Each woman is a unique flower, blooming in her own way and inspiring others to discover their talents.
Elegance, experience and exceptional wisdom unite the 12 participants aged 55+ in this year's “Flower of Maturity” project. These women have spent their lives pursuing passions and dreams.
KATARZYNA JASKÓLSKA
57, MUROWANIEC, KUYAVIAN-POMERANIAN VOIVODESHIP
Finalist No. 1
I am an incurable optimist, always ready to make the world a better place. For years, I have served as President of the Main Board of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian “JUDYM” Association for Helping Others, whose mission is to help people affected by homelessness. I believe gentleness, strength and determination can achieve much. Our work relies on volunteers, sponsors and our entire team's hard work. I am proud that the association runs five support centers in two voivodeships, four of which were created through my initiative and commitment.
My work has earned many awards, including the “Steel Angel” and “Personality of the Year” in social activity. Our organization was also selected for the prestigious “Company with Class” project.
I continually improve my professional qualifications through courses and training, including completing a “Specialization in Social Assistance Organization.” I am also an occupational therapist and caregiver for older people. I love what I do: helping others and sharing happiness.
I am a fulfilled woman, grateful for all I have. I want to inspire others with optimism and faith in a better tomorrow. Many consider me a mentor who sees hope even in the hardest situations.
ELŻBIETA STAN
68, KATOWICE, SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP
Finalist No. 2
I am a philologist by training. For many years, I worked as a corporate manager. I love art and exercise. In recent years, I have fulfilled a youthful dream by appearing in films and commercials and taking part in photo shoots.
I am active on social media, sharing my experience and inspiring others to pursue their passions. I show that age is no barrier to a full life. In the #Kamera-Akcja series, I reveal the behind-the-scenes work on film sets.
I collaborate with a Polish diaspora magazine in Montreal, writing about life and human relationships. My articles reach readers in many countries, who value the topics I cover.
I support intergenerational initiatives. I believe exchanging experiences across generations enriches our lives and helps us understand the world. That is why I actively participate in Joanna Przetakiewicz’s “Era of New Women,” where women support one another and share their knowledge.
Another important project I support is the “Social Ministry for Loneliness.” Loneliness is a serious problem today, and I want to help address it.
Privately, I am a happy mother and grandmother. My motto is: “It is never too late to change your life for the better.”
MARIA MONTEGU
70, TCZEW, POMERANIAN VOIVODESHIP
Finalist No. 3
I devoted my entire adult life to serving others. As a music school principal and piano teacher, I shared a love of beauty with young people. As a university professor and Doctor of Arts, I taught them to study and analyze works of world art and their creators’ roles. As a researcher, I explored the secrets of the traditional musical culture of mountain peoples, especially the Highlanders. My research helped preserve the rich heritage of a thousand-year folk tradition for future generations.
Scouting has always mattered to me. As General Commissioner of the Organization of Ukrainian Scouts and International Commissioner of the Order of World Scouts, I shaped young people through scouting’s noble ideals.
Since the Russian-Ukrainian war began, I have actively supported refugees by translating and providing psychological
After winning a national intergenerational project competition, I founded the Polish-Ukrainian women’s club “Intempo nova.” Together with friends, I organized many valuable events, including the Ukrainian-Polish women’s creative anthology “Our Fates Are Intertwined” and the play “The Best Role,” which I wrote, directed and performed with them on stage. My social work has been recognized, and I have received state awards for developing Ukrainian-Polish cultural cooperation. I dance, sing, draw, act and write books. I live!
My family is the greatest happiness in my life. Being a grandmother is a great blessing. Every day I give thanks for sharing the love and joy my granddaughter brings me!
MAŁGORZATA NIEWIADOMSKA-CUDAK
58, ŁÓDŹ, ŁÓDŹ VOIVODESHIP
Finalist No. 4
I am a woman who breaks waves and glass ceilings, seeking the inspiring opportunities life sends my way. Professionally, I am a university professor, passionately lecturing and researching women’s participation in public life. My work has resulted in numerous publications. I initiated many projects in Łódź, including the recurring “Extraordinary Woman” event, honoring women from Łódź for their achievements; “Łódź Mothers Deserve It”; “Women’s Effective Weapon Against Environmental Degradation”; and “Super Dad for Years.” I also honor socially active men with the title “White Ribbon Knight.” On my initiative, Łódź established, among others, the Municipal Seniors’ Council, the Intergenerational Initiative Center and the Equal Treatment Commissioner’s Office.
