Showcasing leaders who make an impact is always inspiring.
Today, we want to introduce Evonne Szydlowski – Dec, one of the Piast Institute’s 25 Leaders.
As a first-generation American-born Pole, it is an absolute honor to be considered a top leader within the Polish community of Michigan. I am proud of my background and heritage and strive to raise my daughter to embrace her Polish roots as I have mine. I am the daughter of Polish immigrants who came to America in the early 70s with a suitcase and a dream! Growing up, my parents reinforced Polish language and traditions by enrolling my sister and me in Polish organizations such as The Polish Scouting Organization (PSO), PRCUA folk dance ensemble Mala Polska, and Polish language camp grammar school. The Our Lady of Czestochowa Polish Roman Catholic Church community was the cornerstone of my upbringing, fostering many wonderful experiences as a youth and nurturing countless friendships, one of which blossomed into my marriage to my husband.
As a child and teenager, I can say I struggled to find my identity as a first-generation American. However, as I grew older, my parents’ emphasis on staying close to our roots became something I am now very proud of.
As a member of the Polish community, I am an alumnus of two folk dance ensembles. The first was the Mala Polska Dance Ensemble, where I started at the age of 6 and danced until I graduated at the age of 18. The journey that began with Mala Polska fostered a love for Polish folklore, leading me to also dance in the Dunajec Dance Ensemble until I went to college at Michigan State University. During my studies at MSU, I took the opportunity to study abroad at Jagiellonian University in Krakow during my Junior year. Upon graduating from MSU, I took a position in retail management, and after several years in retail management, I moved into a Manufacturing position with Chrysler. The first few years of my career were difficult, but it was often the friendly faces of fellow Poles who also worked in the same facility that got me through the day. This year, I celebrate my 15th year with Chrysler. I pride myself on my professional accomplishments and involvement in the Women in Manufacturing Organization, which promotes and advocates for women in the manufacturing world.
In addition to my love for folklore, I am passionate about my involvement in the Polish Scouting Organization (PSO). As a 34-year member of the organization, I have moved from a Skrzat to a Zuch, Harcerka, and eventually an instructor for the youth programs. As an adult, the PSO holds a special place in my heart. Again, not only has it led to many relationships that I cherish, but the ideals for which it stands, along with the self-discipline and drive that involvement in this nonprofit promotes, are truly unique. I currently work with the youngest group of children in the organization (4-6 years old), and it brings me immense joy to realize I am part of their beginnings within the Polish American community in Michigan.
I plan to continue expanding my nonprofit work and involvement in the Polish community to raise the next generation of Polish Americans to be proud community members rooted in respect and love for their beautiful culture.
Source: Booklet “Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025 Awards Banquet”.
