Solas 2022
Thank you for joining us at the 2022 Solas Awards.
Solas 2022 may be over, but you can still make a donation.
About Solas
Solas means “light” in Irish. Each year at the Solas Awards, The Welcoming Center shines a light on the contributions immigrants have been making in our city and region. Last year, we came together virtually during the height of the pandemic. In 2022, we look forward to gathering in person and bringing our community together for the first time in two years for an evening of celebration, learning, and connecting.
The event will be held at Cherry Street Pier, a very large indoor/outdoor venue in Philadelphia, and will include the Global Craft Market, interactive exhibits, and opportunities for networking.
Please join us on Wednesday, April 27th as we mark The Welcoming Center’s 19th anniversary of promoting inclusive economic growth through immigrant integration.
Honorees
This year we are honoring three exceptional groups all founded and led by immigrants in Philadelphia who have participated in The Welcoming Center’s programming. During the pandemic they addressed important issues and lifted their voices and the voices of other immigrants and refugees. All three exemplify immigrant leadership, the power of the collective, and a dedication to making Philadelphia a more inclusive city to all.

Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia: During the pandemic, many small businesses were not able to access relief funds. Several immigrant-owned businesses in South Philadelphia joined together to support one another, launch a GoFundMe campaign, and promote the cultural and economic contributions that Latino merchants bring to Philadelphia.

Let’s Talk Philly Conversation Circles: An organization made up of immigrants and refugees from diverse countries and cultures working together to improve community wellness and overcome barriers to social and economic integration by building language and leadership skills.

I Belong Philly: A group of immigrant leaders and social entrepreneurs inspiring other immigrants to realize they are an integral part of our city. I Belong Philly’s mission is “to facilitate a space where we will create opportunities, dialog, build relationships, networking, appreciate culture, with the goal to give a better life to immigrants in the U.S.”
2022 Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Hao-Li & Evan Loh
Champions
John Chou & Teresa Wallace
Shirin & Rudy Karsan
Sustainers
Supporter PLUS
Supporters
Alex Costabile & Susan Dando
Bob & Pat Aglira
E. Rhoda Shaten Charitable Foundation
John Touey & Jin Hee Cho
Kenneth & Sharon Kind
Friends
Ballard Spahr / Mary Mullany
Benito Cachinero-Sanchez
Bill & Mary Stock
Jack & Lisa Heuer
Michael T. Sosnowicz & Associates, PC
Miya Choi & Leo Chang
Fans
Anuj & Prema Gupta
Albert Family Foundation
Anne O’Callaghan
Anthony & Nicole Pumphrey
Beth and Jerry Rosenbloom
Breakwater Accounting + Advisory
Bruce & Bibbi Hotaling
David Murphy & Rebecca Rathje
Diane & Mike George
Express Employment Professionals
Jim and Wendy Wenke
Jim Marnell
Michael & Diane Chow
Natalie Barndt
University City Science Center
Uva Coles
Champions
Shirin & Rudy Karsan
Hao-Li & Evan Loh
Partners
Center City Orthodontics / Dr. Tejjy Thomas
John Chou and Teresa Wallace
Patrick Mahanger and Dr. Kevin Baumlin
Sustainers
Supporter PLUS
Supporters
Alex Costabile & Susan Dando
Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP
Mary Mullany / Ballard Spahr
John Touey & Jin Cho
Friends
Benito Cachinero-Sánchez and Deborah Gorman
Bill and Mary Stock
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
Community College of Philadelphia
Jack & Lisa Heuer
Miya Choi & Leo Chang
Fans
Anonymous
Breakwater Accounting + Advisory Corp
Express Employment Professionals
Carlton L. Johnson / Archer
Ferne Kuhn
Claire Neiger / Michael T. Sosnowicz & Assoc.
Northwestern University, Office of the Provost
David Murphy & Rebecca Rathje
Anthony & Nicole Pumphrey
The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia
University City Science Center
Jim & Wendy Wenke