Fundacja Ładne Historie

is a non-governmental organization founded as a collaboration between individuals who work daily in education and animation, broadly defined culture and art, as well as local identity and cultural heritage. We inspire collaboration, foster creativity, encourage creation, teach mutual respect and empathy, mobilize local communities, and create an ever-growing group of people who want to do something for others.

 

We have established permanent ties with Świdnica and Wrocław, where we operate, engaging their residents in processes related to culture, education, and local identity. We believe in an interdisciplinary approach to project implementation, and our team is comprised of individuals with diverse experience and skill sets. We are diverse and different from each other, but together we create a new quality.

photo: Jerzy Wypych

Our strategic goal is to foster a shift in thinking about cultural and social education, as well as develop new tools for its implementation. We base our projects on knowledge of local needs and contexts, implement them on a multi-year basis, and each activity is designed to encourage participants to take an active role. Our work is based on relationships, building a sense of identity and connection with what is local, close, and meaningful. We plan activities to contribute to improving the accessibility, diversity, and innovation of cultural and social offerings. We implement our program with the belief that culture should not only strengthen, integrate, and build local communities but also improve the quality and conditions in which they function daily. We believe that culture—open, accessible, and driven by local needs—is a tool for creating positive social change in Polish regions, cities, and neighborhoods.

photo: Jerzy Wypych

Our organization is run by

A young woman stands against the backdrop of a brick building. She has long brown hair and blue eyes. She is wearing a gray T-shirt and a navy blue jacket. photo: Jerzy Wypych
Maria Zięba

I'm a cultural animator and researcher, a fundraiser, and an advisor to non-governmental organizations. I'm the foundation's president, trying to keep an eye on everything. My favorite area of work is fundraising and collaborating with partners. Personally, I love eating breakfast and I enthusiastically promote this tradition. And while I could live in dozens of places in the world, most of them are in Lower Silesia, which I absolutely adore.

A young woman stands against the backdrop of a brick building. She has long brown hair and blue eyes. She is wearing a gray T-shirt and a navy blue jacket. photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • networking, public funding acquisition
  • fundraising and paid activities
  • Świdnica – Children and Youth Industry Group
  • Wrocław – local partnership Nasz Grunwald

maria.zieba@ladnehistorie.pl

photo: Jerzy Wypych
Anna Gerus

I am a member of the Foundation's board, responsible for all contracts, schedules, and settlements. For years, I have been professionally involved in office and administrative work in both the private sector and local government and government entities. I am an optimist who seeks smiles and goodness even in the darkest places and situations. Thanks to the Foundation, I have the opportunity to develop, implement ideas, and work with people who share a similar vision of the world to mine.

photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • networking, public funding acquisition
  • human resources and finance

anna.gerus@ladnehistorie.pl

A young man stands in front of the Zwierzyniecki Bridge. He is wearing a baseball cap and a black and white shirt and a gray sweater. photo: Jerzy Wypych
Krzysztof Bielaszka

I am a manager and activist who considers culture and education to be important tools for social change. In recent years, my primary focus has been ecology and the climate crisis. My home in the world is Grunwald in Wrocław, where I primarily carry out my foundation's activities, but I began my work at Ładne Histories with the "Art Lessons" project. Working at the Foundation allows me to pursue my passions among people with whom I share common values and see the world around us in a similar way. Privately, I enjoy cats, cities, poetry, and board games.

A young man stands in front of the Zwierzyniecki Bridge. He is wearing a baseball cap and a black and white shirt and a gray sweater. photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • networking, public funding acquisition
  • research and evaluation of activities
  • Wrocław – local partnership Nasz Grunwald
  • Plac Grunwaldzki – The Untold Story

krzysztof.bielaszka@ladnehistorie.pl

Program Council

Jerzy Wypych
Anka Bieliz

Animator, educator, and cultural manager, graduated in sociology, art history, cultural studies, and communication design from the University of Wrocław. She is the main coordinator of the Wrocław Institute of Culture's Microgrants program and the program director of the MIASTOmovie Urban and Architecture Film Festival. Since 2014, she has co-founded the Wrocław Film Foundation. In 2015-2016, she coordinated residency exchange projects conducted in Wrocław and Lower Silesia as part of the AiR Wro Artist-in-Residence Program (European Capital of Culture 2016). She is involved in numerous local community projects of an animating, educational, and culture-forming nature (including "Symposium Wrocław 70/20," "Diagnosis of Wrocław Culture," and "Civic Workshop – Zielony Plac Grunwaldzki OD NOWA"). A supporter of "neighborhood Wrocław," she is open to all types of cross-sectoral collaboration. "Recreationally" is looking for Polish cubes to photograph (Instagram profile @kostka_polska) and the more interesting examples of Wrocław's downtown fillings (which I document on IG @sealing).

