About Us
Polish Legacy Foundation
The Polish Legacy Foundation was born out of a heartfelt conviction that Poland’s history, culture, science, and entrepreneurship are treasures to be preserved and cultivated.
Our goal is to safeguard and promote the rich achievements of the Polish nation—both within Poland and among the Polish diaspora worldwide. Each of our projects is a carefully planned response to specific social needs. We operate in four main areas: culture and tradition, education and mentoring, support for young talents, and the development of entrepreneurship and innovation.
We believe that our heritage is a source of inspiration, strength, and pride. Through our initiatives, we create a space where the past meets the future, and Poles—regardless of where they live—feel part of a unified, strong community. Each project represents a step toward building a lasting bridge between generations, promoting Polish achievements on the international stage, and leaving an enduring mark on the hearts of future generations.
Vision
Our vision is to establish the Polish Legacy Foundation as a global center of knowledge, collaboration, and inspiration for current and future generations of Poles, regardless of their place of residence. We believe that the heritage of the Polish diaspora is a living cultural, intellectual, and moral capital that must be nurtured, disseminated, and passed on. We envision a world in which Polonia is strong, integrated, and actively present in key areas of public life—from culture and science to business, diplomacy, and social leadership.
Mission
The mission of the Foundation is to build lasting bridges between Poles in Poland and abroad, strengthen social and cultural bonds, and inspire actions that leave a lasting imprint on history and the present. The Foundation works to document the successes of Poles and Polonia, promote Polish scientific and cultural achievements, support the development of young leaders, talents, and entrepreneurs, and create spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and inspiration. Its aim is to develop educational, cultural, and social initiatives, integrate the global Polish community, and recognize individuals and institutions contributing to community development, philanthropy, and a positive image of Poles worldwide. The Foundation’s mission is a commitment to creating enduring values for future generations and enhancing the global standing of Poles
Main Goals of the Foundation
Strengthening the position of Polonia and Poland worldwide
Many distinguished Poles and members of the Polish diaspora have achieved successes with a global impact, yet their stories are not widely known. The Encyclopedia of Success will ensure their contributions are documented and accessible to future generations.
Supporting Polish history, culture, and language
Promoting traditions and national heritage through education, cultural projects, and publications.
Publishing albums that document history, achievements, and the contribution of Poles to global development as a tool for promoting Poland and Polonia.
Developing younger generations
Passing on knowledge, experience, and inspiration to enable young people to achieve success in various fields.
Creating educational programs and environments that foster the development of talents.
Supporting and developing Polish and diaspora institutions
Financing existing Polish‑diaspora centers and supporting initiatives that create new institutions serving Polish communities around the world.
Strengthening cooperation between Polonia and Poland in the areas of education, business, and culture.
Promoting Polish business and entrepreneurship
Supporting Polish companies in their growth and expansion into international markets.
Building networks and platforms for cooperation between Polish entrepreneurs and business leaders from around the world.
Establishing relationships with philanthropists and global business leaders
Building partnership relations that will support the implementation of the project’s goals and create new opportunities for cooperation.
Board of the Foundation

