IIB Welcomes 51 New Americans!

We were humbled and honored to have welcomed 51 New Americans from 25 countries while they took their citizenship oaths at the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony in Buffalo today. The countries in which these new American citizens traveled from are: Afghanistan, Antigua, Barbuda, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Burundi, Canada, Chile, China, Congo, Kinshasa, Egypt, …
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Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and chances are someone in your life has experienced sexual violence. Family and friends, colleagues, neighbors, and classmates carry the trauma and burden of sexual assault with them. Nationwide, 81% of women and 43% of men report experiencing sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime. Sexual violence affects all …
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Rizzo-Choi Speaks to Emerging Women Leaders at East Aurora High School!

Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi recently visited students at East Aurora High School at a forum for students interested in issues associated with women leaders in Western New York and was the keynote speaker. This is the first conference of its kind organized by students.  If you’re interested in having a member of the International Institute …
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March 2023 Newsletter

The latest and the greatest information from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of our March 2023 IIB Newsletter! Learn about: IIB’s Economic Impact The We Stand for Peace Fundraiser The Community World Trivia Competition is Looking for Teams IIB Board of Directors News A Celebration of Immigrants and Refugees during Women’s History …
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IIB in the Media! Spectrum News Buffalo

Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi spoke with Spectrum News to discuss new U.S.-Canada immigration policy that now allows Canada to send asylum seekers back to the U.S. within 14 days of crossing. Click here to watch the story.  


IIB at Hamburg High School!

Recently, Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi visited students at Hamburg High School to discuss the importance of learning languages. Speaking to about 100 Spanish and French students in grades 9-12, she explained the employment, social, and educational opportunities that arise when someone knows a language besides English. Learn more about our educational outreach! Click here to …
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The International Institute of Buffalo Announces New Board of Directors

During its recent meeting, the Board of Directors of the International Institute of Buffalo (IIB) voted to install its new members. Matthew Romagnuolo was named the new chairperson, elevated from his position as the board’s vice chair. In that position, Romagnuolo succeeds Katie Schneider, owner of Katie Schneider Photography, LLC. He is a retired Lieutenant …
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IIB Trains WNY Catholic Healthcare System Employees on Cultural Competence

Recently, IIB Director of International Exchanges and Education, May Shogan, completed a series of nine Cultural Competency training sessions for WNY’s Catholic Healthcare. Healthcare providers, technicians, and administration personnel attended the courses. The courses focused on working effectively with refugee and immigrant patients. The IIB Cultural Competency Program, offered through our International Exchanges and Education …
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Tuesday, March 14: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Professor Dr. Subhashni Raj presents at the Great Decisions Speaker Series

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has disrupted grain shipments from the major grain producer, sparked fears of global food shortages. But what about countries and regions that were suffering before this impending shortage? How is famine defined and how is it different from simple food shortages? Why is that difference important? What remedies are there? …
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We’re Updating Our Map for Adventurous Eaters!

We’re asking WNY foodies for help identifying local ethnic restaurants and international markets! To suggest a change to the map, go to Map for Adventurous Eaters Updates. The map lists ethnic restaurants and international food markets in Buffalo and its surrounding suburbs. “The Buffalo region is well-known for being a great place for food and …
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