WHO WE ARE
About Us
IIC offers English (ESL) classes in a friendly, creative, and dynamic environment, and provides referrals to support services.
The Institute works closely with a number of community organizations operating in New York City, including the Church of the Holy Apostles, the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, the Isaac Center, the Consortium for Worker Education (CWE).
Our Mission
The mission of the Institute for Immigrant Concerns is to equip adult immigrants of all nationalities with life and English language skills at a new setting for life; and immigrant support, empowering them to succeed in the quest for social and economic independence.
Our History
Since 1997
Our students learn English to better embrace their new start in the United States. Our students gain vital cross-cultural skills and social awareness to effect positive change in their workplaces, homes, and communities.
8000 adult immigrants
Originally under the auspices of Marymount Manhattan College, and later, from 2005 to 2013, the College of Mount Saint Vincent, the Institute is now an independent non-profit corporation under the tax exempt 501(c)(3) status.
110 Nations
All are welcome and participants hail from a myriad of backgrounds and experiences. We welcome visitors to New York City, as well as those who have been here for years — from complete beginners to advanced students who wish to enhance their competence.
We are IIC
The Institute is especially proud of its work with pre-literate individuals, refugees and political asylees, victims of domestic abuse and violence, and those fleeing torture and persecution in their homelands.
Donna Kelsh
Executive Director
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Donna Kelsh has been an ESL educator, trainer and director for 35 years. She is the Executive Director of the Institute for Immigrant Concerns, having led the Institute from its inception at Marymount Manhattan College, afterwards at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, and now as an independent non-profit corporation. Additionally she overseas the Institute’s finances as Board Treasurer and its overall direction as a Board Member.
Hudjy Dolce
Board Member
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Community Project Manager at Google.
Freddy Jacobs
Board Member and IIC Instructor
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John Jay College of Criminal Justice as a supplemental instructor/facilitator
Mark Brik
Education Director
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Mark Brik has been an ESL educator and director since 1979. He was the Coordinator of the English Program at the Associated YMHA for 13 years. Mark also served as ESL Coordinator at Kingsborough Community College in New York City as well as the Director of Special Training at YMCA. During the Institute’s partnerships with Marymount Manhattan College and the College of Mount Saint Vincent, Mark was the Education Director, a member of the Institute’s Advisory Committee and, currently, an IIC Board member.
Barbara Harris
Board of Directors
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Board member of National Network Opposed to Militarization of Youth; Director New York Coalition to Protect Student Privacy; New York Coalition to Protect Student Privacy (NYCPSP)
Rupa Dharia
Board Member
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Global Head Regional Client Services, Morgan Stanley
Mateo Goldman
Board Member
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General Counsel of GPI Capital
Sylvia Mao
Administrator
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