Meet Chiara Moslow

Chiara Moslow, Integration Services Case Manager

A Fordham ’17 graduate returning to her Buffalo roots, Chiara works in New American Integration helping the Institute’s clients adjust to their new lives in Western New York.

What are your academic credentials/career path you’ve taken to get to the Institute? How have they prepared you for your position?

[Chiara Moslow]: I graduated last May from Fordham University where I studied International Political Economy.  Definitely influenced by my roots in Buffalo, I was interested in connecting my econ and poli sci courses with immigration and refugee issues.  I centered my senior thesis and other coursework on the economic impact of refugees, as well as some fun experience volunteer teaching ESL in the Bronx and Istanbul.  My research on the economic benefits of refugees in Buffalo definitely prepared me with some of the background knowledge for this position, and the ESL work has helped me a lot through experience working with similar groups to my current clients.

What would you say is the most rewarding thing about working at an organization like the Institute?

[CM]: Since my work mainly consists of working one-on-one with clients, I would say it is most rewarding when exciting things happen for them—anything from doing well in an interview to achieving a breakthrough in their language skills. 

What is the first word that comes to mind when I say “International Institute of Buffalo”?

[CM]: Good neighbors.

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of (at work or outside of work) Why?

[CM]: So, Fordham has this really great program called Global Outreach.  Global Outreach projects are student service and immersion trips, but what makes it unique is the commitment a project requires.  Each trip involves a semester of meeting with your team and preparing for the project by educating yourself about the culture, and studying about the complexities of and problems with service.  My senior year, I led a Global Outreach project to Ukraine.  I spent the semester preparing readings on social justice topics and leading team discussions, then acted as our liaison to organize activities, etc. with our hosts in Ukraine. This project was a huge breakthrough for me and helped me learn a lot about my leadership abilities and navigating my role in service/international work.

Since the Institute works with diverse people from all over the world, can you share with us your own heritage? First generation?  Second?  Third?

[CM]: I know a bit more about my Mother’s Italian heritage than my Dad’s side.  My mom’s grandfather emigrated from a little town in Italy.  I hope to go there and see it in the future.  My dad’s side, it’s been interesting trying to figure out, because we’re not totally sure.  But we think they were Jewish German and Russian.

Given the international nature of the Institute, have you traveled abroad? Any places on your bucket list?

[CM]: Other than Canada [laughs], the first time I traveled abroad was when I was 14 to China.  I went by myself to meet an exchange student that stayed with us here, and that was a pretty scary, stressful experience.  I like to think I have become a better traveler since then.  I studied abroad in Istanbul for a semester, so of course my heart lies in Turkey.  But I’ve also travelled to Jordan, Cuba, Guatemala, Prague, Budapest, Germany, London, etc.  Somewhere that I would love to go to is Patagonia.

Favorite food?

[CM]: My favorite international food is kind of a whole meal – Turkish breakfast—this whole spread of bread, cucumbers, tomatoes, different types of cheese, olives, honey and kaymak.

Favorite book?

[CM]: Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things.

What can you tell me about your life away from the Institute?

[CM]: I have a lot of hobbies and tend to skip around from one to the other, trying to fit it all in… I really enjoy hiking, camping and enjoying the outdoors.  I love discovering new music and discovering new food.  I also play piano.

What three traits would you say define you?

[CM]: Understanding, kind and observant.