Board of Directors
The Polish-American Society of Venice is led by a dedicated team of volunteers who bring diverse professional experience, leadership skills, and a shared commitment to preserving and celebrating Polish heritage.
Agata Wawro
President | Leadership, Strategy & Community Engagement
Agata Wawro is a board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a Master of Science in Nursing degree from South University in Tampa, Florida. She currently works in gynecology, helping patients improve their health and well-being. In addition to her healthcare career, she serves on the board of a nonprofit organization dedicated to securing funding and access to care for uninsured and underinsured patients. Through both her professional and volunteer work, Agata has developed extensive experience in leadership, advocacy, and community service.
After emigrating from Poland to the United States in 1993, Agata built her life in Florida while maintaining strong ties to her Polish heritage. Dedicated to preserving Polish language, culture, and traditions, she became actively involved in the local Polish community while her children attended the Polish School in Sarasota. There, she served as Secretary and supported initiatives that strengthened cultural education, family engagement, and community connections.
Over the years, Agata has served PASoV in several leadership roles, including Recording Secretary, Membership Secretary, Vice President. As President of the Polish-American Society of Venice, Agata is committed to expanding member engagement, strengthening partnerships with Polish and local organizations, promoting cultural programming, and supporting PASoV's long-term growth. Guided by collaboration, service, and a passion for preserving Polish heritage, Agata is dedicated to creating opportunities for members to connect, celebrate traditions, and build a vibrant future for the Polish-American community.
Greg (Grzegorz) Orwat
Vice President | Events, Operations & Community Engagement
Greg (Grzegorz) Orwat is an experienced operations and business professional with a diverse background in property management, facilities operations, customer service, and entrepreneurship. He currently serves as Property Manager at Prime Vacations/Siesta Key Luxury Rental Properties, where he oversees vacation rental operations, homeowner relations, property maintenance, and guest services. Throughout his career, Greg has successfully managed facilities, coordinated teams and contractors, supervised budgets and operations, and owned and operated his own business in Poland. He brings strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills developed through decades of hands-on management experience.
Born and raised in Poland, Greg moved to the United States in 2001 and remains proud of his Polish heritage. Together with his family, he values preserving Polish traditions and culture while helping future generations maintain a strong connection to their roots.
Greg is a devoted husband and father to Dominik and Natalia. He is passionate about soccer and spends much of his free time supporting his daughter's soccer activities in Sarasota and Venice while enjoying the sport that remains one of Poland's most beloved traditions. He also enjoys building lasting friendships and is always willing to lend a helping hand to others.
As Vice President of Events for PASoV, Greg combines his operational expertise, organizational skills, and community-minded approach to help create successful events and meaningful experiences for members. Passionate about bringing people together, he is committed to strengthening the Polish-American community and supporting PASoV mission of celebrating Polish culture, fostering connections, and building a vibrant organization for generations to come.
Joanna Zagata
Vice President | Culture, Education & Heritage Programs
Joanna Zagata began her commitment to volunteer and community service while attending high school in Kraków, Poland. During her studies at Jagiellonian University, where she earned a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy in 2006, she was elected Class President and helped organize numerous student, volunteer, and community outreach initiatives. These early experiences helped shape her passion for leadership, education, and community engagement.
After moving to the United States and raising her family, Joanna became actively involved with the Polish Saturday School in Sarasota. Over the years, she has served in several leadership roles, including Parent Council member, Secretary, and currently Vice Principal. She also teaches students in grades K-3 and has helped organize numerous educational programs, charity concerts, cultural events, and fundraising initiatives that support the school's mission.
Joanna is also Editor-in-Chief of Polonian Echo, the only Polish-language monthly publication in the Sarasota area. Under her leadership, the publication has become a respected source of news, information, and connection for the local Polish-American community.
As Vice President of Culture & Education for the Polish-American Society of Venice, Joanna brings extensive experience in cultural programming, education, communications, and community outreach. She has helped organize numerous cultural events and launched PASoV's "Evening with Poetry" series, creating opportunities for members to share their creativity, celebrate Polish culture, and strengthen community connections. Passionate about preserving Polish heritage and fostering lifelong learning, Joanna is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the Polish-American community for current and future generations.
Margaret (Malgorzata) Orwat
Secretary | Finance, Technology & Community Engagement
Margaret Orwat is a finance and business leader with nearly three decades of experience at CNH Industrial, where she currently serves as North America Purchasing Finance Controller. Throughout her career, she has led financial, compliance, process improvement, and strategic initiatives across North and Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. She has successfully managed global projects and collaborated with diverse teams around the world, bringing a broad international perspective and a strong focus on organizational excellence.
Born and raised in Poland, Margaret moved to the United States in 2001 and remains deeply connected to her Polish heritage. As the mother of two bilingual children, she understands the importance of preserving language, culture, and traditions for future generations.
