This is no coincidence and not the result of a parity campaign. It is a natural outcome of years of involvement, dedication, and tireless work for the Polish community on Long Island. Women who have long been the foundation of the organization – leading cultural events, coordinating scholarship programs, building bridges between generations – have now officially taken the helm.
The new captain and her crew
Urszula Brożek has taken the lead of the organization as president – a person well-known to the Polish community, active in the organization’s structures for years. Working alongside her will be two vice-presidents: Justyna Ornowska and Marta Wesołowska, secretary Małgorzata Zelkowski, and treasurer Małgorzata Pawełko.
The full, fourteen-person board is completed by: Elżbieta Jaworska, Hanna Marzewska, Agnieszka Kapelewska, Ewa Pachucka, Jolanta Sygnarowicz, Monika Olender, Natalia Zimnoch, Beata Szczech and Izabela Wojcicki – a team combining experience with new energy.
The Audit Committee, composed of: Paweł Pachacz, Hanna Mazewska and Ewa Pachucka, will oversee the correctness of operations.
A strength that grew over years
Polonia of Long Island has for years stood out on the map of Polish organizations in the United States with its activity – from concerts and galas, through Miss Polonia competitions, to programs supporting the younger generation of Polish Americans. Many of these initiatives were led by women, who now formally manage the organization.
This phenomenon is part of a broader trend visible in Polish organizations in the USA, where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles – not because “it’s their turn,” but because their work has proven them to be the best candidates.
What’s next?
The new board faces ambitious challenges: maintaining the organization’s momentum, attracting the younger generation of Polonia, and further building Polonia of Long Island’s position as one of the most active Polish organizations on the East Coast.
One thing is certain – at the helm are women who are not afraid of big plans.
More information about the activities of Polonia of Long Island, Inc. can be found on the website https://lipl.org/
