A Liberian Journalist residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA has been profiled amongst prominent immigrants in the State of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Massa Amelia Washington, a print journalist was recently featured by the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians as one of selected leaders from the immigrant community who through her work and advocacy continues to present a positive image of new immigrants in the United States.

Ms. Washington and others were recognized by the State of Pennsylvania’s Welcoming Center for New Immigrant at a program held on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at the Philadelphia City Hall, during the launching of the Immigrants Resource Directory and Immigrant Philadelphia Projects. Ms. Washington is profiled in the book, “Immigrant Philadelphia: From Cobblestone Streets to Korean Soap-Operas”.

Unveiling the projects, the Executive Director of the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, Anne O’Callaghan stated the importance of working with new immigrants, and said her organization was pleased to welcome to the State of Pennsylvania, immigrants who by their cultural background, and unique values, skills and experiences, made Pennsylvania a special place. She said immigrants were an important segment of the America society, and do make valuable contributions to the society.

Since coming to Philadelphia five years ago, Ms. Washington has been involved in numerous projects with the immigrant community, mainly the African-Immigrant Community. She first taught English As A Second Language (ESL), before gaining employment with the WES Corporation in the Employment Services Department, where she now serves as Lead Staff Person, and Program Supervisor. Ms. Washington is said to be instrumental in assisting many Liberians and other nationals in gaining access to legal representation.

Ms. Washington is currently a Community Advisor to the Balch Institute of Ethnic Studies of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s, African Immigrant Project. She has participated in discussions as a panelist at local universities in Philadelphia including, the University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Washington has also appeared on several television networks including the WYBE, WHYY and the Focus On Africa television program at the University of Drexel.

For more information on this story, visit the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians at (www.welcomingcenter.org).