Privately, “grandmother” to adopted four-legged
As a flower blooms after growing, life experiences have brought me fulfillment, wisdom and authenticity. Openness to the world and brave decisions led me to seek new opportunities and find meaning in opening new doors. I boldly crossed the threshold into the extraordinary world of the “Flower of Maturity.”
DOROTA NOWOSAD
58, WĘGORZEWO, WARMIA-MASURIA VOIVODESHIP
Finalist No. 5
My life is guided by family, love, nature and helping others. I am inspired by people, history and the beauty around us. For over three decades, I have shared my knowledge and passions with others. I organize exhibitions, lectures and art workshops to inspire people and build community.
When war broke out in Ukraine, I joined other residents of our region in helping refugees. We organized collections of food and essential items, as well as integration meetings to ease their adjustment to a new place.
Yoga helps me maintain inner harmony and balance, allowing me to share my energy with others with even greater commitment. My goal is to create a space where everyone feels valued and supported.
I believe art, culture and direct assistance can help us build a better world.
ELŻBIETA MALESIS-CIOSK
68, OPOLE, OPOLE VOIVODESHIP
Finalist No. 6
The “Flower of Maturity” project was a turning point, prompting me to reflect on my life and achievements. I have always been empathetic and eager to help others. Yet it was only life in Greece, where I gained confidence and the ability to take action, that allowed me to fully realize my potential. Working with the Polish diaspora, I gained experience organizing and running social projects.
After returning to Poland, I became involved in local community life, helping create a Senior Center and Women’s Council. I also initiated the Opole 60+ Miss and Mister Club. Since the pandemic began, I have actively joined aid campaigns supporting both seniors and refugees from Ukraine.
I especially enjoy working with children through the “Opole in the Rhythm of Kindness” project, as well as creating spaces for seniors’ activities. I managed to bring older people together to make music, bringing us all much joy.
My experiences show that each of us can positively influence our surroundings. It is worth sharing our knowledge, skills and time to build a better world together.
BEATA ROMANEK
58, CZĘSTOCHOWA, SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP
Finalist No. 7
The “Flower of Maturity” project is a beautiful, though sometimes difficult, journey into my maturity. It made me more sensitive to women’s needs, showing how much remains to be done. As a Pisces, I combine analytical and artistic abilities.
Professionally, I am a Chief Accountant managing the accounts of several large companies. My artistic side, linked to fashion and photographic modeling, is my passion. For eight years, as Beassima, I have inspired mature women. I share my love of fashion and color, showing that fashion has no age and passion can be our strength. I fight for every woman’s right to pursue her dreams and show that maturity is not old age.
My other passion is travel. For several years, I shared my love of solo travel on travel forums. Travel inspires me; I am curious about the world’s colors and scents. My girls’ trip to India was the most beautiful adventure I have experienced, while Asia—especially Thailand, which I will visit for the eighth time—is my place on earth.
Women on my social media named me ambassador, making me very proud. I represent ordinary women: their problems and weaknesses, yet great strength.
Privately, I’m proud mother of adult son Marcin and subordinate to my cat, Gustaw.
IZABELA RAKOCZY
56, WAŁBRZYCH, LOWER SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP
Finalist No. 8
I am a Gestalt psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer. It is my passion, life philosophy and way of helping others. I enriched my professional experience through extensive trauma-work training and personal therapy. I hold sessions for those in need, including Ukrainian refugees.
Seventeen years ago, I founded the Salvator Foundation, served as president for years and remain active. I have over 30 years’ experience with children and young people in children’s homes: I ran homes, raised children, and was director and psychotherapist. I now share this knowledge as supervisor. I founded seven children’s homes, a kindergarten and community centers, organizing many educational projects. The Foundation now runs a community center integrating Roma children with others.
