Phyllis Orlowski

Phyllis Clare Orlowski is a retired educator, advocate, and writer who collaborated with her aunt, Marcella Luiso Flanagan, to bring American Destiny to life. A former high school Spanish teacher and varsity tennis coach, Phyllis has long been committed to education and advocacy, including work supporting individuals with dyslexia and promoting access to literacy. Fluent in multiple languages and deeply engaged in issues of cultural understanding and family advocacy, she served as a steward and creative partner in shaping her aunt’s memoir — helping preserve a story of heritage, belonging, and resilience for a new generation of readers. She resides in upstate New York and is the mother of three sons, enjoys oil painting, and traveling the world, especially to visit relatives in Italy.