Polonia · Global

Polish global network

Empowering Polish culture and talent to drive world-leading impact via soft-power networks.

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02Mission

Mission and credo

We build long-lasting soft power networks

To unite Polish-rooted talent and global partners in building a culture of progress.

Vistula Valley

03How We Move Together

How We Move Together

Our mission and DNA set the destination; our values set the course.

We are a global network of the bright minds of Poland, its diaspora, and international partners.

United in a thriving community of leaders, founders, scientists, engineers, investors, artists, designers, and entrepreneurs — all connected by shared culture and ambition.

Vistula Valley

04The Eagle's Rebirth

A white-tailed eagle in flight

Polish talent Global scale

Vistula Valley

Vistula Valley

05One year in

In our first year, we built a thriving foundation:

Community

230+
community members

Events

13
events hosted in 7 global cities

Introductions

100+
curated introductions

Chapters

3
official chapters

Platform

1
high-engagement community platform

Vistula Valley

06Values

The Vistula Valley Compass

These four principles guide every collaboration, partnership, and decision we make:

  1. 01

    Collaboration over Individualism

    We prioritize deep, long-term collaboration over solo visibility or short-term gain. Progress is collective or it doesn’t count.

  2. 02

    Merit over Status

    People are recognized by substance, track record, and integrity — not titles, age, or hierarchy. Respect is earned, never assumed.

  3. 03

    Global Reach, Local Roots

    We exist to build international partnerships and amplify ecosystems, not to replace them. We are the connective layer that strengthens others by going global.

  4. 04

    Paying Success Forward

    Success carries an obligation to give back non-transactionally and support others without keeping score.

Vistula Valley

07What's next

We are transitioning from vision to coordinated global action:

  1. Foundation

    Institutional Foundation

    We are registered as a California Mutual Benefit Membership Corporation and have appointed the board to lead the transition into global action.

  2. Network

    Membership & Network

    Introducing formal membership structures, a professionalized onboarding process, and an internal member map to facilitate high-value collaboration across our global community.

  3. Hubs

    Global Hubs

    Launching official chapters in San Francisco, New York, and Warsaw while uniting strategic partners around shared objectives to amplify our collective soft-power impact.

  4. Presence

    Digital & Global Presence

    Creating a growth ecosystem for founders, launching our official digital presence, and hosting our first anniversary during the 2026 Global Polonia Summit in Miami.

Vistula Valley

08The Movement

The Faces Behind the Movement

Vistula Valley is built through its community and stewarded by its Board and Chapter Heads.

  • Bogusława (Bogy) Cimoszko Skowroński

    Bogusława (Bogy) Cimoszko Skowroński

    Board member

  • Patrick Consorti

    Patrick Consorti

    Board member

  • Bartek Kurylak

    Bartek Kurylak

    Board member

  • Pawel Stefan Benedykcinski

    Pawel Stefan Benedykcinski

    Board member

  • Stan Lewandowski

    Stan Lewandowski

    Board member

  • Michal Majerczak

    Michal Majerczak

    Co-founder and Board member

  • Mark Bain

    Mark Bain

    Co-founder

Vistula Valley

09Chapters

Chapters: Local Presence, Global Impact

  • SF Bay AreaMichal MajerczakVV Chapter Head, founder and operator
  • New YorkPawel BenedykcinskiVV Chapter Head and president of the Polish American Business Club
  • WarsawBartek KurylakVV Chapter Head, VC investor and entrepreneur

Vistula Valley

10In their own words

Members on the record

In Their Own Words

  • 01

    As someone who spends time between Cambridge and Warsaw, I know firsthand how much it matters to have a community that truly bridges both worlds. Vistula Valley Club is exactly that, a network where Polish founders, scientists, and innovators don't just exchange business cards, but actually build trust, share knowledge, and open doors for one another. In an era when AI and technology are reshaping entire industries, the connections forged here translate into real collaboration across ecosystems. I'm proud to be part of a community that is quietly building Poland's global soft power, one conversation at a time.

    Prof. Aleksandra PrzegalińskaVice-Rector for Innovation and AI, Kozminski University · Fellow, Harvard Center for Labor and a Just Economy
  • 02

    For me personally, Vistula Valley is much more than a professional network—it is a community that connects the Polish diaspora across borders and generations. It creates a space where people support one another regardless of their career stage or life path, while building meaningful relationships rooted in trust and shared values. By strengthening connections between Poland and innovation hubs around the world—especially Silicon Valley—it helps ideas, opportunities, and people move in both directions.

    Tomasz TrzcińskiDirector of R&D, IDEAS
  • 03

    If you're heading to San Francisco and need support, there's no better place to start than Vistula Valley. It's a community of people who genuinely believe in Polish companies and open doors for Polish entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. Just being part of it has already brought me a lot of value. I'm glad it exists and I hope it keeps growing!

    Tomasz KarwatkaCo-founder, Open Mercato
  • 04

    For me, Vistula Valley is above all a group of ambitious, generous people who share their experience, contacts and concrete advice — and genuinely root for one another. I experienced this community's support myself while facing an important career decision: I gained a fresh perspective and was connected with people who helped me better understand my options and make a more informed choice.

    Michał Bortkiewicz

Vistula Valley

11Partners

Vistula Valley Partners

Organizations that back the movement with their expertise, pro bono.

  • Pillsbury Law
  • John Weston Group
  • Teleport
  • AIUS

Vistula Valley

12Join

Membership

Join the Movement

The world is waiting for you. If you are a leader, founder, scientist, or artist connected with our culture and ambition, it is time to amplify our collective impact. Join us as we transition from vision to coordinated global action.

ApplyVistula Valley