Autor: Danielle Gauthier

By Alexandra Weber, Senior Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer at the International Institute of New England

At IINE, we are so fortunate to be surrounded by a community of passionate supporters who want to make a difference in the lives of refugees and immigrants. Our volunteers, in particular, play a critical role in ensuring our clients receive the help they need, from assisting ESOL students to mentoring refugee youth, driving clients to medical appointments and job interviews, delivering groceries, setting up apartments, and so much more. We couldn’t serve thousands of refugees and immigrants every year without their support.  

Many people are often surprised to hear, therefore, that volunteering isn’t the only way to have a real and tangible impact on refugee and immigrant families. In fact, supporting IINE through donations goes just as far—if not further—in helping the newcomer populations we serve. Educating yourself on the facts about immigration, getting the truth out in private and public conversations and advocating for support from your elected representatives are also powerful ways to support our newest neighbors. If you are interested in getting involved, but don’t know where to start or how to have the most impact, this post is for you!  

Every Dollar Counts – More Than You Know

When you donate, you ensure refugee and clients receive professional, trauma-informed services 

How do professional services help people? The process to apply for public benefits, including cash assistance, food, and healthcare, is complex and hard to navigate – especially for non-native English speakers. IINE’s refugee and immigrant clients would not be able to access critical basic benefits without the support of our trained, professional, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural staff. Our professional care specialists are also equipped to navigate highly sensitive topics, provide trauma-informed care, and ensure confidentiality. While many of our supporters are eager to provide direct service to our clients, it requires significant training, expertise, and sensitivity to do so. When you choose to donate funds, you ensure that refugees and immigrants are receiving the expert help they desperately need to build a better life in our communities.  

Crises are certain to come, but public funding is not – you can bridge the gap  

One thing that we know with certainty is that human displacement worldwide is growing. As conflicts and climate change continue to force people away from their homelands, families and individuals will continue to risk their lives in pursuit of safety— and IINE will be here for them. However, there is no similar enduring commitment of federal and state funding. In recent years especially, as U.S. immigration policies have shifted profoundly and unpredictably, the amount of funding we receive has, too. To withstand fluctuations in funding so we can respond to all in need, IINE relies on ongoing support from our communities and donors – from people like you. When you give, you help ensure we will be able to welcome, embrace, and provide the highest standard of service to those in need now and to those yet to come. 

Your Voice Matters

When you educate yourself your community, and your representatives, you help change harmful narratives around immigration and immigrants 

Public conversations around immigration are often heated, politicized, and dangerously, filled with inaccuracies. Educating yourself on the immigration process, the level of support refugees and immigrants receive, and how they pay that support back in dividends—and then sharing this information with others—can help create a shift in public opinion. Start with correcting these common misunderstandings: 

Myth: The process to legally enter the U.S. and to stay is easy.  

Reality: This is far from the case. For refugees, the process to come to the U.S. is offered to very few, entails multiple steps, and often takes years (see our blog post, “Explainer: The U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program” to learn more). For many other immigrants eligible for U.S. entry, the complexity and cost of the application process for authorization is intense. Once here, many refugees and immigrants experience an uphill battle to adjust temporary status to a more permanent status that will allow them to stay in the country, and once applications are filed, they can take years to process. Around ten years ago, in 2012, the average processing time from application to approval of citizenship was 4.6 months. By 2023, the wait had tripled in length to 15.5 months.   

Myth: Many immigrants are criminals. 

Reality: There is no evidence to support the argument that there are higher levels of criminality among immigrant populations. In fact, studies have shown the opposite. A largescale study from 2018 found that as immigration grew in major U.S. cities from 1970 to 2010, the crime rate decreased.  

Myth: Immigrants receive an unfair level of support from the government and are a drain on the U.S. economy.  

Reality: Many refugees and immigrants have endured unimaginable hardships and long, dangerous journeys to come to the U.S. When they first arrive, many receive basic support to stabilize through eligibility for programs such as food stamps. The majority of immigrant families that receive support contribute to our economies across a lifetime in return. According to a recent report from the American Immigration Council, in 2021, immigrants in the U.S. had a collective spending power of $1.4 trillion and paid $525 billion in taxes. Newcomers strengthen our workforce, filling roles in healthcare, STEM, construction, environmental services, and more, and 22% of entrepreneurs nationwide were born outside of the U.S. In many New England states, immigrants are the key and often only strategy to combat a shrinking workforce. Our local and national economies depend on immigrants.     

