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Stay connected with International Institute of Buffalo happenings, news, interviews and other resources for the New American community and its supporters.

May 29
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Rhoda Magbitang: Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

By Education, History
As Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ends, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight award-winning executive chef, Rhoda Magbitang. Born in the Philippines, Rhoda Magbitang was raised in Antipolo City. As a child, Rhoda found deep inspiration in her…
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May 28
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Jan Koum: Jewish American Heritage Month, Recognizing Immigrants and Refugees

By Education, History, News
In celebration of Jewish Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight Jan Koum, co-founder and former CEO of WhatsApp. Jan Borysovych Koum was born on February 24, 1976, near Kyiv, when Ukraine was a communist country influenced by the Soviet Union.…
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May 26
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Japanese flag

Taste of Japan with IIB!

By Education, Events
Thursday, June 18, 2026 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM International Institute of Buffalo 864 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209 Free Parking    Tickets General Admission: $45 Good Neighbor Society Member: $35 Kids 6-12: $15 Kids 5 and Under: Free Enjoy a wonderfully festive night of Japanese culture featuring: A presentation by Honorary Consul to Japan Joe Koessler Japanese Tea Ceremony…
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May 22
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Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa: Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

By Education, History
In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight trailblazing Japanese American actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa was born in Tokyo on September 27, 1950. His mother was a Japanese actress, and his…
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May 21
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IIB Welcomes 16 New Americans from 11 Countries

By In the Community, News
We were honored to welcome 16 New Americans from 11 countries while they took their citizenship oaths at a special U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony at the Southtowns Family YMCA. Here are the countries from which these new American citizens traveled: Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Canada, China, Congo, El Salvador, Israel, Pakistan, Philippines, Tajikistan. Click here to learn more about…
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May 19
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William Steinberg: Jewish American Heritage Month, Recognizing Immigrants and Refugees

By Education, History, News
  In celebration of Jewish Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight William Steinberg, former music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO). William Steinberg was born Hans Wilhelm Steinberg in Cologne, Germany, on August 1, 1899. As a child, Steinberg…
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May 18
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Jennifer Rizzo-Choi

Rizzo-Choi Named to 2026 Nonprofit Trailblazer List

By News
Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi was among the non-profit leaders honored statewide for their exemplary work.  City & State, a media organization that covers New York’s local and state politics and policy, named Rizzo-Choi as part of its list of 2026 Nonprofit Trailblazers. According to City & State, Nonprofit Trailblazers recognizes "leaders who have dedicated their careers and lives to making…
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May 12
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Fazlur Rahman Khan: Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

By Education, History
  In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight trailblazing civil engineer and architect, Fazlur Rahman Khan – known as the “Einstein of Structural Engineering.” Fazlur Rahman Khan was born on April…
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May 08
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S. Z. Sakall: Jewish American Heritage Month, Recognizing Immigrants and Refugees

By Education, History, News
S. Z. Sakall, born Jakab Grünwald on February 2, 1883, in Budapest, Hungary, was one of six siblings. His father worked as a sculptor. Sakall discovered an early passion for theatre, demonstrated by the vaudeville-style shows he wrote as a schoolboy. He launched his professional career on stages in Budapest and Vienna, quickly becoming popular in both opera and comedy.…
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