George Jerzy Hornik
manages the International Classroom Connection, a program of the Minnesota
International Center – A World Affairs Council based in Minneapolis. The
program links K-12 students with international speakers, providing them
opportunities to learn about the world from first-hand sources.
A native of Poland, George came to the United States to earn his Master’s in
Management from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. He received
his B.A. in Marketing and Management from National-Louis University of Nowy
Sacz, Poland. Having lived on both sides of the Atlantic, George discovered
a passion for helping the general public understand the importance of
multiculturalism. With deep personal awareness of the challenges that the
U.S. and other countries face in the global economy, he inspires with his
program thousands of Minnesota residents to understand global issues and
world cultures. George has lived and worked in Poland, England, and
Denmark.
George also serves as Marketing Manager at the James J. Hill Reference
Library based in St. Paul, Minnesota where he oversees branding, marketing,
and communications efforts of America's #1 practical business research
library. Since 1921, the James J. Hill Library houses a world-class
collection of practical business information resources and is considered one
of the most comprehensive business libraries in the country.
In addition, George works with a variety of non-profit and for-profit
organizations in Minnesota to raise awareness about their brands and execute
effective marketing and communications strategies. George sits on the
boards of the United Nations Association of Minnesota, a PBS-syndicated show
"Simple Living," and The Goods from the Woods: Enhancing Stewardship &
Livelihoods Initiative.
George co-founded Polish Party Posse, PACIM’s latest effort to bring Eastern
European style entertainment to the Twin Cities, and is a contributing
writer to the POLAM newsletter. His role on the PACIM board is grounded in
his interest to promote contemporary Polish culture in Minnesota. He
believes Poland has gone through many fascinating changes in recent years,
yielding a country with a lot to offer economically, culturally, and
socially. "PACIM is on the leading edge of representing both traditional
and contemporary Polish culture in the US. As PACIM board member, I am
pleased to contribute to the programs that embrace the deep cultural spirit
of Poland and promote a positive image of the country."
George believes PACIM is an organization that brings Polish and Polish
American culture to the forefront of cultural mosaic in the Twin Cities.
His hope is for PACIM to become a central gateway to "Anything Polish" in
Minnesota within the next decade. With the changing cultural landscape of
Minnesota, PACIM will serve as a model for a cultural organization that
harnesses collaboration, innovation and quality programming to promote
Polish culture and foster a global mindset in Minnesotans.
Affiliations/Membership:
Blandin Foundation
Aeon (formerly Central Community Housing Trust)
International Association for Public Participation
Blandin Community Leadership Program Alumnus
NAFSA - Association of International Educators
Simple Living America
