East Erie Satellite: Reflecting on the Effect of the Polish Immigration on the Erie Community
Erie, Pennsylvania, like towns small and big across the United States, is a place build by immigrants whose distinct cultures they brought with them from their homelands have helped shape the community today. Join Regina Jaworski, a retired administrator, who is a Polish community leader in Erie, as she discusses the effect of Polish immigration on Erie –offering insights into Poland, why people left, what the initial arrival of Polish people to Erie was like, and how they've contributed to the region since. She'll explore the challenges they've faced, as well as the growth and contributions, drawing from her researching of this history since the early 1960s, including numerous interviews.
JES Satellite Programming is sponsored by Erie Insurance.
Location: ECAT: Erie Center for Arts and Technology – 650 East Ave., Ada Lawrence Community Room, Erie, PA 16503
Date/Time: Thursday, June 4th, 6:00-7:30PM
Admission: FREE
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Regina Jaworski has dedicated her life to education, cultural preservation, community service, and international understanding. A graduate of Alliance College with studies in Polarity History and Teaching, Regina’s lifelong passion for language and learning has shaped both her professional and volunteer work for decades. Following her graduation, she spent two years in Poland from 1970 to 1972 tutoring students while deepening her cultural and linguistic expertise. Remarkably gifted in languages, Regina can speak twelve languages and read in eight, skills that later led her to extensive work as a translator both in the United States and abroad
During her time at Alliance College, Regina served for two years as Dean of Women and also directed the renowned Polish dance troupe, Kujawiaki, helping preserve and celebrate Polish heritage through performance and education. After returning to Erie, Pennsylvania, she worked at Gannon University while continuing her commitment to education by teaching at a Polish school in Cleveland on Saturdays.
Throughout her career, Regina remained deeply committed to service and lifelong learning. She updated her teaching certifications and became involved with educational and leadership programs connected to institutions including Stanford, UCLA, Harvard, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through her work with Life Works. She also worked extensively in refugee resettlement through Catholic Charities, helping families transition and build new lives in the community.
Regina’s volunteerism has touched countless organizations and individuals throughout the Erie region. She has volunteered with the Erie Philharmonic, the Junior League, and local cancer support initiatives. She has also been an active member and leader within American Association of University Women, serving as president of the organization locally. A lifelong member of St. Stanislaus Parish, Regina attended St. Stanislaus School through eighth grade before continuing her education at St. Benedict Academy.
Her extraordinary community involvement and cultural advocacy have earned her numerous honors and recognitions, including awards from the Polish community, volunteer appreciation awards from the Erie Philharmonic, recognition for community volunteerism, the distinction of being the first “Eriesistable” award recipient, and the honor of being named the first Miss Polonaise in Erie.
Over the years, Regina has encountered and worked alongside many notable world figures. Among those she met were Pope John Paul II during his Cardnial years in Kraków, Pope Paul VI, Henry Kissinger, and individuals connected to major historical moments including the Nuremberg trials and the Watergate era. Despite these remarkable experiences, Regina credits the many mentors, colleagues, friends, and community members who supported and encouraged her throughout her life and career.
Regina also returned to Poland later in life as a translator and educator, working with Jet24 and the Manufacturer’s Association of Erie to foster international communication and cultural exchange. Her life’s work reflects a profound dedication to education, service, cultural heritage, and building bridges between people and communities across the world.
