International Institute of New England
Joan Konuk is an experienced professional with a diverse background in education, coaching, and business development. Currently serving as the Assistant Track and Field Coach, Jumps Specialist at Concord Academy since March 2017, Joan focuses on individualized training for athletes in various jumping events. Concurrently, Joan has been volunteering as a teacher for English Language Learners at the International Institute of New England since January 2017, aiding refugees in acquiring essential English skills. Previous roles include leadership positions at Concord Academy parents as president, and teaching world history classes at Medford High School as a student teacher. Joan has also held significant positions in business development, including the Deputy Director for Business Development at Massachusetts Port Authority, where contributions included directing economic analyses and managing airport-related property. Educational credentials comprise an A.B. in Economics from Brown University, a Master of Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, and a Master of Education in Teaching High School Social Sciences from Lesley University.
International Institute of New England
Mission The International Institute of New England (IINE) creates opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, career advancement and pathways to citizenship. History and Context Founded in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1918, IINE is one of the region’s largest and oldest service providers for new Americans. The International Institute serves 2,000 refugees and immigrants each year and has launched new programs to double the number of newcomers served to 4,000 within five years. In the past year, staff in our Boston, Lowell, and Manchester (NH) field offices provided resettlement, family reunification, education, career assistance, and legal services to people from 67 different countries. As the United States engages in a pitched debate about immigration policy, our work is critical to preserving the nation’s tradition of welcoming people of all backgrounds who cherish freedom, equality and hard work. IINE’s programs are particularly important to New England, which has a notable dependence on immigrant labor to grow its economy.