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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 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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May 07
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Donations Needed

By Donations
  At this time we are not holding open donation hours on site. To coordinate your drop offs, please contact our donations team at: donations@iibuff.org Although our refugee resettlement program has seen challenges over the last few years, we are still working to assist our newest neighbors integrate as valued members of our community. The International Institute of Buffalo has…
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May 06
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IIB Welcomes 20 New Americans from 12 Countries

By In the Community, News
We were honored to welcome 20 New Americans from 12 countries while they took their citizenship oaths at the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony in downtown Buffalo. Here are the countries from which these new American citizens traveled: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Canada, Congo, Dominican Republic, Iraq, Pakistan, Philippines, Tajikistan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Click here to learn more about…
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May 05
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Ronny Chieng: 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, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight award-winning comedian, actor, and writer Ronny Chieng. Ronny Chieng was born in 1984 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, into a Malaysian Chinese family. Growing…
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May 04
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2026 Community World Trivia Results: The Bird Brains Defend Title of “Buffalo’s Most Globally Smart!”

By Events
It was another rollicking night of trivia, as 14 teams battled it out to compete for the title of "Buffalo's Most Globally Smart," and results are officially in! Our 21st consecutive year of hosting, Roswell Park's Gaylord Cary Conference Room was the venue for teams from across the region to once again test their knowledge, show their enthusiasm, and enjoy…
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Apr 30
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April 2026 Newsletter!

By Newsletter
The latest from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of our April 2026 Newsletter. Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi discusses how Buffalo's immigrant and refugee community leaders help us serve our foreign-born neighbors We invite you to celebrate the culture of India with IIB! Results from Model United Nations Arab American Heritage Month Welcoming New Americans Having data to…
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Apr 29
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Hassan Kamel Al-Sabbah: Arab American Heritage Month, Recognizing Immigrants and Refugees

By Education, News
In honor of Arab 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 spotlight prolific inventor, Hassan Kamel Al-Sabbah. Hassan Kamel Al-Sabbah was born in Lebanon in 1894. He displayed considerable intellectual abilities as a child. His commitment to his studies earned…
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