Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame Induction Upcoming

The Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame (IHHF) is proud to announce that Chris George, longtime Executive Director of IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services), a well-respected national leader in refugee resettlement, and a teacher at the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2024 Induction Ceremony & Gala, to be held on November 14.

The former Executive Director of IRIS who retired in December 2023 after 18 years leading the organization, George’s remarkable journey and enduring contributions exemplify the spirit of immigrant success and resilience. His dedication to humanitarian work has left a lasting impact on the lives of refugees and immigrants, in Connecticut and beyond. Under his leadership, IRIS became one of the nation’s most trusted and capable resettlement agencies.

IRIS - Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services is a non-profit agency whose mission is to help refugees and other displaced people establish new lives, strengthen hope, and contribute to the vitality of Connecticut’s communities. Welcoming persecuted people from other countries is America’s most noble tradition, and IRIS helps newcomers on the road to self-sufficiency by providing lifesaving support during their transition to life in the United States.

Chris George’s journey in refugee resettlement has been profoundly influenced by his personal background. His father, a first-generation immigrant from a Greek family, moved to Montclair, New Jersey, instilling in Chris a deep connection to immigration and the pursuit of a better life. This familial connection has fueled Chris's commitment to assisting refugees.

Chris George's legacy extends beyond his leadership at IRIS. He began his career joining the Peace Corps in 1977, and spent two years with the agency doing humanitarian work overseas. He has dedicated much of his working life to living in and working on issues in the Middle East. Before returning to Connecticut in 2004, Chris spent seven years in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where he directed a legislative strengthening project with the Palestinian Parliament and later established an emergency assistance program for Palestinian nonprofits. His extensive experience in the region underscores his commitment to humanitarian efforts and global volunteerism.

Chris has been widely recognized for his moral leadership. He has been a TEDx speaker, was named the New Haven Register’s Person of the Year in 2017, and has continuously promoted global equity and social justice throughout his professional life.

The IHHF Induction Gala will take place on Thursday, November 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT. This prestigious event celebrates the outstanding achievements of individuals who have enriched Connecticut’s education, health, civic, and cultural landscape. The 2024 IHHF inductees are:

• Prof. Andre Blaszczynski; Educator, economist, management consultant, activist in support of the Polish Solidarity democracy movement, and leader in several community organizations.
• Dr. Azita Emami; Dean of the Yale School of Nursing, global health advocate, and leading researcher in health equity
• Mr. James Michel; CEO of Access Health CT, U.S. Army Reserve veteran, and leader in the Haitian-American immigrant community
• Esaul Rodriguez & Family; Founders of the thriving Puerto Vallarta Restaurants, philanthropists, and volunteer fundraisers for charity

“We look forward to Chris George sharing his perspective as our keynote speaker, given his leadership and experience and the lasting impact he has had here in Connecticut and well beyond our borders. And we are delighted to honor this exceptional group of individuals who exemplify perseverance, commitment to excellence, and remarkable achievement," said Demetrios Giannaros, president of the National Immigrant Heritage Center. "The Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame Induction Gala celebrates our diverse and multicultural nation and the significant contributions that our inductees and those of immigrant heritage make to our state, nation, and the world.”

The IHHF celebrates the diverse ethnic heritage of our state and country by honoring individuals and institutions who exemplify the best of their immigrant heritage. It strives to educate the public about the importance of immigrant heritage to the identity of the United States and the contributions of immigrants and immigrant communities.

The IHHF is a program of the National Immigrant Heritage Center, an independent 501(c)3 organization established as a multi-ethnic center, inclusive in its mission, structure and governance. NIHC aims to promote and publish research, lectures, and conferences on the many dimensions of Connecticut’s immigrant heritage and the role of immigration throughout the American economy and culture, to expand public awareness and understanding.

For more information about the event and the inductees, visit the Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame website at immigrantheritage.org.