Spotlight April 2025

IIB would not be able to make WNY a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees were it not for our team, the community, and those we serve.

In Memoriam
Leonard Szczesny

We honor the memory of longtime volunteer, Leonard Szczesny, who recently passed away. He and his wife, Anne, hosted international visitors in their home for decades. He will be very dearly missed.

Interns from
UB's School of Social Work 

This year, we have had the help of three great students from UB’s School of Social Work, Yin Sensai Son, Danielle Garratt, and Jory Robins. They learned core skills that will serve them through their burgeoning careers but have also developed a personal passion for the community that they have served during their internship.

Click here if you want to intern with us!

Hussain Yousef Najib
Employment Services Client

The Employment team is proud to highlight the success story of one of our clients, Hussain Yousef Najib.

Hussain arrived in Buffalo in September from Syria, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in sewing. As he began the resettlement process, the Employment team worked closely with him to support his transition and prepare him for the U.S. workforce.

After successfully completing our Job Club (IIB's job readiness program),  

Hussain secured his first job in the United States as a tailor with Chayban Tailors. He officially started his new role in March.

We congratulate Hussain on this important milestone and wish him continued success on his career journey!

 Click here to learn more about how we can help augment your organization's workforce with highly motivated employees.   

Muhammad Rafik Abdul Ghani
Interpreter of Rohingya, Burmese, and Malay

Muhammad was born in Myanmar (Burma), where his family fled because the government persecuted the Rohingya minority. He registered as a refugee in Malaysia in 2008 and finally got the chance to resettle in the United States in September 2022.

He learned languages at school, by studying books, through friends, and on television. His primary motivation for becoming an interpreter was to help people communicate effectively by bridging language barriers.

“I find deep satisfaction in facilitating understanding and connection between individuals who might otherwise struggle to interact due to different languages; this often stems from a passion for languages, cultural curiosity, and a strong sense of empathy,” Muhammad says.

A life-long learner, his hobbies include reading, writing, photography, playing music, gardening, traveling, playing sports, volunteering, learning new languages, watching movies, playing video games, attending live events, and collecting items like art or antiques. 

Click here to learn more about our expert language services.

Peach

This pooch is Peach, standing guard on our stairway. The goldendoodle (part golden retriever and part poodle) is the sweet companion of Human Resources Director Carrie Florea.

"The International Institute of Buffalo makes Western New York a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees."