Alumni Spotlight: Nicole Allen '04 

As Philadelphia is preparing to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, or Semiquincentennial, Nicole Allen ‘04 will be instrumental in planning city-wide programming, including the City’s Independence Day festival, and Wawa Welcome America. 

As the chief operating officer of Welcome America, Inc., Allen manages the day-to-day operations and orchestrates the logistics for the city's high-profile events, including the Wawa Welcome America festival and the Philly Holiday Experience. Her role is comprehensive, extending to all administrative functions such as human resources, finance, sponsorship, and marketing.

“I have been looking forward to 2026 and the nation’s Semiquincentennial since 2014, when I joined the board of a small nonprofit, which is now known as Philadelphia250,” said Allen. 

Next year will be the biggest in Welcome America's nearly 35-year history, with celebrations of the African American Museum’s (AAMP) 50th anniversary at the Juneteenth Block Party and events such as Kidchella, Hispanic Fiesta, concerts on the Mall, and more.

 “As was the goal all those years ago, Philadelphia will be THE place to be in 2026, and I am thrilled and honored to be part of the large group of leaders in the city that is working to make it happen,” she says.

In addition to Wawa Welcome America taking place next year, Philadelphia will play host to 6 World Cup games, the MLB All-Star Game, the PGA Championship, and NCAA March Madness. And it’s not just sports taking center stage. Several cultural institutions will celebrate key milestones, including AAMP and the Mann Music Center, and ArtPhilly will produce a citywide arts and culture festival.

Previously, White served as the director of Government and External Affairs for the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she managed government relations for city, state, and federal initiatives and worked to advance community engagement activities.