In honor of Women’s History Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrant and refugee women who’ve helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we recognize Dutch-American Hinke Boot, whose esteemed, 20-year career as Executive Director of the International Institute of Buffalo supported countless New American Families and further established Western New York’s welcoming infrastructure.
A.M. Hinke Boot was born Anne Margriet Hinke Tuinman in May 1920, in the Netherlands. She relocated to Canada with her family after her father took a position as a diplomat in Ottawa. By the mid-1950s, the family was on the move again, following her father’s transfer to work at the Dutch embassy in Washington, D.C.
Hinke graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1960. Fluent in Dutch, French, and English, Hinke found work at Time-Life Publications in the Netherlands. There, she met Dr. Johannes C.G. Boot. In 1965, the two married and relocated to Buffalo after the University at Buffalo hired Johannes to teach.
By the mid-1980s, Hinke became Executive Director of the International Institute of Buffalo. A strong leader, she advocated on behalf of fellow immigrants and the vast benefits they bring to American communities. She is responsible for developing and launching both IIB’s Interpreting and Translation department and its program to help survivors of domestic violence. Today, these initiatives are integral in providing language access and education programs throughout the Western New York region.
In February 1999, Boot successfully worked with the Erie County Legislature to secure $20 thousand for the Institute’s social services work. In 2003, she guided the Institute through a successful recovery following a four-alarm fire that ravaged its headquarters, located in a historic mansion downtown. Ninety firefighters responded to the blaze, which caused $1.2 million in damage. Through Boot’s leadership, services were temporarily relocated but continued while the main building was renovated.
A.M. Hinke Boot served as Executive Director at the International Institute of Buffalo for nearly twenty years. She and her husband were leaders and ardent Western New York Community supporters. They inspired countless others to donate their time, talents, and resources to support New American families. This groundwork helped establish the region as the welcoming place it is today. Hinke was part of the Buffalo Science Museum’s 1970 renovation, served on the Park School’s board, and contributed to the Albright Knox Museum.
Hinke Boot passed away on February 15, 2021. She was 81.
Others we are celebrating in honor of Women’s History Month:
- Mother Cabrini, canonized Catholic sister and the patron saint of immigrants.
- Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, Psychiatrist and trailblazer for the acceptance of palliative care for the terminally ill.