Meet Aminatu Gambo, a Spring 2022 resident at International House from Cameroon who came to New York to attend the Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) of the Institute of the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University.

A member of the Mbororo-Fulani Indigenous Peoples, Aminatu currently works as Program Coordinator for Political Participation and Advocacy with Foro Internacional de Mujeres Indígenas, also known as the International Indigenous Women’s Forum (FIMI/IIWF), a global network that brings together indigenous women from seven socio-cultural regions. FIMI/IIWF is focused on political advocacy, capacity building, economic empowerment and leadership development. During her time here, Aminatu is looking to boost her network, level up her advocacy, and train for a leadership role in philanthropy.

We asked Aminatu to share a little bit about her I-House experience and its role in her professional development.

How did you hear about I-House, and what made you decide to live here?
I was recommended to I-House by my program director. Looking through the website and YouTube video, I was fascinated by the diversity of the people who come to I-House, and it is also very close to the university campus where I take my classes.

What do you enjoy most about living here?
Meeting new people from different background and cultures. The events that I-House organizes are very fun.

Do you think living at I-House will help you accomplish your goals?
Yes. Being in a place like I-House with diverse people and cultures will definitely help. The interactions I am having with the residents and learning about where they are from is building my networking and advocacy capacity.

What is your favorite spot at I-House?
The first floor in the lobby with the comfy couch [Main Lounge].

Thank you, Aminatu! We are so glad to have you in our community!