Philadelphia’s Foreign-Born Entrepreneurs: A Conversation on Immigration and Innovation
On September 18th, 2024, WHYY hosted a dynamic event at their Philadelphia headquarters, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members to discuss the profound impact of the city’s immigrant business community. The event, moderated by Maiken Scott, host and executive producer of WHYY's "The Pulse," featured a panel of diverse voices, each sharing their journey and the ways in which immigration has shaped their personal and professional lives.
In the opening remarks, William Marrazzo, President and CEO of WHYY, underscored the importance of supporting immigrant entrepreneurs, whose businesses contribute significantly to the city’s economy and cultural fabric. He was followed by Mari Gonzalez, Senior Research Associate at the Pew Charitable Trusts, who presented recent data showing that immigrant entrepreneurs in Philadelphia are key drivers of local job creation and economic growth.
The morning's highlight was an armchair conversation between Zeke Hernandez, a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the author of The Truth about Immigration, and Anuj Gupta, the general manager of Reading Terminal Market. Hernandez shared his research and insights on how immigration policy intersects with economic opportunity, emphasizing the need for better support structures for immigrant businesses. A particularly memorable takeaway was Hernandez’s idea of “Five Key Things” that immigrants brought to Philadelphia’s economy: “Immigrants provide five essential inputs into an economy. They bring investment; they bring innovation; they bring talent; they pay taxes; and they create jobs by starting new businesses.” He added, “immigrant entrepreneurship is not just about individual success—it's about transforming entire communities.” These key points struck a chord with the audience and set the stage for a thought-provoking panel discussion.
The panel, made up of four trailblazing entrepreneurs, offered diverse and fresh perspectives. Veenu Aishwarya, founder and CEO of AUM LifeTech and AUM BioTech, spoke about the challenges of navigating the U.S. biotech industry as an immigrant from India. His company, which focuses on developing personalized medicine using nucleic acid therapeutics, has filed several patents and gained commercial recognition. “Starting a biotech company in a new country is no easy task,” Aishwarya noted. “But with perseverance and the right support, the opportunities here are boundless.”
Silvia Roldan, founder of Yaku Wear, shared a different yet equally inspiring story. Originally from Ecuador, Silvia’s business specializes in Ecuadorian artisanal products such as Toquilla hats and filigree jewelry, all made sustainably and ethically. Roldan’s passion for her heritage and commitment to fair wages for artisans was evident when she said, “It's not just about selling a product; it’s about preserving a tradition, empowering communities, and creating a more sustainable future.”
Thomas Young, CEO of the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), brought a different perspective as a leader helping minority-owned businesses access global opportunities. His transition from a career in public service and professional basketball in Germany to heading the WTCGP was a testament to the diverse paths that immigrants and their descendants can take in their professional lives.
Rounding out the panel was Mariangeli Alicea Saez, owner of Cantina la Martina and founder of Elevate, a marketing and restaurant consulting firm. Saez discussed her work in supporting Hispanic restaurant owners in Philadelphia, helping them expand their reach and elevate their brands. Her love for Mexican cuisine and her dedication to the community were clear when she described how she “found her calling by helping others succeed.”
As the event came to a close, Sarah Glover, VP of News & Civic Dialogue at WHYY, provided a powerful reminder of the importance of amplifying immigrant voices and stories in the media. The Q&A session with the audience further emphasized the need for continued dialogue on immigration and economic growth, with many attendees leaving inspired by the panelists' stories.
The event was a timely reminder of the essential role that immigrant entrepreneurs play in shaping not only Philadelphia’s economy but also its social and cultural identity. These foreign-born innovators are not only building businesses—they are building bridges between cultures, creating opportunities, and contributing to the city’s vibrancy in ways that extend far beyond the bottom line.