I found The Welcoming Center to be a safe place where everyone was open-minded, a judgement free zone with joy and peace that made me comfortable.

I found exactly what I really need to make my first step in the US.  I became more confident, had a desire to learn more skills, and wanted to share information and help others to enjoy the opportunities that are available in Philadelphia. I have just started with the beginning of my goal, and I am sure that I will accomplish it. 

Luc-Henri wants people to know that the story of Haiti is far more than what the world sees in the headlines. He carries the legacy of a nation that has long fought for independence, not just for itself, but for others. His journey and his work are part of a greater mission, one that mirrors Haiti’s history of resilience, strength, and solidarity. Luc-Henri accepts the Anne O’Callaghan award with humility and grace, not as an individual honor, but as a recognition of the entire immigrant community.

The Welcoming Center is honored to present Hamdi Ulukaya with the Solas Award, recognizing his unwavering commitment to refugees and immigrants. His leadership exemplifies the spirit of Solas—meaning “light” in Gaelic—by illuminating pathways to opportunity, dignity, and belonging for those seeking a new home.

My name is Nicole Kruger. Being at The Welcoming Center taught me that I am not less intelligent for not knowing a language well, but that I am very capable of still being the person I was in my country with the same and better capabilities to achieve whatever I set my mind to do.

Immigrants are a driving force behind America’s continued prosperity. But in the face of widespread misinformation, misleading narratives, and harmful rhetoric, the truth can often get lost. Let’s focus on the facts and set the record straight.

Hello there! I’m Natasha, hailing from the enchanting and chilly city of St. Petersburg, Russia. A creative soul with a passion for exploring, I wear multiple hats as a photographer, designer, and AI trainer. Not too long ago, my adventurous squad consisting of myself, my youngest son Max, and our loyal dachshund Kyzia moved to Philadelphia.

I am Mariama Korka Diallo, a new immigrant from Guinea, West Africa. When I first arrived in the United States, I felt so alone. I didn’t know many people, and it was winter—the first time I had ever seen snow, coming from a warm place.

Kamakshi immigrated from her home in Bombay to the U.S. in 2014 in pursuit of an undergraduate degree from NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina. She received help through the university navigating her visa and other U.S. immigration policies. She was 18, on her own in a foreign country, and often felt shy and out of place.

Chef Mohammed Aqlan, along with his grandmother’s recipes and infectious smile, is bringing a taste of Yemeni culture to Philadelphia. And no one seems more surprised by this than the chef himself.

This year, The Welcoming Center is very pleased to honor Shirin Karsan with the 2024 Solas Award. Shirin is an unwavering advocate for global peace, with an inspiring dedication to the promise of American pluralism and democracy. She builds bridges, breaks down barriers, and promotes peace both locally and globally. 

This year at Solas, Amina Aliako will be the recipient of our inaugural Anne O’Callaghan Award. Amina’s immigration journey and her experience as a newcomer looking for opportunity in Philadelphia is an inspiration to our community. She is a remarkable and resilient woman, who has fought tirelessly to provide for and protect her family, while never turning off the light of her own dreams and ambitions.  

Rebirth. That’s the expression that comes up for Tatiana, a dentist from Colombia, when she describes her journey in the United States.

Before The Welcoming Center I did not feel like I was part of anything and would walk by the side of the street but now I can walk in the middle of the street, be myself, speak loudly, confidently, and powerfully.

I keep coming back to The Welcoming Center because I want to help others feel as happy as I am.

I know that finding The Welcoming Center was a pivotal moment in my life because it changed my perception of being an immigrant.

“The cooperative is important to me because it taught me coexistence, it trained me, I joined a group, and it gave me wonderful opportunities to be independent and to be my own manager of my business.”

Melissah built her assurance, pushed her peers to advocate for themselves, and nurtured her networking skills. She was able to identify and understand her capabilities and use them to push her career forward.