Agata Klimczak
President

Agata Klimczak
President
Agata Klimczak – Founder & President of the Brilliant Minded Women Foundation and the Polish Heritage Foundation. Author of the international documentary albums “Living Legacy – Brilliant Minds in Canada” (2019) and “Living Legends – Brilliant Minds in the World” (2024). Initiator of the Center for Polish Diaspora Leaders and the Encyclopedia of Global Success of Poles and the Polish Diaspora. A global leader, mentor, and visionary dedicated to uniting and inspiring Polonia worldwide.
Agata Klimczak is a remarkable leader, visionary, and social entrepreneur with over three decades of experience spanning business, education, diplomacy, and social development. Throughout her career, she has consistently built bridges between cultures, generations, and communities, creating global networks of collaboration and mutual support.
Born in Poland and long associated with Canada, Agata has established a strong foundation for her professional and social endeavours. She began her international journey in the tourism and hospitality sector, gradually gaining extensive experience in management, marketing, organizing prestigious events, and building leadership networks across more than 85 cities in 17 countries.
She is the founder of the Brilliant Minded Women Foundation, a prestigious Canadian organization dedicated to promoting the development of women through education, mentoring, and recognition of achievements. The Foundation organizes international galas, honours outstanding women, and creates platforms for future female leaders.
Agata’s next groundbreaking initiative is the Center for Polish Diaspora Leaders, a modern space for collaboration, dialogue, and education for Polish leaders worldwide. The Center aims to strengthen national identity, promote intergenerational exchange, and build lasting connections between Poland and the global Polish community.
As the author of the documentary albums “Living Legacy” and “Living Legends”, she has amplified the voices of over 190 outstanding women from more than 50 countries and 50 Global Ambassadors, documenting their extraordinary stories, achievements, and social impact.
Agata Klimczak is also an inspiring mentor and speaker, demonstrating that values-based leadership—grounded in empathy, solidarity, and responsibility—has the power to change the world.
She has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards: 🌟Top Leaders Award; 🌟Order of Saint Stanislaus; 🌟Canadian Chamber of Commerce Award; 🌟Women of Excellence Recognition.
Her mission is to create spaces where every voice matters and every action can affect real change.
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Scope of Responsibilities
• Represent the Foundation before institutions, organizations, media, and national and international partners.
• Lead the Board’s activities and coordinate the work of all its members.
• Make strategic and managerial decisions within the scope defined by the statute and Board resolutions.
• Convene and chair Board meetings and oversee the implementation of resolutions.
• Supervise personnel policies, including recruitment, development of employees and volunteers.
• Ensure the Foundation’s activities comply with applicable laws, its statutes, and internal regulations.
• Oversee the Foundation’s finances and assets, including approval of key expenditures and contracts.
• Build and strengthen the Foundation’s image nationally and internationally.
• Manage human resources in the capacity of Board Member for HR.
• Director of Fundraising and Partner Relations – responsible for securing financial resources and developing relationships with strategic partners, sponsors, and donors.
• Director of Human Resources – responsible for HR strategy, recruitment, training, motivation, and team development.

Krzysztof Pierzchała
First Vice President

Krzysztof Pierzchała
First Vice President
Engineer, Inventor, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist
Krzysztof Pierzchała is an experienced engineer with over 40 years of professional achievements in road infrastructure, engineering construction, and technological innovation. He graduated from the Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, specializing in Traffic Engineering (1973), and completed additional studies at the Cracow University of Economics and the AGH University of Science and Technology in enterprise management.
He began his career as a research and teaching staff member at the Institute of Roads, Railways, and Bridges, actively participating in urban planning and city bypass projects. In the 1980s, he gained international experience as a supervising engineer on infrastructure contracts in Iraq, collaborating with global companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the Krupp MAN ZEISS consortium. He then held key positions in foreign trade offices of EXBUD and CHEMOBUDOWA, representing Polish industry internationally.
From 1989 to 1993, as President of STEELBACO, he initiated the implementation of protective barrier systems in Poland, significantly improving road safety. Since 1993, he has managed SIGNALCO, his own company specializing in road engineering and electronic solutions. Under his leadership, the company introduced numerous innovative solutions, including corrugated steel culverts and advanced acoustic screen systems based on his patented invention (Patent No. 187621), recognized across many European countries.
Krzysztof Pierzchała played a pivotal role in numerous road and highway projects in Poland, collaborating with the AGH Department of Acoustics and Vibroacoustics. His proprietary programs and analyses contributed to the development of national road infrastructure. Since 2011, he has been an active member of the European Noise Barrier Federation (ENBF) in Brussels, co-creating European acoustic protection standards.
Alongside his professional career, he has been deeply involved in social and philanthropic activities. He has served as a member of the Economic Council to the Krakow Voivode, Vice President of the Polish-American Chamber of Commerce, and a long-standing member of the Social Council of the AGH Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics. He is also the founder of the Prof. Michałowski Foundation, supporting the Urology Clinic at the University Hospital in Krakow, and a donor and patron of numerous charitable initiatives, including the Anna Dymna “Mimo Wszystko” Foundation and the Anna Treter Songbook Foundation.
In recognition of his professional and social contributions, he has received numerous awards, including the Gold SZSP Badge, Honorary Badge of the Cracow University of Technology, and Honorary Badge of the AGH Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics. For his outstanding professional achievements and pioneering innovations, he was awarded the Silver Cross of Merit (1977) and the Gold Cross of Merit (2012) by the President of the Republic of Poland, Bronisław Komorowski.
Krzysztof Pierzchała is a visionary and action-oriented leader—dynamic, committed, and consistent in implementing innovative solutions that combine engineering expertise with care for people and the environment.
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Scope of Responsibilities
· Collaborate with the President in developing and implementing the Foundation’s growth strategy.
· Represent the Foundation on behalf of the President within delegated powers.
· Supervise the execution of key strategic projects.
· Coordinate the work of task forces and thematic committees.
· Provide regular reports to the Board on the results of assigned areas.
· Support developmental and programmatic initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s mission.
· Serve as Director of Programs and Projects, including:
o Planning, coordinating, and overseeing the execution of the Foundation’s programs and projects.
o Ensuring activities align with the Foundation’s mission and goals.
o Collaborating with project teams and external partners.
o Monitoring outcomes and reporting project results.

