2024 World Heritage City Celebration
On September 4, 2024, the Global Philadelphia Association hosted the 9th annual World Heritage City Celebration—an evening dedicated to recognizing how far Philadelphia has come as a globally connected, culturally rich, and civically engaged city. Since becoming America’s first World Heritage City in 2015, Philadelphia has embraced its role on the world stage, weaving international collaboration, heritage preservation, and local pride into the fabric of city life.
This special evening paid tribute to that ongoing journey, with a spotlight on those helping to shape Philadelphia’s global future. In 2024, we were proud to honor Daniel J. Hilferty, Chairman & CEO of Comcast Spectacor, for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to elevating our city’s profile both locally and internationally.
Thank you for Celebrating with GPA
The celebration represented an evening of purpose and inspiration, where distinguished leaders, changemakers, and globally minded guests gathered under one roof to celebrate Philadelphia’s global identity. Together with 300 fellow World Heritage Cities, we not only commemorated a milestone—we set the stage for the next decade of impact.
Hilferty received the Globy Award for Distinguished Global Leadership, acknowledging his impact on Philadelphia through healthcare, sports, and civic initiatives. During a fireside chat with Bill Marrazzo, President and CEO of WHYY, Hilferty discussed leadership, community engagement, and the city’s promising future.
The Pillars of Our World Heritage City
GPA’s annual World Heritage City Celebration is a night to join together, revel in the year’s accomplishments, and honor an outstanding individual who has enriched our community.
You can expect a five-star evening, build your network, and get inspired by exceptional leaders. You’ll also fuel GPA’s efforts to grow the World Heritage City project by:
Preserving and Celebrating Historical and Cultural Assets
Educating Global Kids with Roots
Building World Heritage City Awareness and Ownership
Extending Philadelphia’s Global Reach
Co-Chairs
Yocasta Lora, State Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement, AARP Pennsylvania's Associate
Anatoli Murha, Chief Executive Officer, Ukrainian Selfreliance FCU
Young Professional Co-Chairs
Daecia Borgia, Visitor Appeal Manager, Visit Philly
Andrew Bergman, Chief Advancement Officer, OIC Philadelphia
Moravian Bethlehem's Inscription to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List
During our celebration, Global Philadelphia was pleased to recognize and congratulate the inscription of The Moravian Church Settlements to the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 26th, 2024.
The “Moravian Church Settlements” nomination includes the Pennsylvania site as
well as two sites in Herrnhut (Germany) and Gracehill (Northern Ireland, UK).
Network as a Young Professional
As a networking organization, GPA is constantly building relationships with younger leaders in Philadelphia who work towards improving the City and promoting GPA’s mission. GPA establishes connections with Philadelphia’s leaders and organizations to promote the City’s World Heritage status and bring awareness to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
This network serves as a collaborative team of GPA affiliated community leaders who have taken their talents to new heights in their careers.
Celebration Committee Members
- Paresh Birla, Chairman/President, Council of Indian Organizations in Greater Philadelphia
- Ann and David Brownlee
- Christina Chepel, Director, MFR Consultants
- Anne and Barry Eiswerth
- Layla El Tannir, Director of Entrepreneurship, The Welcoming Center
- Tammie and Ken Fulmer, President and CEO, Urban Engineers
- Val Gay, Creative Entrepreneur + Consultant, Val Gay, LLC, Spector
- Scheryl Glanton, Investment Advisor, Berkshire Hathaway
- Maurice Goodman, Senior Consultant, Gordon Policy Group LLC
- Sheila Hess, City of Philadelphia, Former City Representative
- Devon Johnston, Experience Coordinator, One Liberty Place
- Jabari Jones, President, West Philadelphia Corridor Collaborative
- Rob McNeill, Senior Partner, Deloitte and GPA Board Chair
- Jeanette Nguyen, AVP Business Banking, Bank of America
- Toyin Ogunfolaju, Director of Social Value and Equity, Jacobs’
- Ernest Owens, CEO, Ernest Media Empire
- Christine Pfister, Honorary Consul, Consulate of Switzerland in Philadelphia
- Kejsi Shahaj, GPLEX Director, Economy League of Greater Philadelphia
- Janice Sykes-Ross, President, Paul Robeson House
- Susan and John Smith
- Javier Suarez, Executive Director, Live Work Philadelphia
- Edward Thome, CEO & Executive Director, Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation
- Andy Toy, Policy Director, PACDC
- Edgar Vesgas, Director of Air Service Development and Cargo Services, Philadelphia International Airport
- Emily Wang, Realtor Century21
- Brianna Westbrooks, Government Relations Associate, Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies
- Amy Ricci, Executive Director, Historic Rittenhouse Town
- Linda and Harold Yaffe
World Heritage Sponsors
Heritage Sponsors
Community Sponsors
Patron Sponsors
Media Partners
