Forum: The Newest Americans: Enriching Idaho with Talent, Economic Opportunity and Diversity

Forum: The Newest Americans: Enriching Idaho with Talent, Economic Opportunity and Diversity

Join City Club on April 26th to meet people from refugee backgrounds whose work, art, and community activities are contributing to Idaho’s vitality, diversity and economy. City Club will be showcasing three of the many organizations that work with new Americans: Artisans for Hope, Global Gardens, and Global Talent. This forum will showcase what "the newest Americans" do for our economy.

Veronique Giwe Tongbi, Zahraa Naser, and Oliver Nsabimana will share the stories of their journey from their home countries to Boise. They will explore how local non-profits have helped them become part of our community and discuss how they are contributing to our vibrant local economy.

Veronique Giwe Tongbi will tell you about her experience with Artisans for Hope. Veronique started her journey in the Democratic Republic of Congo where she was a successful business woman, owning a clothing shop until civil war broke out and her life was turned upside down.

Oliver Nsabimana is the Global Gardens Farm Manager, and serves as a bridge in Global Gardens' operations, communicating with farmers, buyers, and community partners alike. Oliver is also a Global Talent alumni.

Zahraa Naser is a career advisor at Global Talent. She's a BSU graduate with a bachelor's degree in international business and minors in Arabic and Marketing. Zahraa is originally from Iraq and grew up in Boise.

The panelists and the organizations they represent will be introduced by Tara Wolfson, Director and Refugee State Coordinator at Idaho Office for Refugees.

Where: Grove Hotel

When: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 from 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 pm

Tickets: $29 City Club Members, $35 non-members, $5 just coffee

City Club thanks our Annual Sponsor University of Idaho, Boise, and the 2023 Forum Series sponsors: AARP of Idaho, Bank of Idaho, Echelon Group, Micron, Optum Idaho, Small Mine Development, and St. Luke's. We are pleased to welcome university students to attend our events thanks to our University partner Boise State University. Our media partners include Boise State Public Radio, Idaho Public Television and the Idaho Statesman. The Osher Lifetime Learning Institute is our Community Partner. This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Idaho Humanities Council, the state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

If you have any questions, call 208-364-4614 and staff can assist you.