In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the scientific, economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrants and refugees who've helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we spotlight Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Assistant Conductor Fernanda Lastra of Argentina. Fernanda Lastra was born in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Her passion for music started at just…
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In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the scientific, economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrants and refugees who've helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we spotlight Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, professionally known as Shakira. Born February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira's passion for the arts started very young. At four…
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Photo Credit: UNCR The Refugee Paralympic Team made history recently, winning its first-ever medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. They wrapped up this past weekend following ten days of intense competition. Competing in six sporting events, the dynamic refugee team included eight athletes and one guide runner. The team won bronze medals in the women's Para Taekwondo event…
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In the spirit of the 2024 Olympics Games in Paris, we’re continuing to spotlight world-class immigrant athletes who are currently or have competed for the U.S. National Team. Today, we spotlight Olympic Champion and "father of surfing," Duke Kahanamoku. Duke Kahanamoku, born in 1890 in Hawaii, was a true product of his heritage. A native Hawaiian of Polynesian descent, he was a direct…
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As the 2024 Olympics games in Paris, France, continue, we're spotlighting world-class immigrant and refugee athletes who are competing or have competed. Today, we'll spotlight Muna Dahouk, a judoka (a practitioner of judo) representing the IOC Refugee Team this summer. Born August 27, 1995, in Damascus, Syria, a young Muna Dahouk (pictured above in white) began practicing judo at the…
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With the stunning opening ceremony now complete at the 2024 Olympics games in Paris, France, we’re continuing to spotlight world-class immigrant athletes who are or have competed for the U.S. National Team. Today, we recognize U.S. long-distance runner Abdi Abdirahman, who became the oldest runner to make the U.S. Olympic team in 2020. Born on January 1, 1977, in Mogadishu,…
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In the spirit of the 2024 Olympics Games in Paris, we’re continuing to spotlight world-class immigrant athletes who are currently or have competed for the U.S. National Team. Today, we spotlight professional soccer player Catarina Macario. Born on October 4, 1999, in São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil, Catarina Macario began playing soccer early, at only four years old. Her older brother…
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With the 2024 Olympics games in Paris, France off and running, we’re continuing to spotlight world-class immigrant athletes who are or have competed for the U.S. National team. Today, we recognize a track and field competitor who gained his citizenship through military service, Paul Chelimo. Born on October 27, 1990, in Iten, Kenya, Paul Chelimo grew up with posters of…
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As the 2024 Olympics games in Paris, France, continue, we’re spotlighting world-class immigrant and refugee athletes who are competing or have competed for the U.S. National Team. Today, we spotlight seven-time Olympic Equestrian and three-time Olympic medalist, Philip Dutton. Phillip Dutton was born in Nyngan, Australia, on September 13th, 1963. Growing up on his family’s farm, Dutton was naturally introduced…
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With the highly anticipated 2024 Olympics in Paris, France finally set to kick off with tonight’s opening ceremony, we’ll be taking time over the next 16 days to recognize world-class refugee and immigrant athletes who are competing or have competed for the U.S. National Team. But today, we’ll focus on a lesser-known entry that certainly deserves its flowers just the…
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