Learn more in our blog post:  “10 Common Myths About Immigrants and Refugees” 

Thank you for your interest in supporting refugees and immigrants in our community. Learn more about these issues by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media, and make a life-changing impact when you donate today.  

Dr. Caforio is recognized for his contributions to the healthcare industry in the U.S.

BOSTON – December 6, 2023 – The International Institute of New England (IINE) announced Dr. Giovanni Caforio, Executive Chairman of the Board and former CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, as the recipient of the 42nd Golden Door Award. The prestigious award is given annually to a leader born outside the United States who has made outstanding contributions to American society. Caforio will be honored at The Golden Door Award Gala held on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston.

“We thank Dr. Caforio for accepting the 42nd Golden Door Award and for his extraordinary leadership at Bristol Myers Squibb. Under his leadership, the organization has revolutionized the way we treat cancer,” said Jeff Thielman, President and CEO of the International Institute of New England. “Dr. Caforio exemplifies the drive and compassion of refugees and immigrants celebrated through the Golden Door Award, which honors their tremendous contributions to American society.”

Dr. Caforio served as Bristol Myers Squibb’s Chief Executive Officer from May 2015 to October 2023. Born and educated in Italy, Dr. Caforio has been dedicated to leading Bristol Myers Squibb’s efforts in researching and developing groundbreaking medicines. Joining in 2000 as Vice President and General Manager in Italy with the Worldwide Medicines Group, Dr. Caforio then added responsibility for Greece and Israel in 2001, and for Southeast Europe in 2003. In 2007, he relocated to the U.S. and assumed the role of Senior Vice President of U.S. Oncology.

Behind a leading portfolio of immunotherapies that are fundamentally changing the way cancer is treated, the former physician has helped strengthen Bristol Myers Squibb’s patient-focused culture—one driven by innovation, speed, accountability, and passion. As a leader, he is focused on the business value of a company culture that promotes and rewards diversity and inclusion.

“A dedicated physician, leader, and visionary, Giovanni is truly a worthy recipient of this award,” said Ted Samuels, Lead Independent Director at Bristol Myers Squibb and GDA Host Committee member. “As an immigrant himself, Giovanni has supported the diverse experiences and perspectives of our employees. He has also been at the helm of Bristol Myers Squibb’s commitment to diversifying our clinical trials to help the populations most in need. Giovanni wholeheartedly believes in continuing to develop treatments and medicines for everyone, everywhere.”

“Thank you to the International Institute of New England for this incredible recognition,” said Dr. Giovanni Caforio, Executive Chairman of the Board and former CEO at Bristol Myers Squibb. “I am honored to join a long list of highly accomplished refugees and immigrants representing diverse professions in academia, music and culture, the political arena, biotech and more, all celebrated for their integral role in elevating their communities in the U.S.”

In receiving the Golden Door Award, Dr. Caforio joins a distinguished list of past recipients, including 2023 honoree Dr. Srikant M. Datar, Stéphane Bancel, Dr. Reshma Kewalramani, Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Dr. Rafael Reif, Dr. Joseph Aoun, Justice Margaret Marshall, Yo-Yo Ma, An Wang, Stephen Mugar, I.M. Pei and more.

SOBRE EL INSTITUTO INTERNACIONAL DE NUEVA INGLATERRA

El Instituto Internacional de Nueva Inglaterra (IINE) crea oportunidades para que los refugiados y los inmigrantes tengan éxito a través del reasentamiento, la educación, la promoción profesional y las vías hacia la ciudadanía. Con sedes en Boston y Lowell (Massachusetts) y Manchester (New Hampshire), el IINE atiende anualmente a más de 10.000 personas, entre ellas desplazados por la inestabilidad política, la violencia y las crisis climáticas, niños y adultos supervivientes de la trata de seres humanos y menores no acompañados que se reúnen con familiares en Nueva Inglaterra. El IINE ofrece una amplia gama de programas y servicios para ayudar a estos recién llegados a sentirse bienvenidos, lograr estabilidad y seguridad, y acceder a recursos en sus nuevas comunidades; avanzar en sus objetivos de educación y empleo; e integrarse en sus comunidades. La experiencia del IINE se basa en más de un siglo de servicio, y con la continua colaboración de grupos comunitarios y el apoyo de filántropos de toda Nueva Inglaterra, el IINE continuará prestando este servicio durante los próximos 100 años y más allá.

