The World Heritage City Celebration, held every September, is a vibrant event that showcases Philadelphia’s designation as the first World Heritage City in the United States. This designation not only boosts business, culture, and tourism but also positions Philadelphia at the center of an ever-expanding circle of global connections and models for positive, sustainable change.
The 9th edition, marking Philadelphia’s international status and the anniversary of the founding of the Organization of World Heritage Cities, will take place on Thursday, September 5, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at the Crystal Tea Room.
The event will recognize Philadelphia’s crucial role in democracy and its significant cultural assets. It will also honor an individual who has made a lasting impact on the community and feature speeches from prominent leaders.
World Heritage City Celebration Honoree
- Daniel J. Hilferty
Daniel J. Hilferty is the President and CEO of Comcast Spectacor and serves as the Governor of the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League. Widely respected as a passionate and dedicated leader, he directly oversees the company’s entire portfolio, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Wells Fargo Center, and Spectacor Gaming, among others.
Hilferty also serves as Chairman of the Board of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, a nonprofit organization that will act as the governing body of the city’s Host Committee.
Professional Co-Chairs and Young Professional Co-Chairs at the World Heritage City Celebration
- Yocasta Lora
Yocasta Lora is the Associate State Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement for AARP Pennsylvania. In this role, she leads national and state initiatives through advocacy and community engagement, with the intention of creating resources that improve access to housing, transportation, and public spaces for people aged 50 and older and their families.
As a supervisor of Hispanic, LGBTQ+, Asian-American, and African-American markets, she fosters inclusion and diversity.
- Anatoli Murha
Anatoli Murha is recognized as a strategic leader in business development and financial services, where his central focus is building collaborative teams, encouraging missing conversations, and cultivating relationships with purpose.
He is the CEO of the Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union (UKRFCU), a credit union based in Philadelphia, and also serves as President of the Ukrainian-American Credit Union Association.
- Daecia-Jame Borgia
Daecia-Jame Borgia was born and raised in Voorhees, New Jersey. She attended Temple University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, English Education, in 2017. She taught English and writing for several years during and after her time at the university.
She recently earned her master’s degree in Adult and Continuing Education from Rutgers University. She hopes to use her degree to effectively tailor marketing messages and offerings, as well as to communicate and build stronger relationships in Philadelphia.
- Andrew Bergman
Andrew Bergman serves as the first Chief Advancement Officer of OIC Philadelphia, a 60-year-old organization. Working alongside Executive Director Sheila Ireland, he helps revitalize the organization to be a leader in workforce development.
Bergman, a passionate advocate, excels in fostering civic engagement in Philadelphia’s corporate and philanthropic sectors, mobilizing communities, and creating innovative revenue streams