November 20th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

Frostburg State University’s Mountain City Traditional Arts, in partnership with World Artists Experiences, will present “A History of Polish Women” with Diplomat Katarzyna Rybka-Iwanska on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. at 25 E. Main St. in Frostburg. This event is free and open to the public. 

Rybka-Iwańska is a career diplomat and the head of public and cultural diplomacy at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C. She is an expert in strategic planning, especially in public and cultural diplomacy; in educational, digital projects; and in promoting women’s stories. Rybka-Iwanska has repeatedly conducted workshops for educators, as well as delivered guest lectures and lessons on the subject of women’s contributions to the history of Poland. 

“Poland, its history and its present can be portrayed in various ways,” said Rybka-Iwanska. “Personally, I find the most captivating approach is to narrate the story of my country through the remarkable women who have shaped it.” 

This presentation will explore the stories of Polish women on the forefront of history, including Dr. Maria Skłodowska-Curie, the great female scientist; Wanda Rutkiewicz, the fearless Himalayan climber; Dr. Maria Siemionow, who performed the world’s first nearly total face transplant; the first Polish female parliamentarians; Irena Sendler, the Polish nurse who saved hundreds of children from the Warsaw Ghetto; and Wisława Szymborska, the Polish poet beloved worldwide. 

MCTA is a program of FSU and a founding member of Maryland’s Folklife Network. It receives support from the Maryland Traditions Program of the State Arts Council. 

For more information, call 301-687-8040.