Margaret also serves as President of CNH's North America Multicultural Employee Resource Group (MERG), promoting cultural awareness, inclusion, and community engagement. Through educational programs, events, and community-building initiatives, she helps foster understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Margaret combines her expertise in finance, technology, and operational excellence to help strengthen and grow PASoV. She has played an active role in modernizing the organization's digital presence and supporting initiatives that enhance communication, collaboration, and member engagement. Passionate about building bridges between generations, she is committed to helping preserve Polish culture while creating opportunities for members to connect, learn, and thrive.
Thomas (Tomasz) Babicz
Treasurer | Finance, Compliance & Fiscal Oversight
Tomasz (Thomas) Babicz was born and raised in Gdansk, Poland. After beginning his career in information technology and computer programming, he immigrated to the United States in 1982 in pursuit of greater opportunities and personal freedom. Through determination, hard work, and continuous learning, he built a successful career in information technology leadership and management.Â
Over a 35-year career, Thomas advanced from computer programmer to Senior IT Manager, overseeing large-scale technology operations, teams, projects, and budgets for a major international corporation. Recognized for his ability to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize organizational performance, he consistently delivered measurable business results and lasting operational improvements throughout his career. His expertise in strategic planning, operational efficiency, contract negotiations, and fiscal management helped organizations achieve significant savings, streamlined operations, increase productivity, and support long-term growth.
Following his retirement in 2019, Thomas and his wife Barbara relocated to Venice, Florida, where he continued his commitment to community service. He served as Vice President and Treasurer of his homeowner association, successfully improving financial operations and maintaining fiscal stability while delivering substantial cost savings for residents.
As Treasurer of the Polish-American Society of Venice, Thomas brings extensive experience in finance, budgeting, and organizational leadership. Passionate about serving others, he is dedicated to strengthening PASoV's financial foundation, supporting its long-term growth, and helping preserve Polish heritage for future generations. Guided by integrity, responsible stewardship, and a deep appreciation for his adopted country and Polish roots, he remains committed to building a vibrant and welcoming community for members and families alike.
Barbara (Basia) Babicz
Director | Membership, Hospitality & Community Engagement
Barbara (Basia) Babicz was born, raised, and educated in Poland, where she began her professional career as a teacher. From an early age, she developed a strong commitment to helping others and making a positive difference in their lives. After immigrating to the United States in 1989, she embraced new opportunities while remaining dedicated to serving those in need.
Inspired by her involvement with the Healing the Children organization, Barbara helped care for children from underserved countries who traveled to the United States to receive life-changing medical treatment. This experience led her to pursue a career in healthcare, and she went on to serve for many years as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Emergency Department at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Jersey.
Following her husband's retirement in 2019, Barbara and her husband, Tomasz, relocated to Venice, Florida. A devoted mother and grandmother, Barbara values family, friendship, and the importance of building strong community connections.
Since joining the Polish-American Society of Venice, Barbara has been an active volunteer, helping organize events and support member activities. As a member of the Board of Directors for the last few years, she is committed to preserving Polish heritage, strengthening community relationships, and creating a welcoming environment where members can connect, celebrate traditions, and support one another.
Mateusz Zagata
Director | Scholarship, Mentorship & Cultural Outreach
Dr. Mateusz Zagata is a Board-Certified Family Medicine physician who has been serving patients in the Venice area since 2015. Originally from Poland, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago before completing his medical degree at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków. Throughout his academic and professional journey, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, education, and service.
Mateusz's involvement in the Polish-American community began during his university years, when he served as President of the Polish American Student Association at the University of Illinois at Chicago and helped organize community outreach and health education initiatives. He also co-edited Dziennik Studencki, a Polish-American student publication, and actively promoted cultural and educational engagement within the Polish community.
After relocating to Florida with his wife Joanna and their children, Mateusz became actively involved with the Polish Saturday School, where he served as Secretary and supported programs that strengthen Polish language education and cultural awareness. He later served as Vice President and President of the Polish-American Society of Venice, providing leadership during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while helping sustain and grow the organization.
As a member of the PASoV Board of Directors, Mateusz combines his experience in healthcare, education, and nonprofit leadership to support scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and cultural programs. Passionate about investing in future generations, he is committed to helping young people and families stay connected to Polish heritage while building a strong and vibrant community for years to come.
Elzbieta (Ela ) Habura
Board Member | Hospitality, Events & Community Engagement
Elzbieta (Ela) Habura was born and raised in the Kaszuby region of Poland, where
she completed nursing school before immigrating to the United States in 1984. She
first settled in Jersey City and later in Linden, New Jersey, where she and her
husband, Pawel, built their family life while raising their children and preserving
Polish language, culture, and traditions.
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After relocating to Florida, Ela became involved with the Polish-American Society of
Venice through the local Polish community. Since joining PASoV, she has been an
active and dependable volunteer, supporting events through decorations, hospitality,
food service, and hands-on assistance wherever needed.
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Ela brings warmth, creativity, strong family values, and a welcoming spirit to the
organization. She enjoys cooking, spending time with family, biking, swimming, and
supporting her daughter as she grows her small special-event dessert business.
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As a member of the PASoV Board of Directors, Ela is committed to helping the
organization grow, attract younger members, strengthen communication, and create
meaningful events that bring people together while celebrating Polish heritage.
