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International Institute of Buffalo (IIB)

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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Ilio Dipaolo: 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 Buffalo restaurateur and professional wrestler, Ilio DiPaolo. Ilio DiPaolo was born in Introdacqua, Italy, in 1926. At 23 years old and in the wake of World War II,…
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Ana Navarro: Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

By Education
In celebration of Hispanic 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 political strategist and commentator, Ana Navarro. Ana Navarro was born in Chinandega, Nicaragua, in 1971. At eight years old, she and her family immigrated to the United States due…
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Rizzo-Choi Speaks with BTPM on the Future of Refugee Resettlement and its Impacts on WNY

By In the Community, Media Mentions, News
  In case you missed it, Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi visited Buffalo Toronto Public Media NPR to speak with "What's Next?" host Jay Moran. In their wide-ranging interview, Rizzo-Choi explained how the annual Presidential Determination by the current federal administration reshapes refugee resettlement nationally and locally, including setting the ceiling for refugees admitted through the U.S. Refugee and Immigrant Program…
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The Refugees of Comedy Coming October 15!

By Events

A fundraiser for the International Institute of Buffalo Enjoy an evening of laughs from internationally touring comedians Thom Tran, Matt Kirshen, and Corrina Yee! Open bar with beer, wine, and soft drinks and international food from local restaurants. VIP packages available, including exclusive “meet and greet” access, liquor options, and preferred seating. Free Parking!           Comedian…

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