Spotlight January 2026

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.

Lisa Marie Cahill
Preferred Communities Program Manager

This month, we are excited to celebrate the work of Lisa Marie Cahill, the dedicated Preferred Communities Program Manager on our New American Integration team.

In providing extended medical case management to refugee clients, Lisa brings compassion, advocacy, and a steady commitment to uplifting the clients we serve.

Lisa celebrates four years at IIB this February. Her favorite part of working at IIB is simple and powerful: helping clients face complex challenges to receive the care and support they would never get without an advocate.

Originally from Massachusetts, Lisa moved to Buffalo in 2006. When asked what’s kept her here, she laughs, “It’s the people that I love about Buffalo. Real friendships with genuine people make up for the weather.”

Outside of IIB, Lisa loves brunching with friends and spending treasured time with her granddaughter, who brings joy to her weekends.

Click here to learn more about our NAI team and how they help our clients get adjusted to their new lives.  

Janeta Turner
Health Literacy Intern

A very special thank you to Janeta Turner, our Health Literacy Intern!

Janeta was born in Elhovo, Bulgaria, and moved to the United States at the age of 10. She speaks English and Bulgarian and is currently pursuing her degree in Allied Health at Empire State University. She also brings valuable experience from her work as a dental hygienist.

Janeta chose to intern with IIB because its mission closely aligns with her values.

Having immigrated to the U.S. without knowing English, she understands how challenging it can be to adapt to a new culture. Through our Health Literacy programs, she shared her knowledge with refugees and immigrants on important health topics, including oral health.

Outside of school and work, Janeta enjoys walking in nature, gardening, traveling, relaxing on the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

Click here to learn more about the many ways we help educate our community.

Muhebullah Moobram
Employment Services Client

Muhebullah arrived in Buffalo from Afghanistan as part of his resettlement journey and worked closely with the International Institute of Buffalo Employment team to prepare for entry into the U.S. workforce.

Through individualized career guidance, interview preparation, and ongoing encouragement, he remained focused and motivated throughout his job search.

After participating in employment-readiness support and interview 

preparation, Muhebullah successfully secured a position as a mechanic with Sherwood Electromotion Inc. following a competitive interview process.

We congratulate him on this important milestone and wish him continued success in his new role!

Click here to learn more about how we help people who are foreign-born become productive members of the American workforce. 

Michela Belcastro
Legal Intern

Michela Belcastro did an externship with us through UB Law School.

Our Legal team enjoyed having Michela intern with them, as she demonstrated strong ethics and a high level of maturity.  She worked with our Ukrainian clientele because she speaks Russian and because there is a great need for someone specifically dedicated to that clientele.

Working closely with our Ukrainian coordinator, she helped fill out client forms, assisted them in writing their statements, researched country

conditions, and assembled their files for mailing to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  

We congratulate her on a job well done and hope she will think of us when she returns from her semester abroad.

Click here to learn about our legal work, including how IIB is paving the way for attorneys and others to help immigrants in need.

Muferiha Taye
Amharic and Oromo Interpreter

Muferiha Taye was born and raised in Ethiopia. Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, is her native language. She started learning Oromo when she was a child.

She came to the United States six years ago through marriage to her husband, who is a US citizen.

Realizing how important clear communication is, she decided to become an interpreter for IIB to help families, neighbors, and other community members whenever they need translation or interpretation.

She says she’s committed to using her language skills responsibly, continuing to improve her English, and serving her community with respect, accuracy, and cultural understanding.

Aside from interpreting, she enjoys learning new skills and helping others. She also loves spending time with her family, watching YouTube videos (especially documentaries), and going to the mosque and engaging in spiritual activities, which help her stay grounded, focused, and balanced.

Click here to learn more about our expert language services. 

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