The latest from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of our May 2025 Newsletter. In this month's newsletter: Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi on how IIB has always been the Ellis Island of Western New York IIB is now on Bluesky How you can help our new neighbors beat the heat Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage…
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Immigrants and refugees add to the vibrancy of our nation. As a nation of immigrants and refugees, America has been the historical destination of “huddled masses yearning to breathe free” and those who are persecuted for their race, religion, political opinion, gender, or social group. In these politically divisive times, it's easy to get distracted and swept up in the…
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In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we highlight Austrian American actor, Peter Lorre. Peter Lorre was born László Löwenstein in Rózsahegy, Hungary, in 1904, shortly after his parents, German-speaking Jews, relocated there for work. When he…
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In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander 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 Taiwanese scientist and inventor., Dr. Peter Tsai. Peter Tsai was born in Taiwan in 1952. Growing up on his family’s farm, he studied…
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We are seeking volunteers to serve as citizen diplomats by welcoming one to two international visitors into their homes for eight nights, from Friday, June 13, to Saturday, June 21, through the Open World Leadership program. This is a marvelous way to bring the world to your doorstep without paying for plane tickets! And citizen diplomacy is one of the most…
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In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who helped shape America's vibrant tapestry. Today, we highlight the prolific Russian American composer, Irving Berlin. Irving Berlin was born in Russia in 1888. At just five years old, he and his family, immigrated to New York while…
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In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander 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 award-winning culinarian Chef Zubair Mohajir. Zubair Mohajir was born in Chennai, India, in 1985 but grew up in Doha, Qatar. At 12, he…
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The International Institute of Buffalo (IIB) recently launched two new volunteer programs to continue our essential work of helping new neighbors acclimate and integrate into Western New York. Employment Buddies and Conversation Club team volunteers with IIB clients on the ground level in small groups or one-on-one to work on resumes, apply for jobs, practice casual English, and foster friendships.…
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In honor of Jewish 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 highlight German American inventor and innovator, Emile Berliner. Emile Berliner was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1851, one of 13 siblings. Following family tradition, he initially completed an apprenticeship…
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With the winter season, snow, ice, and other challenges finally in the rearview mirror, IIB wants to connect clients with fans and strollers to help folks get out and about and enjoy the summer season with their families. We’ll collect donations of new, gently used, or lightly loved fans and strollers over the next 45 days. Strollers will be…
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IIB would not be able to make WNY a better place for and because of immigrants and refugees if it were not for the great people on our team and in the community.
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