Martin Alfaro, founder and CEO of Alfaro Media Consulting, shared his own story of arriving in Philadelphia without knowing a single person, only to find a city that embraced him — as long as he was willing to show up and contribute. “Philadelphia has given me so much — not just in my career, but personally as well,” he said, referencing his fiancé Kyle and the community that became his home.
“I was humbled to be asked to serve as a Young Professional Co-Chair because it reflects not just my journey, but the potential of the Latino community in Philadelphia. Too often, opportunities and mentorship come from outside our community rather than within it. That’s why I’m committed to bringing people along wherever I go. I never show up alone. We must open doors for others the same way doors have been opened for us. My hope is that by stepping into roles like this, I can honor those who extended a hand to me, while helping to create more opportunities for the next generation of Latino and other young professional leaders.” — Martín Alfaro
Looking ahead: A global stage awaits
With major events on the horizon — the 250th anniversary of the United States, the FIFA World Cup, the MLB All-Star Game, and the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles — Alfaro emphasized that Philadelphia is not just preserving history, but actively shaping the future of culture, sports, and innovation.
Empowering the next generation
Alfaro praised the Global Philadelphia Association for creating platforms that give young professionals a real voice. “To build the next 250 years, we must uplift the next generation,” he said, reinforcing the idea that being a World Heritage City is as much about future impact as it is about historical recognition.
A call to keep telling our stories
In closing, Alfaro urged everyone — whether young or “slightly seasoned” — to continue sharing stories that reflect Philadelphia’s diversity, resilience, and shared pride. “Philadelphia’s best chapters are still ahead,” he declared, leaving the audience inspired to be part of the city’s unfolding legacy.