The Welcoming Center Announces New Chief Operating Officer, Board Chair, and Other Board Changes
February 23, 2022 – Philadelphia, PA – The Welcoming Center (TWC) announced today that veteran non-profit leader Magda Martinez joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer and social change activist Hao-Li Tai Loh has been elected Board Chair. In addition, there has been a new board appointment and five board departures.
“I am thrilled to have the depth of knowledge and experience working with immigrant communities that Magda Martinez, Hao-Li Tai Loh, and Miya Choi each bring to The Welcoming Center,” said Peter Gonzales, President and CEO of The Welcoming Center. “Their skills and perspectives are invaluable to our strategic planning process and to strengthening the organization for future growth.”
Chief Operating Officer
Martinez joins TWC after over three years as Chief Operating Officer at Mural Arts. At TWC, Martinez oversees human resources, administration, finance, technology, and all programs and services. Martinez brings with her a combination of over 20 years of experience in program development, community engagement and operations with a deep, personal commitment to The Welcoming Center’s mission. “I am excited and honored to be part of TWC,” said Martinez. “Their incredible work supports the rich and diverse communities of new Philadelphians.”
Magda Martinez
Board Chair and Other Board Changes
TWC’s board members are responsible for financial oversight, strategic planning, and providing guidance on mission and objectives and are a vital part of making sure the organization fulfills its mission. Hao-Li Tai Loh, who was elected Chair of the Board of Directors for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, brings many years of board leadership to the TWC board. “I’m honored to serve as The Welcoming Center Board Chair,” said Loh. “Welcoming and helping immigrants integrate into the civic, social and economic fabric of Philadelphia resonates with me personally and I look forward to supporting and guiding the profound work of TWC.”
Hao-Li Tai Loh
TWC also welcomed Miya Choi to their board, as part of their efforts to invite graduates of its programs to serve on the board. Miya has not only been a supporter and friend to TWC, but has also participated in TWC’s Immigrant Leadership Institute program in 2020. She has also actively served on the Participant Advisory Council since 2021. TWC’s Participant Advisory Council provides the organization with feedback and insight into the needs, challenges, and opportunities to help TWC improve the realization of its mission of promoting inclusive economic growth through immigrant integration. “Participating in one of TWC’s programs was incredibly helpful for me,” said Choi. “Not only did the program help guide me in how to better integrate into a new society, but it also helped me better understand how to actively engage as a new citizen. I am excited to have an opportunity to bring the perspectives and experiences of immigrants to the board.”
Miya Choi
Loh and Choi will be joining TWC’s Board of Directors comprised of: Vice Chair, John Touey, Salveson Stetson Group; Secretary, Kristy Leong, Comcast; Uva Coles, Spring Point Partners LLC; Alexandre Costabile, Wawa; Diane George, La Colombe; President and CEO, Peter Gonzales, Esq., The Welcoming Center; Jack Heuer, Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania; Anurag Jain, PrePay Nation; Carlton L. Johnson, Esq., Archer & Grenier P.C.; Shirin Karsan, Drexel University; Ade Lawal, Express Employment Services; Erick Martinez; Patrick M. Mahanger, University of Pennsylvania; Ayana Pilgrim-Brown, Vanguard; William A. Stock, Esq., Klasko Immigration Law, Stephanie Sun, Office of Pennsylvania Governor; Emeritus, Anne O’Callaghan, Founder of The Welcoming Center.
Outgoing members of the board are: Anuj Gupta, Daniel P. Bauder, Edward D. Vallejo, Ferne Kuhne, and Priscilla Rosenwald.
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About The Welcoming Center: The Welcoming Center (TWC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia that promotes inclusive economic growth through immigrant integration. Founded in 2003, TWC works to open doors of economic opportunity for immigrants of all education and skill levels and build immigrants’ individual and collective agency to address barriers to integration and wellbeing. TWC collaborates with its participants, a broad spectrum of organizations, and public and private sector institutions to advance learning, shape policy, and grow the economy.
Contact: Lina Duffy, lina@welcomingcenter.org 215-825-7770