ABOUT US
The International Institute began as a branch of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) early in the 20th century, with a small staff of three, located in a five-room house near downtown Milwaukee. Today, the organization employs 11 people who assist newcomers to the country with immigration and social services, refugee resettlement, educational services, and interpretation and translation services.
During the 1920s, the organization expanded as the number of newcomers seeking services increased. Budget cuts and funding concerns led to the International Institute separating from the YWCA in 1936 and becoming incorporated under Wisconsin law as a separate social agency. The Institute’s purpose was to work with the foreign born in the field of naturalization, immigration, general orientation, and the promotion of better intercultural relations.
In 1943, the Holiday Folk Fair International was held for the first time to celebrate the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin. The event traditionally showcases music, food, dance, and art to enhance racial, cultural, and ethnic cooperation.
Today, the International Institute of Wisconsin fulfills its primary purpose with events, such as the Holiday Folk Fair, education, arts, naturalization services, and partnerships with other organizations.
The International Institute of Wisconsin is an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective through education, arts, exchange, communication, social activities, and immigration and naturalization services. The Institute initiates, coordinates, and sponsors a variety of activities and programs appropriate to the fulfillment of this primary purpose.
International Institute of Wisconsin
1110 North Old World Third Street, Suite 420
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203
Phone: 414-225-6220 • Fax: 414-225-6235 • info@iiwisconsin.org
Board of Directors
Azmi Alaeddin, Member
Alaeddin Middle East Cuisine
Kevin Armstrong, Member
Founders 3 Commercial Services
Dr. Clara Brennan, Treasurer
International Business and Education Consultants (Retired)
Dr. Mark L. Gesner, Member
Cardinal Stritch University
Luis Hernandez, Member
Urethane Systems Plus, Inc.
Kelly Jordan, Past Chairperson
M.E. Dey & Company, Inc.
Terence Miller, Member
Marquette University Office of International Education
Robert Misey, Jr., Member
Reinhart, Boerner, von Deuren
Dr. Gerald Mullins, Secretary
School Administrator (Retired)
Dr. Barbara Prindiville, Member
Waukesha County Technical College (Retired)
Dr. Kalyani Rai, Member
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Education
Donna Roeber, Chairperson
Registered Nurse (Retired)
Dr. Alexandra Sielaff, Member
Thunderbird Independent Consultants, LLC
Dr. Sebastian Ssempijja, Member
Sebastian Family Psychology
Derek Stackhouse, Member
Fields Automotive Group
Dr. Paul Trebian, Member
Independent Consultant
Friends Board of Directors
David Carter, Treasurer
Alexander P. Durtka, Jr., Executive Vice President
Barry N. James, Chair
Kelly Jordan
Pauline M. Klaffenboeck
Staff
Alexander P. Durtka Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Amanuel Abraham
Immigration Specialist
Abby D' Alberto
Health Liaison, Preferred Communities Coordinator
Tatyana Borodin
Immigration Specialist
Klara Gercaliu
Interpretation Coordinator
In-Jee Lee
International Program Coordinator
Joseph Moero
Refugee Services Coordinator
Cingsuan Neam
Community Health Worker
Eric Neitzke
Refugee Job Developer, MG Coordinator
Ampire Ntabala
Administrative Assistant
Estela Vazquez-Ornelas
Executive Assistant
Chuevang Xiong
Immigration Specialist, Director
Dildar Yahya
Refugee Services Coordinator
- International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts - CIOFF®
- International Festivals and Events Association
- Global Ties U.S.
- National Association of Japan - America Societies
- Sister Cities International
- United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