For years, I helped organize the Wałbrzych Ambassadors Gala and won many awards for my community work.
For 20 years, I have been involved with the Roma community. I organize workshops, anti-discrimination training and Roma music festivals. I dance with Romano Drom and promote Roma culture. I donate concert proceeds to help children in orphanages.
I believe we can always grow. I became a sailor, diver, mountain hiker, gypsy dancer and Zumba instructor; now I am fascinated by bachata.
KATARZYNA SOBCZYK
60 YEARS OLD, MYSZKÓW, SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP
Finalist No. 9
First, a woman, mother and grandmother; then a fitness woman and businesswoman.
Passionately, I have been an EMS trainer for 6 years. I own a studio, the best gift I have given myself, and I inspire everyone around me with my passion.
I am a trained teacher and also run three preschools in Kraków.
Sport, activity and travel are in my DNA. Women’s off-road rallies, paragliding, trekking, jet skis and skiing are just some of my activities—in fact, they are my way of life.
EMS and sport have shown me that age is just a number: at 60, you can feel fantastic about yourself, your body and your emotions. I share this energy with my clients, family and friends; modestly, I call it my great success.
Privately, I am mother to a wonderful son and grandmother to two lovely rascals who call me Fit Grandma!
Charity is also close to my heart. For several years, I took part in shows supporting a foundation for children with disabilities, which I still support today. I also support Amnesty International, helping women experiencing violence. I support our local homeless animal shelter too, whose motto is: "Hug a dog to your heart"... I hugged two :)
I adore Anna Maria Jopek; her lyrics, "because life is meant to be lived before the thread breaks on the spinning wheel...", accompany me daily.
JOHANNA MARZENA ZEYER
59 YEARS OLD, WARSAW, MASOVIAN VOIVODESHIP
Finalist No. 10
I have always shared a smile, kind words and support with everyone I meet. Every day, I spread joy, lightness and the beauty of being.
My mission is to show the "Beauty Without Age" in every woman through modeling, and the power of personal potential through my work as an international coach, mental trainer and speaker. I greatly enjoy leading pro bono workshops for the Polish community in Germany and England, women’s workshops and coaching processes.
I act on the missions "Life is beautiful", "Viva Beauty" and "I love life, and life loves me".
For me, the art of living means making wise choices, asking the right questions, living and acting from passion, and enjoying the experience of the game called life with full awareness of "Who I really am?"
IZABELA HISSAN
56 YEARS OLD, MALMÖ, Sweden
Finalist No. 11
I am a midwife by training and passion. Helping women when their children are born gives me great satisfaction and fulfillment.
I initiated and founded the supportive Facebook group "Polish Women in Sweden", with 7,000 women across the country. Our group offers support, experience-sharing and new friendships.
I am active in the international association "Polka International", whose missions include helping Polish women and children in difficult situations. We also foster Polish identity in Sweden by promoting Polish artists and literature and organizing Polish gatherings.
My passion is dance. In my free time, I work as a photographic model and extra.
I’m an energetic optimist with endless future plans, a happy mother of 4 daughters and grandmother. Though I’ve lived outside Poland for many years, I’ll always be a proud Polish woman.
PRODUCTION
Thank you to everyone involved in preparing and producing the session.
• Project organizer: Arche Hotel Krakowska
• Property director: Małgorzata Gipsiak
• Executive project manager: Anna Kurządkowska-Kosińska
• Project coordinator: Julia Bąk
• Collaboration: Tomasz Wójcik, Michał Roch
• Session venue: Arche Hotel Krakowska
•Session photographer: Paweł Wądołowski
•Support: Karolina Rafałowska
•Backstage: Marcin Kossakowska
•Camera: Arche TV
• Participants’ styling: Julia Tomaszewska
• Jewelry: Colibra
• MUA: Centrum Tworzenia Wizerunku Wariacje Piękna by Sylwia Piwowarczyk.
• Collaborating makeup artists: Ewa Rybka, Monika Andryskowska, Małgorzata Gutowska, Marta Kantor.
• Hair: Studio Fryzur i Kosmetyki „Amelia”.
