The 10th Annual Immigrant Welcome Awards Ceremony and Celebration was held at the Urbana Free Library on September 16, 2023. Attendees celebrated the diversity of cultures that make up our community with music and special guests. The event recognized the contributions of individuals and organizations that have created a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants in the Champaign-Urbana community. There was also a music performance by Bourema Ouedraogo and Jason Finkelman.
2023 Immigrant Welcome Award Recipients:
Business Leadership Award – Shawarma Joint
Community Impact Award – The Refugee Center
Emergent Leader Award – Citlaly Y. Stanton
Immigrant Leadership Award – Efrain Francisco Gaspar
Student Leadership Award – Flor Quiroz
The Claire Szoke Lifetime of Service Award – Pat Nolan
Special Appreciation Award – Ben Mueller
The City of Champaign recorded the program which will replay on CGTV throughout the year and is available on CGTV Online.