Jerzy Wypych
Emilia Pijanowska
Dr. Bartek Lis

Sociologist and social researcher, cultural animator, and educator. Author of texts, scientific, and popularization articles. Since 2012, he has collaborated with the Society for Creative Initiatives "ę" as a researcher, evaluator, and trainer. From 2012 to 2017, he curated social projects at the Wrocław Contemporary Museum (organizing and co-organizing over 300 cultural events – debates, workshops, interdisciplinary projects, exhibitions). Initiator and implementer of the educational projects/series "Open Castle. Culture for and with Dependent Seniors," "Blind Art," "Invisible," and "(In)New Audiences" at the Zamek Cultural Center. His areas of expertise include civic education, audience development, the topics of "invisible disabilities" and "senior dependency," the use of art in education and social practice, and making cultural institutions accessible to people with disabilities. As a researcher, expert, and educator, he has collaborated with, among others, He has collaborated with Creative Europe Desk Polska, the Wrocław Culture Zone, the Malbork Castle Museum, the Poznań City Hall, the Zygmunt Hübner Powszechny Theatre, the National Centre for Culture, the Foundation for the Development of the Education System, and the Impact Foundation. He is a certified facilitator of design processes using the "design thinking" methodology. He is the author of the book "Gay (Non)Masculinities. Gender Norms and the Identity Strategies of Homosexual Men." He is a scholarship holder of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage (2020). He is an EPALE Ambassador – the Electronic Platform for Adult Learning.

Emilia Pijanowska
Justyna Mańkowska

A journalist by profession, she graduated from the University of Wrocław. She is the originator, initiator, and president of the Katarynka Foundation. She is also the creator of audio description for films and theatre. She is also the initiator of the Wrocław Culture and Event Accessibility Standards. She is a member of the Social Council at the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in Wrocław. She creates new directions for the foundation's activities and invents projects.

She animates and networks cultural institutions in the area of accessibility. She consults on their activities and programs. She is the author of accessibility guides and expert opinions. She provides training in accessibility, serving audiences with disabilities, and audio description. She prioritizes collaboration with other non-governmental organizations. She is a member of the Council for Equal Treatment, appointed by the Mayor of Wrocław, Jacek Sutryk. She was once a radio reporter for the Agora Radio Group. She began her journalistic career at TVN24. She is the mother of Sebastian and Ala. Her family also includes her husband, Grzesiek, and her dog, Kazik. She loves being around people, eating, and talking a lot. Overall, she enjoys life.

Magdalena Okniańska

She graduated from the University of Wrocław with a degree in Law, completed postgraduate studies in "Managerial Management of EU Projects" at the Wrocław University of Science and Technology, and completed postgraduate studies at the International University of Logistics and Transport "New Public Management." In 2015, she graduated from the Polish-English Youth Trainers School. Since 2011, she has been the Head of the Municipal Centre for Supporting Non-Governmental Organizations at the Świdnica City Hall. She collaborates with institutions and companies implementing projects financed from public and EU funds as a trainer, mentor, promotion, recruitment, and dissemination specialist, coordinator, and manager (these included the following projects: "KARnet 15+ Model of Tri-Sectoral Cooperation," "School of Life," "Modern Office," "Professional Volunteering," "BRIDGE OF GENERATIONS," and "Improving Qualifications of Physiotherapists..."). From 2001 to 2010, she owned the ELEFANT company, which provided consulting services in the areas of civil and tax law, as well as business and management. She has experience in preparing projects co-financed by the EU. As a lecturer, she collaborates with the Social Academy of Sciences in Łódź and the WSB University in Wrocław. She conducts training for local government employees and representatives of non-governmental organizations. She created, implemented, and coordinated the "Municipal Activation Program for the Unemployed in Świdnica" and the "Economic Debut" competition.

