Leadership

Together, we can do more.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors brings together diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, united by a shared commitment to our mission. We are a hands-on, dedicated team focused on creating meaningful support and lasting impact for the people and families we serve.

Marta B. Zawadzka | Founder

I was born and raised in Krakow, Poland, and have lived in the United States since 2004. For many years, I supported Single Mothers in Need Shelter as a fundraising event coordinator, an experience that strengthened my commitment to helping women navigate difficult moments in their lives.

As a certified life coach and speaker, I am passionate about helping women recognize their strength, build confidence, and move forward with purpose. I have also worked as a researcher and influencer through my project, Success in Skirt.

At United Colors of Pink, I focus on our vision, strategy, and fundraising efforts as we continue to grow our reach and impact. I am deeply honored to help lead an organization built on compassion, community, and the belief that no one should face breast cancer alone.

Beata Balos | Founder

I was born and raised in Poland and have called the United States home since 1991. Losing my mother to cancer at a young age shaped me in profound ways. It taught me independence and resilience, but it also gave me a deep appreciation for compassion, connection, and the importance of showing up for others.

Community service has always been a meaningful part of my life. Over the years, I have participated in several Avon Walks with local groups including Stokrotki, or Daisies, and Różowe Kropeczki, or Pink Dots. I have also helped organize Pink Ribbon Ball events supporting friends and community members affected by breast cancer.

The idea for United Colors of Pink lived in my heart for many years before becoming a reality. I believe helping others is more than an interest or passion – it is a responsibility we share as human beings. Being able to serve people through UCP brings me tremendous joy and reminds me how powerful a caring community can be.

Bernadetta M. Koryciarz | Founder

My journey into breast cancer advocacy began when I signed up for an Avon Walk many years ago. I had no idea at the time how deeply the experience would affect me.

Being surrounded by people whose lives had been touched by breast cancer – and hearing stories of fear, loss, hope, resilience, and triumph – opened my eyes to how important it is to have support during difficult times. I came away knowing that I wanted to do more.

I believe no one should have to face hardship alone. I bring that belief, along with my natural optimism, to my work with United Colors of Pink. As a board member, I hope to be a strong advocate, a source of encouragement, and a dedicated supporter of every woman, man, and family navigating breast cancer.

Dr. Iwona Iwaszczyszyn | Board Member

I was born in Krakow, Poland, where I attended and graduated from Jagiellonian University. After coming to the United States, I continued my education at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry. Today, I practice general dentistry at Hart Dental alongside my daughter, Agnieszka Iwaszczyszyn, DMD.

Helping others has always been important to me, but breast cancer became deeply personal when my mother was diagnosed. I returned to Krakow to be with her during treatment, and witnessing her experience firsthand gave me a new understanding of the emotional and practical challenges that come with this disease.

Since then, I have looked for ways to support breast health education and advocacy, including partnering with My Density Matters. After participating as a vendor at Fashion of Compassion, I also became increasingly aware of the need for breast cancer education and support within the Polish community.

Through United Colors of Pink, I hope to use my experience, connections, and commitment to service to help make a meaningful difference for people facing breast cancer.

Jolanta Sporna | Board Member

I was born and raised in Poland and moved to the United States with my husband and our two sons in 2004. Family has always been at the center of my life, and some of my greatest role models were my mother and grandmother. They taught me from an early age that helping others is one of the most meaningful things we can do.

My own journey into community service began in 2017, when I founded the Polonia for Lenka Cholewa charity group. Together with a dedicated group of women, we raised funds to help Lenka receive the surgery and rehabilitation she needed to save her leg from amputation.

That experience showed me how much can happen when people come together around someone in need. I later became involved with the group We Help Others Because We Want To, through which we have supported many other children and families facing difficult circumstances.

Helping others brings me a tremendous sense of purpose. I believe even the smallest act of kindness can have a lasting impact, and I am proud to bring that spirit of service to United Colors of Pink.

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Interested in Getting More Involved?

Whether you’re interested in joining our Board of Directors or volunteering your time and talents, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to learn more about current opportunities and how you can support the mission of United Colors of Pink.