Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning

Translation is about so much more than words—it creates pathways to understanding, connection, and belonging.

On , we celebrate the translators and interpreters whose work is essential to our mission of building a thriving intercultural community through learning, language access, and advocacy.

A special thank you to the talented language professionals of The Interpreter Network by Spring Institute for the care and skill you bring to this work every day. 💛

Refugees are our neighbors, coworkers, taxpayers, and community members—and access to healthcare helps families stay healthy, stable, and economically secure.

We’re proud to amplify this timely commentary from RACC Refugee Action Coalition of Colorado members about the Medicaid changes taking effect October 1 and what they mean for thousands of Coloradans and the communities they call home.

📖 Read and share: https://coloradonewsline.com/2026/09/30/refugee-coloradans-pay-taxes-and-build-communities/

🚨 Beginning October 1, thousands of Coloradans—including refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, and trafficking survivors—are expected to lose Medicaid coverage under H.R. 1.

In new commentary for Colorado Newsline, Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning President & CEO Paula Schriefer and Kristy Beachy-Quick of CWS make the case for why this matters—not only for families losing healthcare, but for all of our communities.

📖 Read the full piece: https://coloradonewsline.com/2026/09/30/refugee-coloradans-pay-taxes-and-build-communities/

We are so proud of Dr. Woldekiristos and grateful for the wonderful CO-WIP partnership with Denver Health!

As we head into the final week of Workforce Development Month, we’ll be highlighting just how Colorado’s workforce system creates economic opportunities for ALL. From supporting immigrants and workers shifting industries, to empowering people with disabilities and promoting apprenticeships; these efforts create opportunities for a stronger workforce that values everyone’s contributions.

Today, we’d like to share the story of Dr. Yonas Woldekiristos, MD:

Originally trained as a physician in Eritrea, a country in East Africa, Dr. Woldekiristos faced the complex and costly process of rebuilding his medical career in the U.S. Thanks to the Colorado Works for International Physicians (CO-WIP) partnership between Denver Health and the Spring Institute, and with support from our Office of New Americans, Dr. Woldekiristos received career coaching, residency preparation, and U.S. clinical experience. He passed multiple high-stakes exams, completed Denver Health’s nine-month Clinical Readiness Program, and last March he matched into a medical residency at a hospital in Pueblo.

Dr. Woldekiristos' success demonstrates the extraordinary talent present in Colorado’s immigrant communities and how creative workforce programs can enable internationally trained professionals to return to their careers, building a better .

The Community Voices Conference is Colorado Consumer Health Initiative's annual storytelling conference, bringing together community members to learn about and practice storytelling as a tool for personal, social, and political change. 📣

The day will include a keynote speaker, small-group workshops on advocacy and storytelling, a panel discussion, lunch, and time for networking and connecting with others! Spring Institute is proud to be partnering in this effort and we’d love to invite your community and networks to join us!

Registration is required, and folks can learn more and register here:
https://secure.everyaction.com/WNJ6XBphqUiTABrGE6pxLg2

Sustaining Ourselves While Strengthening Our Community 💛🌎

At Spring Institute, building a thriving intercultural community starts with a staff team that feels connected, supported, and energized for the work ahead.

Our recent staff retreat gave us time to reconnect, recharge, learn from one another, and have some fun along the way! 🌱🤝✨

A big thank you to our wonderful retreat facilitators from WellPower for creating space for reflection, connection, and growth—and to our incredible team for all you do to make our community more welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant every day!

🍎✨ Wishing a peaceful and meaningful new year to our Jewish community members, friends, and neighbors celebrating Rosh Hashanah.

At Spring Institute, we’re grateful for the many faiths and traditions that make our intercultural community stronger and more vibrant. May the year ahead bring reflection, renewal, and connection.

No on 81!

Today, we’re celebrating the International Day for People of African Descent as designated by the United Nations🌍

This year’s theme, “Expanding the Human Rights of People of African Descent,” reminds us to keep working together to advance equity, challenge racism, and protect human rights for all.

Are you an immigrant in Colorado with an associate degree or higher (from any country)? The Office of New Americans (ONA) wants to hear from you! Complete their brief Global Talent Survey by tomorrow, August 28, 2026.

Your feedback will help shape ONA's statewide strategy to improve career growth and opportunity for internationally trained professionals.

Eligibility: Adult immigrants in Colorado with an associate degree or higher (from any country)

Important Information: Survey responses are anonymous

Incentive: Participants have a chance to enter to win 1 of 5 $100 Visa e-gift cards

Time: Takes only 5–10 minutes

Link: www.coronainsights.com/ona