Community Highlights: Meet Camille Kesler of AMIS Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Kesler.

Hi Camille, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Camille Kesler and I currently serve as executive director of AMIS, the Atlanta Ministry with International Students. More than 18 years ago, while serving as president of Bravo, the young professionals of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, I was introduced to AMIS. At the time, AMIS held its annual Welcome Reception at Symphony Hall followed by refreshments at First Presbyterian Church, next door to the High Museum. I happened to be at Symphony Hall during one of those events and saw firsthand the beautiful array of international students from all over the world assembled there together in one place. But, what I also noticed were the Americans that peppered the audience and learned they were local volunteers that help to welcome and befriend the international students. I signed up on the spot to be a volunteer with AMIS and 18 years later, continue to serve; only now as executive director. This journey as a long-time volunteer alongside my family has been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding! We have met people from across the globe through AMIS’s friendship partner programs and learned so much about other cultures and traditions. My three daughters have benefited greatly from these interactions as well! And, now, as E.D., I have the honor of introducing AMIS to other individuals and families in Atlanta, just like my own!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
AMIS operates as an outside-facing organization. We seek and embrace students that have come to Atlanta universities to study from far-away lands. These students are immigrants in a foreign land. They love the United States; that is why they have chosen to study here. But, many have struggled with that decision because some actions in the past year by those in government and by individuals sometimes makes them feel less welcome and less safe. That breaks my heart! I want these students to feel as welcome as we would hope our sons and daughters that go to study abroad programs would feel. So, the need for AMIS’s programs is greater now than ever before. But, AMIS is a 501c3 nonprofit organization so it relies on the generosity of businesses and individuals for funding. And, given many institutions and the government are opting for more inward-facing perspectives, that leaves organizations such as ours outside the realm of support. Hence, we must rely even more on people and businesses that believe in embracing those that may be different from ourselves to help fund and support our work. It has not been easy! But, we continue to try to get our message out there in hopes people will be moved to donate and volunteer. One way we aim to get our message out is through our 3rd annual Afternoon of International Tea! This is our only annual fundraising event and it is such a fun way to support AMIS! Through the ‘Tea’ guests will have the opportunity to interact with international students who will be representing their countries of origin, providing sips and samples that are popular back home. Guests will be able to ‘visit’ 10 to 15 different countries without leaving midtown Atlanta!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about AMIS Atlanta ?
Since 1978, AMIS Atlanta has been welcoming international students and scholars to the Atlanta area through our many programs and events which help them get to know our city and connect them with local families and individuals who want to serve and make international friends.

​Our international students come from over 90 different nations and are students at Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory, Columbia Theological Seminary, Agnes Scott, Kennesaw State, Morehouse College, Oglethorpe University, Beulah Heights, Atlanta Technical College, Chattahoochee Technical College, SCAD, Georgia Southwestern University and others.

AMIS Atlanta strives for a more peaceful, welcoming, and connected world through international friendship.

​Each year over 16,000 international students and scholars representing 160 nations come to study in 19 greater Atlanta area colleges and universities. These students are the best and brightest of their home countries and the future leaders of the world. Coming to a foreign country as an international student can be a lonely and intimidating experience. Many are wondering whether they will be welcomed in the US and make American friends. AMIS works to ensure that each international student coming to Atlanta feels welcome, gets invited to a local American home, and makes a life-changing friendship.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up in Springfield, Ohio I didn’t see many people that were different. In fact, I didn’t know I was any different. You just didn’t see much diversity at all. But then one day, my uncle Jimmy came home from the Air Force base in South Korea with his new wife, Sun Tok. We couldn’t pronounce her name so my sister and I called her aunt Sunny. She was the best!!! This wonderful woman introduced me to the wonders of another culture at an early age. She is the reason I have such an admiration for and curiosity of other cultures. And, I credit her and my interactions with her for my involvement with AMIS today.

Pricing:

• Tickets to the Afternoon of International Tea start at $50 per person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amisatlanta.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amis_atlanta
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amisatlanta
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amisatlanta
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amis_atlanta
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiE1vxMsUcJfy1LkdINw9gg