Piast Institute
11633 Joseph Campau
Hamtramck, MI 48212
United States of America

office: (313) 733-4535

[email protected]

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​This initiative, Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025, is designed to spotlight and appreciate the remarkable achievements and leadership of Polish American individuals in Michigan. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those who have made impactful contributions to their communities and beyond.

​The rules are simple and registration forms are located below:

Announcement - Top 25 Honorees

Hamtramck, Mich. - The Piast Institute is proud to announce its annual selection of the "Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025." This distinguished list recognizes outstanding individuals of Polish heritage who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and contributions to their communities, professions, and the Polish-American diaspora.
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"The Piast Institute is committed to celebrating and promoting the achievements of Polish Americans across various fields," said Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO and Co-Founder of the Piast Institute. "These honorees exemplify the spirit of leadership, cultural preservation, and community service that define our mission."

The individuals selected for this year’s prestigious honor were nominated and evaluated based on their significant impact and influence within their respective areas. These leaders were selected by an anonymous committee voting on all submissions. The nominees had to be living Michigan residents of Polish descent, over the age of 21. They could not be Piast Institute employees or Board members. The list is presented in alphabetical order by last name:
​- Ann Bankowski
- Cynthia Cervenak
- Gregory Kirchner
- Jacqueline Kolowski
- Christine Kryszko
- Peter (Piotr) Lisiecki
- Barbara Lemecha
- Brian Malski
- Konrad Maziarz
- Kristi Mihalic
- Henrietta Nowakowski
​​- Barbara Anna Nowakowski
​- Marzanna Owinski
- Charles (Chuck) Pelshaw
- Donna Skurski
- Magdalena Środek
- Jakub S. Szlaga
- Evonne Szydlowski-Dec
- Anthony Walawender
- Richard Walawender
- Bronisława Wiącek
- Teresa Wiacek
- Elizabeth Wienke
- Michael Wilk
- Jessica Urban

Ann Bankowski

​Ann Bankowski is a dedicated Polish-American community leader, educator, and social worker who has spent her life promoting Polish language, culture, and heritage through decades of service in education, scouting, and numerous civic and cultural organizations.

Cynthia Cervenak

​Cynthia Cervenak is a lifelong Hamtramck resident and retired retail manager who has dedicated herself to preserving and promoting Polish culture through decades of volunteer work in dance, costume design, festivals, and local historical initiatives.

Evonne Szydlowski-Dec

​Evonne Szydlowski-Dec is a proud first-generation Polish-American, this dedicated community leader has spent her life preserving and promoting Polish culture through dance, scouting, and nonprofit involvement, while balancing a successful career in manufacturing and raising the next generation to embrace their heritage.

Gregory Kirchner

​Greg Kirchner is a lifelong advocate for community and Polish-American heritage, this accomplished physicist, entrepreneur, and civic leader has dedicated decades to public service, cultural preservation, and local development through leadership roles in media, business, education, and numerous Polish and American organizations.

Jacqueline "Jadwiga" Kolowski

Jadwiga “Jackie” Kolowski is a devoted community organizer and cultural ambassador who has spent decades championing Polish arts, heritage, and civic life in Michigan and beyond through her leadership in organizations like Friends of Polish Art, the American Council for Polish Culture, and the American Polish Cultural Center.

Christine Kryszko

​Christine Kryszko is a passionate and devoted cultural leader who, for over 36 years, has enriched the lives of generations through her tireless work preserving and promoting Polish language, dance, and traditions as director, educator, and organizer within the Polish National Alliance and broader Polonia community.

Peter Lisiecki

​Peter (Piotr) Lisiecki is a lifelong educator, Polish scout leader, and community advocate whose deep-rooted Polish heritage, Christian faith, and passion for youth development have guided over four decades of service empowering young people and preserving Polish culture both locally and abroad.

Barbara Lemecha

Barbara Lemecha is a devoted community leader and cultural ambassador whose lifelong commitment to education, civic engagement, and Polish-American heritage has enriched countless organizations and events across Michigan’s Polonia, earning her wide recognition and deep respect.

