Magdalena Środek is an immigrant from Poland who arrived in the United States at the tender age of four. She immigrated with her parents and older brother to the city of Hamtramck, MI. This is where she attended public school until her parents sent her to Regina High School. Upon graduating from Regina High School, Magdalena attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa (now Hawaii Pacific University). She received her Bachelor of Science in International Business and her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. Magalena excelled in academics, graduating with honors, inclusion on the dean’s list of academic achievements, and being part of a long list of National Honor Societies at the University level.
Post-graduation, her desire to return to her beloved state of Michigan was a must. She returned home with her daughter. lt was crucial for Magdalena to maintain a high level of involvement in the community. She is a firm believer that one needs to put in the effort to guarantee a positive result and outcome for all.
Magdalena was an active member of the parent organization at the Polish language school, Szkoła Języka Polskiego i Kultury Polskiej im. św. Jana Pawła II within St. Florian Church in Hamtramck for seven continuous years. In addition, Magdalena has been a supporter of the Polish Scouting Organization located in Michigan for several decades, contributing her time, skills, funds, and God-given talents.
In past years, Magdalena served on the Hamtramck Board of Education as a pillar of strength and leadership for the community, collaborating with the Piast Institute to enhance the overall well-being of the community. She is a member and supporter of the Hamtramck Museum and the Michigan Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation.
Magdalena is the owner and operator of a third-generation Polish specialty grocery store. She continuously supports various Polish institutions in the State of Michigan that help foster the language, traditions, culture, and history of her great homeland, Poland. Her daughters are Polish folk dancers with P.R.C.U.A. Gwiazda dance ensemble, students of Polish language schools, and members of the Polish Scouting Organization. She is a firm believer in supporting various Polish organizations while teaching her children, firsthand, the importance of maintaining their cultural identity and that of their Polish ancestors.
Source: Booklet “Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025 Awards Banquet”.