The Golden Door Award has been an IINE tradition for more than 50 years honoring a person born outside the U.S. that has made outstanding contributions to American society. Our annual gala is an occasion that calls us to stand together in celebration of the achievements of immigrants who have played an integral role in our communities, economy, and society. Learn more about the 2024 Golden Door Award Gala here.

We caught up with a handful of staff celebrating work anniversaries to hear what initially brought them to the International Institute of New England, how their roles and the organization have evolved since then, and what they enjoy most about the work today.

Emma Pond, Career Navigator

Celebrated her 1-year work anniversary in 2023

What first inspired you to join IINE? 

Before working at IINE I worked for the International Rescue Committee in New York. I had just spent a year working in the city and three months working at Lifting Hands International in Greece. I knew I wanted to keep working in resettlement, and soon found IINE. I was impressed by the history of IINE and the work IINE does in New England.  I was so excited when I got an interview for a Career Navigator position!

One year later, how have your role and IINE changed?

My role has changed over the course of my first year here. I started as a Teaching Assistant to the Career Navigator running the MassHire program, Ready, Set, Service! (RSS). Soon after, I started working with the clients directly to find jobs and recruit for the next cohort. I have now taught two cohorts of RSS and six Driver’s Ed courses. The most recent RSS class graduated on 11/17/23 and now I start the next chapter of finding job placements.

What do you enjoy most about your role today? 

My favorite part of my job is teaching. I love connecting with the students and feeling like I am contributing something useful. When students in my class form friendships and support each other, that makes me even happier. Driver’s Ed, which I started teaching in May of this year, has been a surprisingly fun and rewarding part of my job as well. Driver’s Ed is only four days but in those four days, students learn what they need to know to pass the Permit Exam. It is extremely rewarding to see students take the class, pass their exam, and then write to me that they have passed their driving test and are now licensed. Having a license opens the door to so much; being a small part of that newfound agency is very special.

Yusuf Abdi, Manager, Career Services

Celebrating his 10-year work anniversary in 2024

What first inspired you to join IINE? 

America is a nation of immigrants that, at its core, embraces newcomers and gives them the opportunity to rebuild their lives. IINE supports this work by welcoming refugees and people who have been forced to leave their homelands. As a refugee myself, I wanted to be part of this work.  

I joined the Career Services Team because finding employment is a fundamental step for immigrants to become self-reliant and independent. Jobs are key to paying rent, owning a car, and living in their new communities with dignity.  

The opportunity to support refugees and immigrants inspires me daily in my role. For everyone who works at IINE, it is more than just a job – we are all working together to achieve the goal of helping newcomers to our country.  

Nearly ten years later, how have your role and IINE changed?

When I joined the Lowell office as an Employment Specialist, we were a team of two. When the administration changed in 2016, our team decreased to just me. It was a very difficult moment in time. Since then, thankfully, we have grown a lot – and we had to, to support the large influx of Afghan immigrants [in 2021]. Today, we are a team of seven.  

I have moved up from a Specialist, to a Lead, to now the Manager of the team. Throughout my time at IINE, I have learned so much, and I am grateful to have been provided with many training opportunities.  

What do you enjoy most about your role today? 

Seeing our clients start with nothing, in many cases, and become self-sufficient – that always motivates me. Over the years, I have watched newly arrived clients, who I helped find jobs, go on to buy cars, enroll their children in school, and then their children graduate and go on to university. It is amazing to see this growth. And our clients are so appreciative. That’s what keeps me doing this work.  

I also enjoy building bridges between our clients and local employer partners. Not only do I get to help our clients, I get to help the local economy, and employers thank us for supporting their businesses. For instance, during the pandemic, many healthcare providers needed staffing quickly. They reached out to me, and we were able to play a tremendous role in connecting them with our clients and fulfilling their needs in a short time.  

Lastly, I really enjoy the community that exists at IINE. Everyone that first comes to us is experiencing a transition period. They aren’t yet self-sufficient and they need temporary support. Our clients understand this, and as they become more self-sufficient, they help others. So our Congolese clients have gone on to help our Afghan clients, and now our Afghan clients are helping our Haitian clients. They are driving them to appointments, welcoming them to the neighborhood – there is trust between them, even though they all come from very different backgrounds, because they share a connection through IINE. Seeing that willingness to give back, it’s very meaningful. We are a family here. 

Pam Seremet, Education Program Specialist

Celebrated her 3-year work anniversary in 2023

What first inspired you to join IINE? 