Brian Malski

​Brian Malski is a passionate Polish-American community leader and retired engineer whose lifelong commitment to preserving Polish culture is reflected in his leadership with Friends of Polish Art and tireless volunteer work across Michigan’s Polonia organizations.

Konrad Maziarz

​Konrad Maziarz is a dedicated public servant and community leader, who is a longtime Hamtramck resident and has significantly contributed to the city’s civic activities through roles in local government, cultural events, and nonprofit initiatives—most notably as City Assessor, Co-Chair of the Labor Day Festival, and Chairman of the Hamtramck Parks Conservancy.

Kristi Mihalic

​Kristi Mihalic is a highly accomplished engineer and passionate Polish-American cultural leader who has devoted decades to youth engagement, Polish folk dance, and community service through the PRCUA and beyond, all while leading a distinguished 35 year career at Ford Motor Company.

Henrietta Nowakowski

​Henrietta Nowakowski is a distinguished pharmacist, historian, and lifelong Polonia advocate whose deep commitment to Polish heritage, community service, and historical preservation has earned her national and international recognition for projects honoring Polish contributions to American history and culture.

Barbara Nowakowski

​Barbara Nowakowski is a passionate and lifelong advocate of Polish folklore and culture who, through decades of dedication to folk dance, education, and community service, has inspired generations of youth, represented Polonia on international stages, and earned recognition for her leadership and cultural contributions.

Marzanna Owinski

Marzanna Owinski is a devoted educator, cultural advocate, and language specialist whose pioneering work in Polish language instruction, bilingual education, and community engagement has significantly advanced the presence and recognition of Polish language in the United States.

Charles Pelshaw

​Charles Pelshaw is a dedicated third-generation Polish American, physician, and lifelong folk dancer and has passionately preserved and shared Polish culture through decades of dance, intricate regional embroidery and beading, language study, and community education, including his leadership with the Friends of Polish Art.

Donna Skurski

​Donna Marie Skurski is a lifelong champion of Polish culture whose five-decade career as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and artistic director has profoundly shaped generations of performers while preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Polish folk dance both locally and internationally.

Magdalena ​Środek

​Magdalena Środek is a dedicated entrepreneur, community leader and proud Polish American who tirelessly promotes Polish culture, education, and tradition through her civic engagement, support of local institutions, and commitment to raising the next generation with a strong cultural identity.

Jakub Szlaga

​Jakub Szlaga is a compassionate and skilled immigration attorney who, drawing from his own immigrant experience, is deeply committed to serving and empowering Michigan’s Polish community through expert legal advocacy and unwavering support.

Jessica Urban

​Jessica Urban is a lifelong champion of Polish folk culture and education, whose leadership in dance, teaching, and community outreach has inspired generations to celebrate and preserve their Polish heritage.

Anthony Walawender

​Anthony Walawender is a resilient and dedicated leader whose lifetime of service to Michigan's Polish community, through his work in education, Polish language preservation, and advocacy for Polish history and culture, has made a profound impact on preserving and promoting Polish heritage.

Richard Walawender

​Richard Walawender is a highly accomplished lawyer and influential leader who has dedicated his career to fostering U.S.-Poland relations, supporting Polish businesses, and advancing the interests of the Polish community, while also serving as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Detroit and spearheading key cultural and legal initiatives.

Bronisława
Wi​ącek

​Bronisława Wiącek is a lifelong and deeply dedicated member of the Polish Scouting Organization in the U.S., whose decades of service, leadership, and mentorship spanning from local troop support to national board roles have left a lasting impact on generations of scouts and the Polish-American community.

Teresa Wiacek

Teresa Wiącek is a lifelong Polish scout, passionate educator, and global ambassador of Polish culture whose decades of leadership, dedication, and service have inspired generations through her unwavering commitment to community, tradition, and international fellowship.

Elizabeth Wienke

​Elizabeth Wienke is a dynamic leader and dedicated cultural ambassador whose vision, hospitality expertise, and passion for Polish heritage have transformed the American Polish Cultural Center into a thriving hub of community connection and cultural celebration in Michigan.

