Today, we want to introduce Jacqueline Jadwiga Kolowski, one of the Piast Institute’s 25 Leaders.
Jacqueline Jadwiga Kolowski was born in the Mazury region of Poland, the oldest of four daughters of Regina (Zyskowska) and Kazimierz Kolowski. After her father’s passing, the family of five emigrated to the USA. Jackie took on many responsibilities, helping her mother support the family. From a young age, she showed a strong desire to help others and be involved in community life.
In 1978, she joined Friends of Polish Art (FPA) in Detroit, where her organizational skills were immediately recognized. Within a month, she was invited to join the FPA Nominating Committee and became the organization’s treasurer within a year. She later served on its board in several positions, including chairing many events. Notably, she chaired a committee that raised over $25,000 pledged to the DIA, honoring its 50th anniversary. The FPA donation was presented at the 1987 American Council for Polish Culture Convention.
When the Michigan Opera Theatre presented the opera Straszny Dwór by Polish composer Stanislaw Moniuszko, Jackie personally sold over four hundred tickets and coordinated a beautiful “afterglow” reception. Her contributions to FPA gradually extended to the ACPC as she became more involved in the national organization’s work.
In 1988 she became the Business Manager for the ACPC’s quarterly journal Polish Heritage. During her tenure, she improved the mailing list system and implemented regular updates. She later served as the first Financia! Secretary and chaired the ACPC Nominating Committee. Currently, she serves on the ACPC Public Relations Committee and chairs the Awards Committee. Jackie has attended many ACPC Conventions since her first in Chicago in 1982, making many friends throughout the U.S.
In addition to her work with FPA and ACPC, Jackie has always been ready to support various Polish community initiatives. Especially noteworthy is her work with the American Polish Cultural Center (APCC) in Troy, MI. When Detroit Polonia acquired APCC, Jackie organized numerous cultural events, including fundraisers and concerts.
Her support for local Polish newspapers, whether in organizing galas or helping with tasks, is widely appreciated. For many years she was involved in her parish, St. Louise de Marillac in Warren, MI, especially in annual fundraising festivals. She is a member of PNA Lodge 1758, Council 122, and has served as a delegate to the Polish American Congress-Michigan.
Jackie is a recipient of many awards: the ACPC ‘‘Founders Award” at their 2011 Convention in Cleveland, Ohio; the Polish American Central Citizens Committee’s Pulaski Medal; Honorary Alumnus in 2018 of Orchard Lake Schools, SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary, St. Mary’s Preparatory, and The Polish Mission; and the American Polish Cultural Society Appreciation Award in 2022 for organizing Chopiniana, the annual musical event promoting Chopin’s genius.
Source: Booklet “Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025 Awards Banquet”.
