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.
Click the button below to get your tickets!
Title Sponsor
John Chou & Teresa Wallace
Luminary Sponsor
Citizens
The Hollenstein Ross Family Foundation
Hao-Li & Evan Loh
Champion
Nina Chen & Eric Langenmayr
Shirin & Rudy Karsan
Sustainers
Archer & Greiner P.C.
Independence Blue Cross
International Union of Elevator Constructors
Marcos R. Lopez
Philadelphia Foundation
Trilogy Talent Advisors
World Education Services
Supporters
Bob & Pat Aglira
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Mary Dickerson
Hanwha Philly Shipyard
Klasko Immigration Law Partners
LiUNA
Novak Francella LLC
Anne O’Callaghan
The O’Connor Group
Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Flyers
Rhoda Shaten Charitable Foundation
Bill & Mary Stock
John Touey & Jin Hee Cho
United Association
Friend Plus
Kristy Leong and Micah James
Friends
AFL-CIO
American Federation of Teachers
Ballard Spahr LLP
Miya Choi & Leo Chang
Comcast
Community College of Philadelphia
District Council 9, IUPAT, AFL-CIO
Higher Ground Financial Services
International Union of Operating Engineers
Iron Workers International
Marshall Dennehy
David Murphy & Rebecca Rathje
North America’s Building Trades Union
PECO
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
PrePay Nation
Anthony & Nicole Pumphrey
Reading Terminal Market Merchants Association
Rivers Casino Philadelphia
Vanguard
Fans
AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust
Baaj Group
Breakwater Accounting + Advisory
Children’s Crisis Treatment Center
Diane & Michael Chow
Diane & Mike George
Hispanic Ventures, Inc.
IUPAT District Council 11
Katayun Jaffari
Krueger ADR, LLC
Susanna Lachs & Dean Adler
PHL PNE
PIDC
Schultz & Williams
Madeline Sherry
Spring Garden Capital Group
United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers
Visit Philadelphia
Listings
Annie Stamford
