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Stay connected with International Institute of Buffalo happenings, news, interviews and other resources for the New American community and its supporters.

Sign Reads "Update"

October 2025 Newsletter

By Newsletter
The latest from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of our October 2025 Newsletter. Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi discusses the record low cap on refugee admittance How the federal budget may impact recently arrived immigrants and refugees Refugees of Comedy 2025 was a huge success! Having data to make informed decisions During October we celebrated many heritages, such…
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gifts

Adopt Family for the Holidays!

By Donations, Events
Adopt a family during the gift-giving season and make the season bright for our newest American families! They are immigrant and refugee families from all over the world, including Afghanistan, Burma, Congo, Guatemala, Iraq, Rwanda, Somalia, Syria, Tanzania, and Thailand. While they have joy and appreciation as they start life in America, many have very little in the way of…
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Dr. Francesco Giacobbe: Celebrating Italian American Heritage Month

By Education
“Remember that whatever you plant will not grow, unless you water it." –Dr. Francesco Giacobbe In celebration of Italian American Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight esteemed medical doctor and co-founder of the Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo, Dr.…
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Billy Wilder: Celebrating Polish American Heritage Month

By Education
In celebration of Polish American Heritage Month, we recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who helped shape America's vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight prolific writer and director, Billy Wilder. Billy Wilder was born Samuel Wilder on June 22, 1906, in Sucha, a small town in Galicia, Austria-Hungary (present-day Poland). An exuberant child, he…
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Dr. Israel Rabi: Celebrating Polish American Heritage Month

By Education
In celebration of Polish American Heritage Month, we recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight world-renowned Polish American, Nobel Prize-winning scientist, Dr. Israel Rabi. Israel Isaac Rabi was born in Rymanów, Poland. When he was one year old, his family immigrated to the United States…
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Mother Cabrini: Celebrating Italian American Heritage Month

By Education
In celebration of Italian American Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight the tireless work of Mother Cabrini, the canonized Catholic sister and the patron saint of immigrants. Maria Francesca Cabrina was born in Lombardy, Italy, on July 15, 1850.…
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Third Annual Sold-out Refugees of Comedy Show Brings the Laughs

By Events, News
A third-annual sold-out crowd recently enjoyed an evening of laughter, international fare, and music at Buffalo Toronto Public Media's studios — all to benefit the International Institute of Buffalo (IIB). Again, a resounding success, the Refugees of Comedy event featured established Los Angeles-based and internationally touring comedian Thom Tran, who this year also brought new friends Matt Kirshen and Corinna…
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Marcella Sembrich

Marcella Sembrich: Celebrating Polish American Heritage Month

By Education
In celebration of Polish American Heritage Month, we recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight prolific soprano singer and educator, Marcella Sembrich. Marcella Sembrich, known for her brilliant, flutelike soprano voice and remarkable range, was born at Wisniewczyk in the Polish region of Austro-Hungarian-occupied Galicia,…
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