Michael Wilk

​Michael Wilk is a respected funeral home director who leads the Jurkiewicz & Wilk Funeral Home. Apart from that, Mr. Wilk is also a steadfast community leader whose enduring commitment to faith, public service, and Polish heritage has left a meaningful legacy in Hamtramck and the wider Polish-American community in Michigan.
​These individuals have made a lasting impact in fields such as business, education, philanthropy, public service, and the arts. These nominees vary in their contributions to Polonia from representing Polish organizations, promoting events, legal advice, scouting, organizing testing for Polish language, to even stitching beads on folk costumes. Their efforts continue to shape and strengthen the Polish-American community, fostering cultural pride and unity. Without the community nominating these individuals and spotlighting their contributions, this would not be possible. 

The Piast Institute will celebrate these leaders at an official recognition event on Sunday June 1, 2025 at the Century Banquet Center located at 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, MI. Tickets will be available for purchase at $40.00 on Eventbrite. No tickets will be sold at the door and the ticket sales end May 10, 2025. For advertising in the program booklet please see the information below.

Advertisement in Program Book

To commemorate this occasion, we are publishing a program book—a unique opportunity for businesses, companies, and organizations to gain valuable exposure within the Polish American community. We kindly invite you to support our celebration and our well deserving honorees by placing an advertisement in the program book, which will be distributed to all guests at the event, Sunday June 1, 2025.

Please e-mail electronic artwork to: [email protected] (PNG/JPG preferred) with Memo: Top 25 Ad.
Please make checks payable to: “Piast Institute” and mail the completed contract along with the check payment to: Piast Institute, 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212
You may also pay for the ad online through Paypal: https://tinyurl.com/Top25Ad

Advertising Deadline: Thurs. April 10, 2025

Rules for Nomination

Project Description: Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025
Objective:
To recognize and honor outstanding Polish American leaders who are currently living in Michigan. The project aims to celebrate individuals of Polish descent who have made significant contributions to their communities, fields, or professions.
Eligibility Criteria:
  • Nominees must be living in Michigan.
  • Nominees must be of Polish descent.
  • Nominees must be at least 21 years old by November 1, 2024.
  • Self-nominations are encouraged.
  • Current Piast Institute employees and Board members are ineligible for nomination.
  • Participation is voluntary, and nominees have the option to opt out of the process if they choose.
Submission Guidelines:
  • All submissions must be either time stamped or postmarked by Friday, November 1, 2024.
  • Incomplete applications will be disqualified; ensure that all sections of the application are fully completed.
Selection Process:
  • Nominations will be reviewed by an anonymous Selection Committee.
  • The Selection Committee will be comprised of Michigan Polish American residents who are not affiliated with the Piast Institute as employees or Board members.
  • The final list of the “Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025” will be announced in 2025.
Important Dates:
  • Submission Deadline: Friday, November 1, 2024
  • Announcement of Top 25 Leaders: Expected January 2025
​Each awardee will be invited to a recognition event and will receive two (2) additional guest tickets and a recognition plaque at an event to be set at a later date. Awardees will be required to submit a photograph for media publication. Awardees agree to participation in the “Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025” and consent to the Piast Institute’s’ use of winner’s name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions and/or hometown and state for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration. Awardees agree to release and hold harmless Piast Institute and its employees and or Board of Directors from any and all actions, claims, injury, loss or damage arising in any manner, directly or indirectly, from participation in this promotion and/or acceptance, use, inability to use, misuse or redemption of any prize (including any injury or harm related thereto).

Nomination Form

The nomination form for Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025 is available below.
You can print the PDF form and mail it in to: Piast Institute Attn: Top 25, 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck MI 48212. 
You can also access the nomination form online using the Google Form button link below:
top_25_in_2025_nomination_form.pdf
File Size: 146 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Please remember that: ​
  • All submissions must be either time stamped or postmarked by Friday, November 1, 2024.
  • Incomplete applications will be disqualified; ensure that all sections of the application are fully completed.
Piast Institute is a 501c3 nonprofit organization supported by donations, grants, and programs. Your support makes a difference. 
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