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.