My name is Kristi Mihalic. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Central Michigan University and graduated with honors from the University of Detroit Mercy with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Degree. I have been with Ford Motor Company for 35 years, where I am the Global Supervisor for Design Engineering and Design Quality Core Processes.
I was born and raised in southeastern Michigan and joined the PRCUA when I was three months old. As a great-granddaughter of Polish immigrants, the love and passion for my Polish heritage and all its beautiful traditions were instilled in me at an early age. I participated in Polish Folk dance and attended many PRCUA conventions with my family. More recently, I have participated in the 61st, 62nd, and 63rd National Quadrennial Convention of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America as a delegate and a member of various convention committees. In 2000, I became involved with the PRCUA Wieliczka Folk Dance Ensemble and have served as the Director of that Ensemble since 2005. 2010 I was elected Financial Secretary of PRCUA St. John the Baptist Society 87.
I am a founding member and Financial! Secretary of the Sw. Jadwiga Society 1552 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was instrumental in helping start the PRCUA Malbork Dancers in Grand Rapids. In 2014, I was awarded the General Pulaski Medal of Honor by the Polish American Central Citizens Committee of Detroit for my work with the youth of Polonia. I am a member of the PRCUA Shirley Ann Galanty Michigan State Ball Board of Directors. I continue to involve the youth of Polonia in numerous ways, including the Polish Cultural Workshops and dance festivals. Most recently (2023), I was elected to the National Polish American Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors, where I serve on the Inductee Ballot committee and chair the Scholarship committee.
I have been married to my wonderful husband, Joe, for over thirty-three years, and we have been blessed with three beautiful and talented children: Samantha, Kristin, and Michael, who are all Polish Folk Dancers and Shirley A. Galanty Michigan State Ball Graduates.
I am honored to be nominated for the Piast Institute’s Top 25 Polish American Leaders, and thank you for your consideration.
Source: Booklet “Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025 Awards Banquet”.
