We are excited to announce that our 2026 Solas Awards will take place on April 14, 2026, at The Franklin Institute, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.
Solas means “light” in Irish. Each year at the Solas Awards, The Welcoming Center shines a light on the contributions immigrants make to our city and region.
The Solas Awards will honor James A. Williams Jr., General President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), for his steadfast commitment to immigrant inclusion in the workforce. Under his leadership, IUPAT has championed fair opportunity and dignity for all workers, recognizing the essential role immigrants play in strengthening communities and driving economic growth. Williams’ leadership reflects values that align deeply with The Welcoming Center’s mission of opportunity, belonging, and shared prosperity.
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Luminary Sponsor
Hao-Li & Evan Loh
John Chou & Teresa Wallace
Champion Plus
Citizens Bank
Champion
Nina Chen & Eric Langenmayr
Susan Hollenstein & Howard Ross
Shirin & Rudy Karsan
Knight Foundation
Bill & Mary Stock
Weinberg Foundation
Sustainers
The Lopez Family Fund
The Philadelphia Foundation
Trilogy Talent Advisors
World Education Services
Supporters
Bob & Pat Aglira
Archer & Greiner, P.C
Armstrong World Industries
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Comcast
Klasko Immigration Law
Patrick Mahanger & Kevin Baumlin
Anne O’Callaghan
The O’Connor Group
E. Rhoda Shaten Charitable Foundation
John Touey & Jin Hee Cho
Friend Plus
Kristy Leong and Micah James
Friends
Ballard Spahr LLP
Miya Choi & Leo Chang
Community College of Philadelphia
Higher Ground Financial Services
Gavin & Cindy Kerr
Marshall Dennehey
David Murphy & Rebecca Rathje
PA Department of Community and Economic Development
Nicole and Anthony Pumphrey
Rivers Casino
Santander
SHG Immigration Lawyers
The Chamber of Commerce or Greater Philadelphia
Vince Willis
Fans
Breakwater
Department of Aviation/PHL Airport
Diane & Michael Chow
EnGen
Katayun Jaffari
Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO
PIDC
Schultz & Williams
Ukranian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union (UKRFCU)
Visit Philadelphia
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