The Polonia Foundation of Ohio honored Sandra Cika of Liberty with the prestigious Heritage Award, recognizing her profound and lasting contributions to the Polish American community, on July 25 in Cleveland.

Her dedication is deeply rooted in her family history and the powerful influence of her mother, Dolores Adasiewicz Cika, who instilled in her and her sisters a profound appreciation for their Polish heritage.

A graphic design professional and principal of INSITE, her own branding and design firm, Cika has skillfully applied her talents to both her career and her community work.

She has had many leadership roles within the Polish Arts Club of Youngstown, including a recent long-term presidency and her current position on the Board of Directors.

As president, Cika was instrumental in the club’s fundraising efforts, personally spearheading unique initiatives that have raised thousands of dollars for scholarships for students of Polish descent.

“Sandra Cika embodies the very essence of what the Polonia Foundation of Ohio strives to achieve,” said Polonia Foundation President Monika Sochecki.

“Her personal story of family influence, coupled with her tangible efforts in raising substantial funds for student scholarships through the Polish Arts Club, directly contributes to our mission of advancing education and preserving Polish heritage for future generations. We are truly honored to recognize her exemplary service.”

Cika’s extensive involvement also includes serving as president of the St. Casimir Society and active participation in various Polonia organizations.

Her lifelong connection to Polish culture began early, encompassing Polish language studies and active membership in the Polish National Alliance. Among her many dedicated efforts, her role as executive director of The Brier Hill Cultural Center since 2013 stands out.

Witnessing the transformation of the historic St. Casimir Church — a place built by the hands and hearts of her family’s Polish immigrants — into a thriving cultural hub was a true labor of love for her.

Her myriad Polish activities over her lifetime also have included attendance at P.N.A. Youth Instructor’s Courses at Alliance College, lifelong membership in St. Casimir’s choir, travel to Poland, serving as a founding board member of the Eastern European Congress, and consistent participation in Polish Youngstown’s Polish Heritage Day and the Simply Slavic festival committee.

She is a member of the Free Polish Krakusy Society and the American Council for Polish Culture.

She has been previously recognized by The Polonia Foundation as a Grand Lady of Pulaski.

Above all, closest to Sandra’s heart, like her mother, is the dance.

For many years, she donned a Polish folk costume in multiple folk dance troupes, including the Krakowiaki Polish Folk Dancers and Polanie Polish Folk Dance Ensemble of Youngstown and Cleveland.