News

Local Events, Stories and More

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

May 29
Love0

Carl Djerassi: 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 trailblazing scientist Dr. Carl Djerassi. Carl Djerassi was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1923. Born to physician parents, he spent his first five years in Bulgaria before moving back to…
Read More
May 29
Love0

May 2026 Newsletter!

By Newsletter
The latest from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of our May 2026 Newsletter. Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi asks that you go to a festival and help an immigrant or refugee Save the Date! Our Refugees of Comedy event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14 Congressman Tim Kennedy meets with community leaders at IIB We invite you to…
Read More
May 29
Love0

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…
Read More
May 28
Love0

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.…
Read More
May 26
Love0
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…
Read More
May 22
Love0

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…
Read More
May 21
Love0

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…
Read More
May 19
Love0

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…
Read More
May 18
Love0
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…
Read More