Małgorzata Zarzycka
Second Vice President

Małgorzata Zarzycka
Second Vice President
I was born in Tarnów, Poland. From the age of five, I was learning English because my mother always dreamed of leaving Poland – the communist era was not easy.
Later, I moved to Greece, where I attended a Polish school at the church. I learned Greek very quickly, mainly on my own, through daily contact with the local community. I spent three years there, and then my family and I moved to Canada.
In Canada, I continued my education and gained additional qualifications. I worked at a corporation on the stock exchange, but I never felt like I was meant for work in that environment. Therefore, I decided to start my own business ventures in various fields, including import and export, as well as connecting Polish businesses with the Canadian market. I am also actively involved in buying and selling companies.
For many years, I collaborated with the Canadian Cabaret Pod Bańką. Through this, I had the opportunity to meet many artists and fell in love with artistic work. I am an open person, full of ideas and possibilities, and rich in wonderful connections.
I am also involved in numerous new ventures and charitable activities. I actively participate in the Canadian-Polish Chamber of Commerce, supporting the development of economic relations between Poland and Canada.
I love animals and cannot imagine life without a dog. I also have a tremendous passion for helping people and children.
- Phone:+1 416-807-7768
- Email:mzarzycka@polishlegacyfoundation.org

Wojciech Gawenda
Head of Operations & Events

Wojciech Gawenda
Head of Operations & Events
Wojtek Gawenda, Actor, director, author of texts and screenplays. Graduate of the Theatre Studio at the Kraków "STU" Theatre.
For 30 years, he has been co-creating the Toronto cabaret "Pod Bańką" (Under the Bubble), with which he has performed in Canada, the United States, and Poland. The group has won, among others, the Journalists' Award at the Review of Cabaret Acting Performances "Przewałka 2000." The cabaret has also been featured on TVP2 in "Cabaret Club Two" and on prestigious stages, including the Congress Hall in Warsaw, the "Kwadrat" theatre, and Kraków's "Piwnica pod Baranami." As the only Polish cabaret in history, they performed at the Official Gala Concert during the Winter Olympics (Vancouver 2010).
Creator, organizer, and longtime host of the Polonia Cabarets in Toronto, which gathered audiences every January for 20 years. Co-founder and director of Mavo Academy of Arts & Music, which operated for 15 years, where he raised an entire generation of young Polish diaspora artists – some of whom continue to co-create the "Pod Bańką" cabaret to this day.
From 2002–2003, he served as General Manager and artistic and programming director of a Polish television studio in Toronto.
For his work, he has been awarded the Medal "Merit for Polish Culture" by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. In 2022, he was honoured with the title Polish Diaspora Personality of the Year in a competition organized by the Italian Polonia under the patronage of the Polish Parliament and Senate.
----------------------------------------------The Director of Operations and Events is responsible for the comprehensive planning, organization, and supervision of all operational projects and events of the Foundation, ensuring their highest quality, efficiency, and safety, as well as supporting the development of funding through grants and strategic partnerships.
Responsibilities:
- Comprehensive planning, organization, and supervision of events, conferences, trade fairs, and educational projects.
- Managing event logistics and coordinating cooperation with contractors, partners, volunteers, and stakeholders.
- Monitoring the execution of projects and events in accordance with schedules, budgets, and quality and safety standards.
- Implementing operational procedures and optimization processes to enhance the efficiency of the Foundation’s activities.
- Actively securing grants, sponsors, and strategic partners; preparing grant applications and partnership proposals.
- Analyzing operational results and preparing strategic reports and recommendations for the Board.
- Collaborating with the Communication and Marketing department to effectively promote events and maximize their social and educational impact.
- Leading the operations team, developing staff competencies, and implementing best practices in event management.

