From December 11 to 13, 2025, political, business, and social leaders from Pennsylvania gathered in New York City for the traditional annual convening of the Pennsylvania Society, a tradition dating back to 1899.
On December 12, Esperanza and Impacto, with the support of a series of sponsors, including lead sponsors Vanguard and Freedom Credit Union, hosted the ¡Juntos! – The Latin Reception of the Pennsylvania Society.
In its fourth year—and at a brand-new location—nearly 300 guests, including numerous partners, elected officials, and other nonprofits and friends of Esperanza, came together at the InterContinental New York Barclay.
Tiffany Tavarez, Esperanza Board member and event vice-chair, expressed her gratitude to attendees for their support of the organization’s work and recognized sponsors.
Vanguard’s Beth Morales-Singh, of the local North Philadelphia neighborhood Esperanza serves, and Aldustus Jordan, addressed the crowd to talk about Vanguard’s strong support for Esperanza’s work including its early childhood programs and economic mobility.
Rev. Luis Cortés, Jr., founder and CEO of Esperanza, thanked the organization’s Board of Directors, sponsors, and elected officials in attendance, including Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Councilmembers Jim Harrity, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, Quetcy Lozada. Also, in attendance that evening was Councilwoman Rue Landau, candidate for U.S. House of Representatives Carol Obando, and members of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs.
The event was made possible thanks to an outstanding group of sponsors, which also included Exude, JEVS, PECO, Customers Bank, HITN, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Withum, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, and YPTC.
Chef Roosevelt Alex Pace of Colombia delighted guests with a fusion of Latin flavors.
Community leaders rally support for councilmember Quetcy Lozada for 2027
In thanking guests present that evening, Rev. Cortés recognized the importance stance taken by the Council President to support affordable housing for the city’s poor, including those in the 7th District, which is heavily Latino.
Local leaders emphasized the importance of supporting Councilmember Quetcy Lozada in her work and in her future candidacy for 2027.
The Council President highlighted Lozada as “the hardest-working and most determined representative” he has seen in District 7, recognizing her daily commitment to improving quality of life in the community. Among her priorities, he mentioned school safety for children, regulation of mobile clinics, and addressing the drug crisis.
“She knows our community better than anyone and fights day in and day out to ensure policies meet real needs,” he affirmed, urging attendees to back her efforts.
Johnson also praised Rev. Luis Cortés, saying: “The work you’ve been doing to advocate for young people and for everyone here in Philadelphia deserves recognition… I respect your leadership and want to thank you.”
The main event, the 127th Annual Dinner, was held at the historic Waldorf Astoria, marking the return to the iconic hotel after its renovation. During the evening, the Society presented the Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement to Ambassador David L. Cohen, former U.S. Ambassador to Canada, attorney, and executive, recognized for his leadership, commitment to public service, and contributions to civic and philanthropic life.
The medal, established in 1908, is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate leadership and make significant contributions in fields such as art, science, education, and industry. In addition to the honor, the Pennsylvania Society donates to a Pennsylvania charity chosen by the medal recipient, which will be announced soon.
Although the event maintains its nonpartisan character and its goal of promoting civility and public service, in recent years it has faced criticism for the growing presence of lobbyists and for being held outside Pennsylvania. Nevertheless, the Pennsylvania Society remains a key space for networking and philanthropy, bringing together Pennsylvanians “at home and away from home” to strengthen ties and support charitable causes.
The Council President recalled his own trajectory: “I’ve been on City Council since 2001. Before that, I was the first African American to represent the Second District, which includes South and Southwest Philly. I represent the economic engine of Philadelphia: the Flyers, Sixers, Phillies, Eagles, the Navy Yard, and the airport. One of my best projects was in South Philly, where we demanded 50% participation and ended up with 67%.”
Johnson stressed that representing the city’s economic engine “means nothing if we don’t address poverty. Today we’re having a great time and will enjoy a wonderful weekend, but there are people struggling. When it came to tackling issues in Kensington and District 7, there was a young woman who made sure to speak truth to power, so her people had a seat at the table. She’s a fighter, a tireless Latina, and I want to recognize her work,” referring to Quetcy Lozada.
“It’s important that as a community we support each other, especially between Black and Latino communities. I think of my Hispanic colleagues—the most important thing is that we all work together to move Philadelphia forward,” he concluded.
The event also served to thank nonprofits for their ongoing support and to highlight collaboration among local leaders. The evening ended with music and a festive atmosphere, reaffirming a shared commitment to building a Philadelphia where every family can thrive.
Kenyatta Johnson is the current President of the Philadelphia City Council and representative of the Second District, which covers parts of Center City, South, and Southwest Philadelphia. Born and raised in South Philly, he began his public career in 1998 by creating the Peace Not Guns initiative after his cousin’s murder, to combat gun violence.
In 2008, he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he advanced legislation to improve education, reduce violence, and promote economic growth. In 2011, he joined City Council, becoming the first African American to represent the Second District. Since then, he has championed affordable housing, small business support, sustainable development, and youth programs.
In 2024, he was elected Council President, a role in which he works to reduce poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and educational disparities. He is a strong advocate for economic development, job creation, and diversity and inclusion.
Johnson is a graduate of the Philadelphia School District, with degrees in Arts (Mansfield University) and Government Administration (University of Pennsylvania), plus leadership training at Harvard. Before his political career, he volunteered with AmeriCorps and was a founding member of City Year. He is married to Dawn Chavous and is the father of two children.
