Interview with Ewelina Iwanek – OIC Poland

In every issue our newsletter we introduce you to one of the people leading the work of our partner organizations. In this first edition, we head to Poland to talk to Ewelina Iwanek, President of OIC Poland Foundation

Dr. Ewelina Iwanek is the President of the Board of the OIC POLAND Foundation of WSEI University. She holds a doctorate in law and is a graduate of both the Faculty of Chemistry and the Faculty of Law and Administration at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin. With extensive experience in EU-funded and international projects, she is a certified PRINCE2 project manager and a recognized trainer in project preparation and management. She has authored numerous publications in administrative law and has been actively involved in supporting SMEs through consultancy, training, and advisory services. Since 2013, she leads OIC Poland, driving innovation and development in education and economic advancement.

How you would describe OIC?

OIC Poland is a forward-thinking NGO, human-centered, innovation-driven organization, committed to supporting the growth and development of individuals, businesses, and communities.

Our key objective is to empower our clients and partners—both in Poland and internationally— through innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and a hands-on approach to capacity building to meet their evolving needs and drive their growth.

This objective reflects the organization’s dual focus on development and innovation, positioning it as both a catalyst for individual and organizational growth and a pioneer in shaping new trends, not only within the NGO sector but also entrepreneurial sectors.

What can you tell us about DigAccess? How would you describe it to a stranger as

DigAccess is a project that helps small businesses and organizations operating in social economy sector, particularly in the agrotourism sector to strengthen their digital transition and capabilities, mainly through training, mentoring, coaching and advisory services. DigAccess is about the introduction, testing and adaptation of technology and tools, digital processes and digital services improving the performance of rural tourism organisations taking advantage of existing digital solutions, but it also could support incubation of digital social innovations that can offer towards the development of universally accessible agrotourism. Our project not only supports social economy businesses but also business support organisations, incubators, federations or associations representing social economy entities through transnational and cross-sectoral cooperation, capacity building and exchange of good practices to enable the digital transition of social economy. The project aspires to be a platform for collaboration among different actors i.e. rural tourism providers, business support organisations and other supporting organisations, IT providers, startups, inclusivity and accessibility organisations.

What is this project for your organization? What is your role in this action?

For our organization, the DigAccess project is an opportunity to drive meaningful change in social economy, help businesses to grow and develop by providing them with tailored support, innovative and practical solutions that meet their evolving needs.

OIC Poland Foundation is the coordinator of DigAccess project that combines the efforts of 7 project partners from 6 EU countries. Through DigAccess, we’re not only contributing to the digital transformation of rural tourism, but also helping to create more welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable tourism experiences for everyone. It aligns with our mission to support innovation, and equal access for growth and development opportunities.

What About Poland, how is Agroutourism considered? Is it accessible?

Agrotourism is quite popular and growing steadily in Poland. The country’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and large rural areas make it ideal for farm stays, countryside retreats, and eco-tourism experiences. It’s also seen as a valuable tool for rural development and a way to support local economies, especially in less industrialized areas. Accessibility is still a developing area in Polish agrotourism. That said, there’s growing awareness and interest in making rural tourism more inclusive — especially thanks to EU-funded projects (like DigAccess!), legal requirements, and the increasing demand from travelers with diverse needs. 

There are a few major challenges for sustainable and accessible tourism in Poland today. One of the key issues is the lack of proper infrastructure, which limits both accessibility and environmental sustainability. Financial constraints play a major role, particularly for small tourism businesses. Many of these businesses struggle to invest in necessary technologies or upgrades to improve accessibility, largely because the financial benefits are not immediately visible, making such investments difficult to justify. Moreover, there is a need to improve the awareness and education surrounding sustainable practices. Sustainability is often perceived as an optional extra rather than an essential component of tourism, a perception that is partly fueled by insufficient training and limited resources available to industry professionals. Moreover, many accessible or eco-friendly places aren’t visible online, making it hard for travelers to find them. Digital transformation is still underway, especially in smaller enterprises.

How can DigAccessAgrotourism improve rural tourism in Poland?

DigAccessAgrotourism has the potential to enhance rural tourism in Poland by addressing key gaps in digital transformation. The goal is the digital empowerment of tourism providers and organisations supporting them through training, mentoring, advisory services in introduction, testing and adapting technologies and digital solutions to reach a wider audience, promote their services based on their needs and according to the tailored approach. DigAccess fosters collaboration between organizations, experts, and local tourism actors across Europe through creating a supportive community and network to build cooperation, exchange knowledge, practices and adapt them locally. DigAccess can help map and promote rural destinations in the partner countries, taking advantage of a growing market of travelers looking for inclusive, authentic experiences.

Tell us a bit more about you

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?

I love travelling, gardening. I like reading biographical books, but I also enjoy books on personal development. It is always amazing how powerful learning is and how it affects our way of thinking.

In my free time however I like walking and practicing yoga.