Beata Dąbrowska | Belfast, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

In a constantly changing world, some people remain anchored in their values, building bridges between past and future, between generations and cultures. One of those people is Beata Dąbrowska, the steadfast director of the Polish Saturday School in Belfast for over two decades. Her nomination for the Leader Star award at the Stars Night Awards 2025 is a well-deserved recognition not only of her outstanding organisational skills but also of the heart, passion, and mission she has consistently carried out in service of the Polish community in Northern Ireland.

Thanks to Beata’s visionary leadership, the Polish Saturday School in Belfast has become more than just an educational institution—it has become a centre of identity, a space for growth, and a source of pride in Polish heritage. Here, children learn the Polish language, history, culture, and values that shape their sense of belonging and self-confidence in a multicultural world.

For years, Beata Dąbrowska has combined the roles of educator, community leader, and cultural ambassador. The cultural events she organises – including patriotic celebrations, artistic showcases, and national holidays – have become key moments in the calendar of the entire Polish community in Northern Ireland. Her dedication ensures that each event brings Polish tradition closer to people’s hearts and strengthens the sense of community and national identity among children, youth, and their families.

But what truly sets Beata Dabrowska apart? Her impact reaches far beyond the Polish community. She is a respected figure in Belfast's cultural life, known for her initiatives that bring different communities together and promote mutual understanding. She knows how to create spaces for dialogue and cooperation without room for division.

Her ability to build partnerships and connect institutions, people, and ideas makes her not only a leader in education but also a symbol of integration and mutual respect. Beata Dabrowska is a true leader by vocation—she does not seek applause, yet the results of her work can be seen in the hundreds of children who today speak Polish, know their history, and feel proud of who they are.

Beata Dabrowska’s nomination recognises her many years of work. Above all, it affirms her values: responsibility, education, culture, and community. Her work proves that a true leader does not stand in front of others but one who walks beside them, believing that every child and family deserves a place where their voice and identity will be heard, nurtured, and respected.