International Institute of New England
Katharyn Waidler is a skilled professional with extensive experience in community engagement and education. Currently serving as the Community Sponsorship and Volunteer Coordinator at the International Institute of New England since February 2023, Katharyn previously worked as a Sales & Operations Specialist at REI for ten years. Academic contributions include roles as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Denver's Josef Korbel School of International Studies and as an Assistant Professor at Wheaton College. Additional experience includes serving as Volunteer Coordinator and Advocacy Intern for Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Cornell University. Katharyn holds a PhD in Philosophy from Cornell University, an MA in Social Justice and Ethics from Iliff School of Theology, and a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Colorado Boulder.
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.