In 2013, I went back to school to get my master’s because we had an international program at a private school I was teaching at and I thought it would be good to study ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) to help out with that program. In 2016, I received my master’s in education with a concentration in ESOL. I was planning on “retiring” from elementary school and moving upstairs to be the high school ESOL support. However, in 2018, the school closed. So… I was looking for a place that I could use my ESOL skills to help students succeed. When I read the mission statement of IINE, I knew it was a place I wanted to be a part of.

Three years later, how have your role and IINE changed?

I was hired in October of 2020, in the midst of COVID. We had four classes and I taught two of them. Three of the classes were on Zoom, and I had six Literacy students in person that I had to teach how to use Zoom on their phones so the Literacy/Beginner class could still meet via Zoom. By January, we were all on Zoom. Then I split the Literacy and Beginners groups because of the big gap between the two groups. Today, we have seven ESOL classes, two classes for Healthcare, and an LNA (Licensed Nursing Assistant) class. We also have more teachers and support staff on the Education team since when I started. We have expanded from our office on Pine Street to Brookside Church and St. Raphael’s School to accommodate the bigger classes and yet we still have a long waiting list of adults who want to learn English!

The other piece of my job is curriculum. I have been in the process of writing curriculum for our three ESOL levels so that if a student enters our program in Level 1, they can flow continuously through the three levels and have a solid foundation of phonics, reading, grammar, writing, speaking and listening when they graduate from our program. I review curriculum to pick the best options for our students. Since there is no ONE curriculum that covers it all, I am always looking for outside resources to supplement and enhance the curriculum.

What do you enjoy most about your role today? 

I love my job at IINE! I love helping my students improve in the many facets of English! I feel satisfied when they meet one of their goals and celebrate with them. When I see students struggling, I try to implement opportunities to practice those skills and encourage them to continue moving forward. I enjoy collaborating with the others on the Education Team. We share thoughts and ideas, build on each other’s suggestions, and divide and conquer duties when needed! I’m so grateful for my job and the people I work with at IINE!

CJ Mbaike, Budget Analyst

Celebrated his 1-year work anniversary in 2023

What first inspired you to join IINE? 

Three years later, how have your role and IINE changed?

My role has transformed significantly: from self-growth to team and company growth, I have transitioned into an integral part of the Finance Team and being a team player to support IINE’s mission.

What do you enjoy most about your role today? 

Kate Bertino, Managing Attorney

Celebrated her 3-year work anniversary in 2023

What first inspired you to join IINE? 

Three years later, how have your role and IINE changed?

When I first started at IINE as an Associate Attorney, the Immigration Legal Services Department was a team of three. Since then, I have been promoted to Managing Attorney and oversee three people out of a team of nine. It’s been exciting watching our program grow and continue to provide quality legal services.

What do you enjoy most about your role today? 

Interested in joining our team? Our collaborative, team-oriented environment offers opportunities to serve refugees and immigrants, while learning from other staff and departments. View career opportunities here. 

Dedicated donors make the International Institute of New England’s work supporting thousands of refugee and immigrant families possible. Hear from donors about their personal connections to IINE and the reasons they are compelled to support our mission.

Wade Rubinstein

Leadership Council Member

“It was at a Suitcase Stories® event back in 2017 that I first learned about the International Institute of New England. I was so moved by the stories I heard, I became an IINE volunteer in Lowell tutoring recent arrivals in English. It is a singularly American experience to sit in an IINE classroom with twenty people of different nationalities, genders, and ages learning English together.

As the son and grandson of immigrants to the United States, I feel compelled to help people seeking a better life for themselves and their families. My wife, Jill Block, and I are committed to supporting IINE’s mission with our philanthropic giving. It’s a joy to know that our contributions are helping people from all over the world settle in New England and build productive lives.”

A presenter shares her journey at a Suitcase Stories® event

Pam Chung

ESOL Tutor

“Immigrants, often refugees, arrive in the U.S. bewildered, frightened, and overwhelmed. They come here with hopes for a better life than the one they left, and many really had no choice. I was lucky to be born and raised here and I am glad to share my good fortune with others who have had a challenging path.