Justyna Kania
Secretary

Justyna Kania
Secretary
Justyna Kania, a native of Sądeczanka and a globetrotter.. After completing her studies in International Relations in Kraków, she emigrated to Spain and has lived abroad ever since. Her curiosity about people and cultures is matched by a great passion for learning. As a law graduate with an MBA, she brings a unique perspective to understanding the complexities of contemporary legal and political systems, and her strong familiarity with diverse cultural contexts makes her interdisciplinary approach a particularly valuable asset for the Foundation. As an expatriate, Justyna has gained valuable experience in project management across Germany, the United Kingdom, India, and Canada, enriching her perspective and intercultural competencies.
Privately, she is a literature enthusiast and the mother of two children.
The Secretary of the Foundation is responsible for comprehensive administrative support for the Board, ensuring proper information flow and maintaining documentation in accordance with legal regulations and internal procedures.
Responsibilities:
- Organizing and providing administrative support to the Board, including preparing and recording meetings of the Board and other Foundation bodies.
- Maintaining Board documentation, including drafting and archiving resolutions, minutes, and formal correspondence.
- Ensuring the timely circulation of documents and internal and external correspondence.
- Assisting in organizing meetings, sessions, and other Foundation events.
- Ensuring that the Foundation's activities comply with legal requirements and internal regulations regarding documentation and procedures.

Ines Samaniego Mika
Communication & Marketing

Ines Samaniego Mika
Communication & Marketing
The Director of Communication, Marketing, and Social Media is responsible for strategically shaping the Foundation’s image, developing marketing and communication activities, increasing media visibility, and building strong relationships with media partners and the community.
Responsibilities:
- Defining and implementing the Foundation’s long-term communication and marketing strategy, including both traditional and digital media.
- Overseeing all communication channels, including social media, advertising campaigns, newsletters, and promotional materials.
- Building strategic relationships with media, influencers, partners, and sponsors to increase the Foundation’s reach and impact.
- Coordinating PR activities and promoting the Foundation’s educational, cultural, and social projects.
- Analyzing the effectiveness of campaigns and communication efforts and presenting findings, recommendations, and action plans to the Board.
- Supporting fundraising activities by creating communication strategies targeted at donors, sponsors, and the community.
- Identifying new communication and marketing opportunities nationally and internationally to strengthen the Foundation’s brand.
- Managing the communication and marketing team, developing staff competencies, and implementing best industry practices.
- Phone:+48 796 745 760
- Email:imika@polishlegacyfoundation.org
Honorary Co-Founders
An Honorary Co-Founder of the Polish Legacy Foundation is an individual whose contribution to the establishment, development, and activities of the Foundation is exceptional, encompassing intellectual, organizational, financial, and moral dimensions. This title is honorary, prestigious, and ambassadorial, recognizing outstanding efforts in promoting the heritage, culture, and achievements of Polonia and Poles worldwide.
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Criteria for Appointment:
- Significant contribution to the creation of the Foundation, including the development of its mission, strategy, educational, cultural, or social initiatives.
- Active support of the Foundation’s activities, both within Poland and internationally.
- Promotion of the Foundation’s values in global environments, building networks with leaders, philanthropists, and institutions.
- Exceptional achievements that strengthen the Foundation’s position and support the advancement of Polonia and Poles globally.
Rights and Privileges:
- The possibility to serve in an advisory or formal capacity in the Foundation’s organs (Board of Directors, Supervisory Board) at the discretion of the Board.
- Participation in strategic projects, mentoring programs, and international events organized by the Foundation.
- The right to use the title and symbolism of the Foundation in promotional and representative activities.
- Eligibility to receive compensation or honoraria for services or projects performed in accordance with agreements approved by the Board.
- Prestigious recognition in the Foundation’s publications, promotional materials, and official albums.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- The Honorary Co-Founder is committed to acting in accordance with the values and mission of the Foundation, promoting its objectives, and maintaining its reputation.
- The title does not entail any personal financial or legal liability for the Foundation’s obligations.
- The Board of the Foundation may revoke the title in cases of gross violation of cooperation principles, actions detrimental to the Foundation, or loss of trust.
- The list of Honorary Co-Founders may be published in Foundation materials only with the consent of the honoured individual.
Strategic Role:
The Honorary Co-Founder serves an ambassadorial role, supporting the Foundation in:
- building international presence and prestige,
- promoting Polish cultural, educational, and business heritage,
- uniting Polish and Polonia communities worldwide,
- developing strategic partnerships with institutions, organizations, and global leaders,
- inspiring young leaders and talents within Polonia to act in the spirit of the Foundation’s values.
Foundation Team
Foundation Team – a dedicated group of individuals working together to fulfill the Foundation’s mission, support its operations, and lead its projects and initiatives. The team includes board members, staff, volunteers, and experts who contribute their knowledge and experience to ensure the Foundation’s effective impact.

Elżbieta Hübner
Team Member

Elżbieta Hübner
Team Member
M.A. Elżbieta Hübner is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in finance, administration, and social initiatives. She holds a master’s degree from the Faculty of Management and Marketing at the Cracow University of Economics and the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow. Her practical expertise in financial management, marketing, logistics, and human resources has been successfully applied in both her professional and social endeavours. Elżbieta is widely recognized for her strong commitment to helping others. She was a co-founder and Vice President of the first Honorary Blood Donors Club of the Polish Red Cross at Bank BPH S.A., a pioneering initiative in the banking sector that promoted voluntary blood donation and provided tangible support to local communities. Her engagement has also included organizing social campaigns such as blood donation drives, free preventive health screenings for residents, material aid for children in foster care, and medical and social community integration events.
Her work has been based on broad collaboration with diplomatic representations—including the Consulates of the United States, France, and Germany—as well as with local authorities in Krakow and the Małopolska region. She has closely cooperated with NGOs and foundations, including the Anna Dymna “Mimo Wszystko” Foundation, the private sector, media outlets, and local community leaders. Many of her initiatives have had an educational and international character, promoting health, social responsibility, and local patriotism.
Elżbieta Hübner’s professional experience is equally impressive. She worked at Bank Przemysłowo-Handlowy S.A., in the Electronic Banking Department, gaining knowledge and practical skills in modern financial technologies. She was also associated with the film distribution institution Apollo Film in Krakow, where she managed logistics, transportation, and
supply operations. Additionally, she held administrative roles at the Cracow University of Technology and served as Vice Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of Zakłady Mięsne in Dębica.
Elżbieta Hübner is known for her reliability, high organizational standards, and ability to execute complex projects. She brings extensive experience in managing social and charitable initiatives and excels in collaboration with both public administration and the private sector. She is fluent in English and Russian.
Guided by the belief that dedication and consistency are key to achieving any ambitious social goal, her passion, knowledge, and determination have made her an inspiration to many working for the common good.
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Scope of Responsibilities
· Participate in Board meetings and vote on resolutions.
· Execute tasks and projects assigned by the President or the Board.
· Contribute to the development of strategies and growth plans for the Foundation.
· Collaborate in fundraising and building partnerships.
· Promote the Foundation’s mission and activities in external relations.