Spotlight February 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.

WNYALF Volunteers

A special thank you to volunteers from the Western New York Area Labor Federation (WNYALF), who brought a group of skilled workers from different labor unions to help us address needs on our campus and pledged to send us a large number of supplies in the coming months. They said they want to help an organization that works on immigration, as they realize this population is very vulnerable right now.

Click here to volunteer your time to IIB. 

Monica Ruh
Interpreting & Translation Intern

A shout-out to Monica Ruh, our newest intern working for our Interpreting and Translation team. She is currently in her last semester at Buffalo State University and will graduate with a degree in Anthropology.

Monica grew up wanting to speak many languages and began learning French throughout high school and college.

While working toward her bachelor's degree, she took courses in linguistics and gained a deeper understanding of how people communicate and how language changes over time. After studying French, she hopes to learn Spanish and Arabic next.

She is motivated to become an interpreter and translator because helping people and being active in Buffalo's diverse community are important to her. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cycling, and learning about different cultures.

Click here to learn more about our expert language services. 

Robert Masika
Employment Services Client

Congratulations to Robert Masika, who arrived in Buffalo from Kenya and began navigating the challenges of entering the U.S. workforce. With a background in leadership, administration, and management, Robert brought valuable experience but required support in translating his skills to meet U.S. employer expectations.

Robert worked closely with our Employment Team and received individualized support, including resume creation aligned with U.S. standards, interview preparation, job readiness coaching, and access to skill building and learning opportunities. 

This guidance helped him better understand the U.S. job market and strengthened his confidence throughout the hiring process.

Through persistence and continued engagement, Robert successfully secured employment with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) as a Bus Operator. This achievement represents a significant milestone in his resettlement and career journey.

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

Alexa and Isaac Mathes
International Exchanges Host Family

A special thank you to Alexa and Isaac Mathes, one of our amazing and dedicated dinner host families!

Alexa and Isaac have been welcoming visiting professionals through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for home-cooked meals, lively conversation, and meaningful cultural exchange since 2024. Their warm hospitality has introduced visitors from around the world to the true spirit of Buffalo’s “City of Good Neighbors.”

Pictured above, the family with the delegation that came to explore Disability Rights in the United States for the Near East North Africa in September 2025. However, they’ve opened their doors and their dinner table so far to 26 visitors and interpreter liaisons from countries such as Morocco, France, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and many more in just two years. With their young children joining these meals, guests get a glimpse of everyday American family life.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Alexa and Isaac for the time, generosity, and warmth they bring to a program that strengthens global connections and understanding, one meal at a time. Thank you for helping us welcome the world to Buffalo!

Click here to learn about how we connect cultures.

Ambassador Dan Foote

Thanks to Ambassador Dan Foote for kicking off the first-ever installment of our “Meet the Ambassador” lectures. Ambassador Foote recounted his personal experiences in the United States Foreign Service serving in Afghanistan, Argentina, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Great Britain, Haiti, Iraq, Luxembourg, Mexico, and Zambia. We appreciate his service to our country and his generosity in sharing his time with our audience.

IIB’s “Meet the Ambassador” lectures are an extension of the Institute’s century-long educational mission.

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