike and explore the great outdoors.

Seth Gardner

Epek’s International Director of Operations
and Board Member

After multiple short-term trips, and extended time on the ground in Kabul, Seth felt drawn to serve the Afghan people. He left a long-time job in Quality Assurance at a manufacturing facility in his home state of Nevada to pursue his heart. He finds joy in spending time with family and friends, and all things baseball. In his role at Epek, he facilitates engagement of those who want to use their gifts and talents to build capacity and share hope.

KAREN CRANE

Board Treasurer

Karen has owned and operated Plow Studio, an advertising/design firm in Louisville, KY for more than 20 years. Throughout the years, her client roster has included numerous nonprofit organizations, including NGOs focusing on the needs of Afghans. She has worked alongside other members of the board to develop branding, communications, and fundraising for organizations, so they can maximize their impact. She loves visual arts and all things well-designed. In her spare time, she’s an avid golfer.

Chad Nelson

Board Member

Chad is an international relations and global security professional with a passion for Afghanistan. For the past nine years, Chad and his wife have served Afghan families across the US and have been closely connected with the leadership of Epek International.