The team in Świdnica

photo: Jerzy Wypych
Anna Kubinka

I'm a cultural studies scholar with experience in design and publishing. For six years, I've been co-programming the Etiuda&Anima festival in Krakow. I coordinate "Summer in the Backyard" at the foundation. I returned to my hometown of Świdnica after a few years away and want to contribute to creating high-quality cultural offerings. I live with an elderly cat and a hundred plants. I value close relationships, creative endeavors, and happy coincidences. I try to live a simple and enjoyable life.

photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • Summer in the backyard

anna.kubinka@ladnehistorie.pl

The color photograph shows a young woman named Kasia. Kasia has shoulder-length blond hair and a white blouse. Trees can be seen behind her.
Catherine Dratwa

I live in the Świdnica commune, where I work daily as a social and cultural organizer. I am a trained educator and occupational therapist. I have been working with the Foundation for a year, creating creatively in my studio and leading activities as part of the Summer in the Backyard program. Working with children and young people gives me great joy and satisfaction. I value contact with others, the opportunity to share energy, and creating a safe space for growth. My motto is: "Small steps lead to big changes." In my free time, I discover new places, experiment with crafts, and relax with loved ones.

The color photograph shows a young woman named Kasia. Kasia has shoulder-length blond hair and a white blouse. Trees can be seen behind her.

Contact me regarding:

  • Summer in the backyard
  • A winning family in Świdnica

katarzyna.dratwa@ladnehistorie.pl

photo: Jerzy Wypych
Beata Kuzera

I live in Świebodzice, but I work more frequently in Świdnica. I'm an occupational therapist by profession. I've been working with the Foundation for five years as a facilitator of Summer in the Backyard and creative workshops. I'm patient, open, and very responsible. I enjoy working with children and people with disabilities, using all forms of art therapy. What I love most is the moments during classes when I can simply stop in the fast-paced world, help, talk, and listen to another person. My motto is: "Usually good doesn't make much noise, usually noise doesn't make much good." In my free time, I enjoy a good book, traveling, walking, and cycling.

photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • Summer in the backyard

beata.kuzera@ladnehistorie.pl

photo: Jerzy Wypych
Kosma Krupa

Member of the Works Council

 

I'm a proud father of two wonderful daughters, a happy husband, and in my free time, a fan of zombies, loud motorcycles, and an amateur cyclist. I never leave home without a hat. Some time ago, I found my place in the world – it's Świdnica, and it's the Świdnica branch of the foundation that I support by coordinating programs. Working there, with these people, and for this community gives me immense satisfaction and fulfillment.

photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • Summer in the backyard
  • Skatepark
  • Volunteering in Świdnica

kosma.krupa@ladnehistorie.pl

Olga Rydlevskaya
I have a degree in finance and previously worked as a risk manager at Raiffeisen Bank in Belarus. After the birth of my two sons, I founded my own educational and entertainment project for children. I also teach yoga. Two years ago, my family moved to Poland.
I opened a Himalayan yoga studio in Świdnica, where I teach classes and organize events and concerts. I collaborate with the "Inicjatywa" Foundation, with whom we created the Migrant Club project for children and adults from Ukraine and Belarus. I am currently completing my studies at the "SKiBA" Post-Secondary School of Cultural Animators in Wrocław, majoring in Art Therapy and Cultural Animation.
I'm very happy to be part of the "Ładne Historie" Foundation, whose values are very close to my heart. I work as an intercultural assistant in Świdnica at the Senior Café.
I love mountains, snowboarding, dancing and traveling.

Contact me regarding:

  • Intercultural University of the Third Age

rydleuskaya@gmail.com

Respite syndrome

photo: Jerzy Wypych
Daniel Gerus

I'm a lover of the mountains and outdoor activities. For years, I've been trying to share my passion with others. At the Foundation, I focus on social tourism, proving that the mountains are for everyone, and that limitations only exist in our minds. A father of two sons, I'm interested in astronomy and quantum physics. I've been involved with the Foundation for three years, when the idea for the project Connecting Us to the Mountains, which we're implementing and developing together with Ładne Histories, first came to me.

photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • Mountains connect us - organizing trips

daniel.gerus@ladnehistorie.pl

photo: Jerzy Wypych
Barbara Małkowicz
I'm the coordinator of the "Łąją nas góry" (Gaudy Connects Us) project. I'm a dreamer with a big heart. My love for Lower Silesia is evident in everything I do. I love coffee, good cinema, and strolls through the nooks and crannies of my beloved Wrocław. Working at the Foundation gives me the opportunity to develop and share my enthusiasm and positive attitude with others. I'm proud to be part of such a wonderful team creating "Przylne Historie" (Nice Stories).
photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • The mountains connect us

barbara.malkowicz@ladnehistorie.pl

photo: Jerzy Wypych
Urszula Bandurowska
A native of Wrocław, I graduated in Pedagogy from the University of Wrocław. I have been involved in the non-governmental sector for over a decade, with a brief stint in local government in between. After hours, I actively collaborate with businesses, co-creating the "Hand in Hand" initiative, which aims to facilitate dialogue between sectors in the search for new avenues of cooperation, not limited to financial support for NGOs.
In my free time, I explore Wrocław's green spaces by bike and take care of my home jungle. I love music (especially live performances).
At the Foundation, I am responsible for coordinating the National Respite Tourism Network.
photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • National Respite Tourism Network

urszula.bandurowska@ladnehistorie.pl

The team in Wrocław

photo: Jolanta Igielska
Anna Komsta

I'm a cultural organizer, teacher, and manager. In my free time, I'm a passionate private chef. I specialize in animating small, local, intergenerational, and intercultural communities. I seek opportunities for shared experiences, growth, and building bonds and identity. I introduce the culture of Lower Silesia through conversations, workshops, and culinary tales, drawing on the fascinating, unconventional, and complex identity of Lower Silesians. I'm the author of the book "Tales of the Table: From East to West," a collection of memoirs by displaced people from the Eastern Borderlands who found themselves in "New Poland" after World War II. I'm deeply interested in displaced identity and family archaeology, particularly among Lower Silesians.

 

Personally, I love traveling to Italy. I read several books at once. I'm a foodie. I express my love through hospitality, interest, and good food. I take photographs. I discover Wrocław and perpetuate in my heart my love for the Bóbr Valley, where I come from.

photo: Jolanta Igielska

Contact me regarding:

  • Local Activity Center Plac Grunwaldzki OD NOWA;
  • grassroots initiatives in Wrocław;

anna.komsta@ladnehistorie.pl

photo: Jerzy Wypych
Anna Pieniadz

I worked for 10 years at Santander Bank in the HR department, where I was responsible for employee opinion surveys and matters related to mobbing and discrimination. I'm a mediator who strongly believes in the power of dialogue. Here, I also trained management staff in people management as a trainer. After that time, I like to say I've done my share of corporate work. This was followed by a stint at the OnWater.pl Foundation, where I built an innovative space on the water called Odra Centrum.

 

Then came parenthood, which has been ongoing since 2020. For me, it's currently my greatest challenge, my greatest opportunity for growth, and my greatest purpose in life. My daughter, Zuza, is a master of mindfulness and my teacher in the here and now.

 

I conduct tailor-made training courses and workshops. I have collaborated with companies such as EuroCash SA, Mercedes-Benz Grupa Wróbel, and SSAB.

 

Besides, I have the soul of an artist within me. Years later, I managed to fulfill my dream and completed postgraduate studies in painting. I also had my own occupational therapy program related to ceramics. For me, exposure to art has an extraordinary power.

 

In 2024, I opened my own cafe, piKawka, with two wonderful people. There, I chat with people and serve them delicious coffee and cake.

photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • Local Activity Center Plac Grunwaldzki OD NOWA;
  • volunteering in Wrocław.

anna.pieniadz@ladnehistorie.pl

photo: Jerzy Wypych
Marta Sobala

Member of the Works Council

 

I work in the cultural sector, both creatively and productively. I am a photographer, workshop leader, and project coordinator. I graduated with a degree in Cultural Studies from the University of Wrocław and a degree in Art Mediation from the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław. At the Ładne Historie Foundation, part of the Local Activity Center Plac Grunwaldzki OD NOWA, I work as the coordinator of the community center, also responsible for its programming. I also freelance as a photographer documenting cultural and social events, and occasionally lead creative workshops (including in collaboration with the Pan Tadeusz Museum and the Wrocław Film Foundation).

photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • Center for the Development and Activity of Children and Youth
  • Wrocław – remedial classes

marta.sobala@ladnehistorie.pl

photo: Jerzy Wypych
Aneta Kęska

For years, I have been professionally involved with local government institutions and their associations. Throughout my career, I have handled financial matters, application processes, and project settlements. I also derive great joy from soft, educational activities aimed at the youngest residents of Lower Silesia. I am a hiking enthusiast, a running fan, and a lover of reading. I love good music, which soothes the soul and mind. I have been working with the Ładne Historie Foundation since May 2025. You can find me working on the development of a new facility in Wrocław: the All Children's Center, as well as on activities related to the National Respite Tourism Network and partnerships.

photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • All Children's Center in Wrocław;
  • National Respite Tourism Network;

aneta.keska@ladnehistorie.pl

Fundraising

Kornelia Nizińska (currently absent)

I joined the Ładne Historii team to develop fundraising efforts, which aim to secure the funds needed to fulfill the foundation's mission, as well as build relationships with partners. I'm a mother of two boys, and because I enjoy a dynamic life, I'm also a cat and dog mom. I find my happiest in the forest, in the mountains, or gazing at the distant horizon over the sea. I believe that in this place, I can be part of a space where beautiful stories full of empathy and joy are created.

Contact me regarding:

  • fundraising

kornelia.nizinska@ladnehistorie.pl

Social Media and Website Team

A young woman stands against a backdrop of autumn trees. She has long blond dreadlocks and blue eyes. She is wearing a black blouse and a long black sweater. photo: Jerzy Wypych
Alicja Kania

Member of the Works Council

 

I'm a social media specialist involved in cultural, educational, and social projects. I've been involved with the Foundation since its inception, primarily focusing on the internet—posting on social media and managing websites. I work at Ładne Histories because I believe that what we do has meaning and brings people joy. In my free time, I watch TV series, play board games, and play with my cats. Mostly my own.

A young woman stands against a backdrop of autumn trees. She has long blond dreadlocks and blue eyes. She is wearing a black blouse and a long black sweater. photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • maintaining a website
  • newsletter
  • social media

alicja.kania@ladnehistorie.pl

A young man with short dark hair and a short, dark beard stands against a backdrop of autumn trees. He is wearing a black jacket and has his hands in his pockets. photo: Jerzy Wypych
Jacek Parafinowicz

Apparently, I'm a local patriot – I was born, live, and work in Świdnica. A marketing professional, I'm a computer geek by background. I enjoy electronic gadgets, especially those that can produce sounds. I'm responsible for the IT infrastructure at the Foundation. I've been with Ładne Histories from the very beginning, and even a little earlier.

A young man with short dark hair and a short, dark beard stands against a backdrop of autumn trees. He is wearing a black jacket and has his hands in his pockets. photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • IT support

jacek.parafinowicz@ladnehistorie.pl

Administration

photo: Jerzy Wypych
Marta Korczak

Member of the Works Council

 

It was this positive energy that allowed me to join the Ładne Historie Foundation, where I've recently been primarily responsible for administrative matters. I enjoy being a mom every day, and I love plants, baked goods, and board games. I feel like I've found the right place to thrive and meet wonderful people who, with empathy and commitment, do so much good.

photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • administration

marta.korczak@ladnehistorie.pl

 

photo: Jerzy Wypych
Edyta Piotrowicz

A native of Świdnica, she is the mother of two wonderful adult daughters. I am a teacher by profession, a customer service advisor, and an administrative assistant by experience. For years, I worked for the Polish Post Office. I also ran a multi-sector business. I have an easy way of building relationships. Conversations with others have always been close to me and have fueled my actions. Honest, understanding, and empathetic.

Working at the Ładne Historie Foundation gives me the opportunity to combine what I do best – working as an administrative specialist in a group of wonderful, empathetic people who do a lot of good with their actions. In my free time, I enjoy creating various culinary creations, reading good books, solving crossword puzzles, and traveling.

photo: Jerzy Wypych

Contact me regarding:

  • administration

edyta.piotrowicz@ladnehistorie.pl

Angelika Sienkiewicz

I'm a go-getter with a positive outlook. Personally, I'm interested in history and psychology. In my free time, I love reading and playing sports. I recently joined the Ładne Historie Foundation, where I handle administrative matters. This job gives me the opportunity to develop and gain new experiences. Now I know I'm in the right place.

Contact me regarding:

  • administration

angelika.sienkiewicz@ladnehistorie.pl