| Vol. 8, No. 6 October 2018 |
   
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October 19 Conference on Immigrant Brain Waste
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Tackling employment among talented immigrant professionals
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| (On left) Moutasim M. Suliman, an agricultural engineer in his native Sudan, is a recent graduate of the Institute's Career Advancement for Immigrant Professionals (CAIP) class. Here, he practices his networking and job interview skills. Wayne Crosslin/International Institute. |
Recent reports reveal that more than 50% of local employers have openings in STEM positions. A significant increase in STEM and healthcare job openings is expected through 2026. At the same time, a recent study funded by the William T. Kemper Foundation reveals that thousands of local foreign-born workers have university degrees, which are not being utilized.
Register here for "Decoding the Potential: Promoting Regional Prosperity by Engaging Skilled Immigrants," a half-day conference to be held at the International Institute on October 19. Hear from key authorities from workforce, education, and credentialing institutions around the U.S.
Conference collaborators include the Workforce Solutions Group of St. Louis Community College and the St. Louis Mosaic Project. For more information,
click here.
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2018 Festival of Nations Draws 130,000
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Celebrating the many cultural traditions of St. Louis
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| Chinese Dancers captivated the audience at the Centene Forest Stage. Wayne Crosslin/International Institute. |
The 18th annual Festival of Nations continued to wow audiences from near and far. Results from more than 700 exit surveys were fascinating. For instance, our visitors came from almost 140 zip codes in 14 states! 19% were born outside the U.S. with the largest representation from Asia. The largest age group was 25-34, and 33% were Asian, Hispanic, African American and other minorities. In all, more than 40% were first-time festival visitors. Festival of Nations is incredibly diverse and wonderful - from food, to music and dance, to its audience. Thanks to all who braved the hot weather to attend one of summer's most outstanding events - Festival of Nations!
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As usual, the ethnic food booths drew huge crowds along Tower Grove Park's Main Drive. Thanks to presenting sponsor Wells Fargo Advisors. Wayne Crosslin/International Institute.
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Nine IISTL Clients Achieve US Citizenship
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Fully engaging in the American Dream
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| Jiija Muriidi of Somalia shows off her US Citizenship certificate as she poses for a photo with family members and Chief Judge Kathy Surratt-States of the Court. Wayne Crosslin/International Institute |
Congratulations to the 40 petitioners who received their U.S. Citizenship in a ceremony at the International Institute on September 21. We are especially proud of the nine petitioners, who studied in the Institute's Citizenship Preparation Classes. They are all former refugees, sponsored by IISTL. Thanks to Yinka Faleti, recently appointed Lead Catalyst for Forward through Ferguson, and to staff
of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Eastern MO, who are wonderful partners for this annual event.
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Ann Manry Rynearson Passes Away
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Helped to change the face of immigrant arts in our region
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Last week, Ann Rynearson, retired SVP for Culture & Community at the International Institute, passed away after a short illness. Ann worked at the Institute for more than 30 years, retiring in 2010. She taught ESL for several years before founding the arts and culture programs at the Institute. Under her leadership, IISTL's many exhibits gained regional and national prominence. She co-founded both International Folkfest and Festival of Nations. A memorial service will be held at 10 am on October 27 at the International Institute.
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Decoding the Potential: Promoting Regional Prosperity Engaging Skilled Immigrants
October 19, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm; International Institute - Hall of Nations
For more information,
click here.
Anna Crosslin's 40th Anniversary Celebration
October 28, 6-8 pm; Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park
For more information,
click here.
IISTL Holiday Bazaar
December 1-2, 10am - 5pm; International Institute - Gym
For more information,
click here.
Tours of IISTL
Last Wednesday monthly, 10 am
Click here for reservation form. Group tours for more than five visitors can be arranged at other times with advance notice, also by using the
form.
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Rent event spaces at IISTL
Need a space to hold a small meeting or a large event? We may have what you want! For rates and room sizes, please visit our
rental page.
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