IINE provides tools for immigrants to succeed, and we benefit from them being here. Take a look around and see who is providing services at restaurants, hotels and airports, not to mention health care, and more. It is important for me to help provide people with the tools they need to succeed in this new, foreign world. And it is fun and gratifying for me to learn from them. There is much to be gained from the friendship and assistance of these newly arrived members of our society, and I believe strongly that I, and you, should donate to IINE to help it continue its work. The International Institute does a marvelous job, under a great deal of pressure, with grace, care and good humor. ”

A student in our Certified Nursing Assistant training program

Annie and Bob Schmalz

Long-Time Supporters

“After the 2016 election we were horrified with the anti-immigrant rhetoric and activity and began to look for ways to help refugees. We learned of IINE at that time. We brought a program from IINE to our continuing care retirement community, Carleton-Willard, and collected items to be donated. I attended an annual award banquet in Boston. Our son is an attorney for INS and we are aware of what is going on from that point of view. Our connection to IINE is a tangible way that we can do something. ”

Julianne Mehegan

Dedicated Supporter

“I support the International Institute of New England because of its long track record and proven results in helping immigrants and refugees. IINE has developed programs to support these newcomers and ensure they get the health care, language skills and training needed to become productive citizens. Now more than ever the services of IINE are needed to smooth the way for new generations of immigrants.”

Our ESOL students receive help from teachers and tutors

Refugees and immigrants find safety and hope in our region because of supporters like you. Please consider donating today. 

Can you share a bit about yourself? 

I was born and raised in southern Maine. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology and a Master of Education from the University of Maine, and then an M.B.A. from the Tuck School at Dartmouth College. Shortly after, in 1982, I moved to Boston, and I have been here ever since! My husband and I raised our three children on Beacon Hill. We have a long history with the city and feel lucky to call it home.  

In terms of my career, my first role after coming to Boston was at Bain & Company, a management consulting firm. I stayed there for more than a decade, ultimately becoming a Partner, before moving to Genzyme Corporation. At the time, it was a fledgling biotech company. During my 18 years there, I had multiple roles, including leading global business strategy and operations for the Biosurgery division, and helping develop a start-up genetic diagnostics business. It was a wonderful organization and culture, and being able to help so many people from a healthcare perspective was truly a highpoint of my career. Since retirement, I have primarily been engaged with board work, supporting a number of life sciences and nonprofit organizations.  

Tell us about your journey to the International Institute of New England.  

As a small-town kid from Maine, joining global companies such as Bain and Genzyme really expanded my perspective. I had a chance to travel around the world and meet people from backgrounds very different from my own. That helped me form a more global point of view.  

The first time I learned of IINE was when the organization honored Henri Termeer, a Dutch immigrant and CEO of Genzyme, at the Golden Door Award gala. I became more familiar with IINE through Zoltan Csimma, who oversaw human resources at Genzyme, and would become IINE’s Board Chair for many years. With each event I attended and conversation I had, I became increasingly impressed by IINE’s incredible work and impact. I became a member of the Leadership Council and stayed engaged in that way until this year, when I took on the role of a board member.    

What do you consider the most important contributions of a board member? 

Naturally, there are governance and fiduciary responsibilities. IINE is very well-run and effective in those areas, so I think the most important aspect of my role as a board member becomes the advisory responsibility – helping IINE remain focused on its mission and its future. It has been exciting to take on this role while IINE is in the midst of developing a new strategic plan and preparing to increase its investment in private philanthropy. I have been so impressed by how IINE has risen to challenges over the years. Ensuring we can continue to weather any storms that come our way requires strong fundraising, and I am looking forward to supporting this work.  

I think IINE has done a commendable job of assembling a board of very talented individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives. It creates a robust dialogue. I’m looking forward to bringing my career perspective and philanthropy expertise to bear on our work as a group.  

What excites you most about IINE’s future? 

I’m a lifelong learner, so more than anything, I’m excited to learn! IINE’s business model is very complex, in terms of the multiple funding streams. Everyone has worked incredibly hard to get IINE to the level of impact it has reached today, where the organization is serving thousands of refugees and immigrants. I look forward to learning from my fellow board members and IINE leadership.  

What inspires your philanthropy? 

My sister and I were raised by an incredible mom, who supported our family on her own as a dedicated schoolteacher. With my family’s support, as well as a number of wonderful opportunities and scholarships, I was able to succeed. I feel very fortunate, and it’s important for me to give back, to help others find opportunities and success, too.  

El Consejo de Administración del IINE está formado por líderes empresariales y comunitarios de toda Nueva Inglaterra. Vea a nuestros miembros y equipo directivo aquí.