Empowering students with language-based learning differences
Siena DEIB Event
About
Upcoming Event
An Evening with Siena
Film Screening: Left Behind
Wednesday, April 29th | 6:30pm
In-Person and Virtual Screening (Followed by a Panel Discussion and Q&A)
We are thrilled to announce that we'll be hosting an in-person and virtual screening of the documentary, Left Behind, on Wednesday, April 29th at 6:30pm. The film shares the inspiring story of a group of determined moms who band together to found the first public school for students with dyslexia in New York City — the largest school district in America.
The Siena School's DEIB Department presents this screening in partnership with DCIDA, the Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children, Daily Border Crossings, and Siena's Parents of Black Students Association (PBSA).
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Panel Discussion
Following the screening, stay for a panel discussion and Q&A with Naomi Peña and Fatima Geidi from Left Behind, Resha Conroy from the Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children, Jacquelyn Davis from DCIDA and the Mid-Atlantic Region of Mocha Moms, Inc. This will be moderated by Samantha Fletcher, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement at The Siena School. Submit questions when you register to attend.
Location
1300 Forest Glen Road
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Note
Registration is required to attend either in-person or virtually. Click below to get started:
Heritage Month Blog Posts
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Past Events
Transracial adoption is a story of love and connection – but also of identity, race, and belonging. On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, DEIB Director Samantha Fletcher welcomed guest panelists Beverly Clarke of The Barker Adoption Foundation and Christopher Brown of Brewster Academy in New Hampshire for stories and conversation exploring complexities via first-person, lived experience and professional expertise.
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Siena's Samantha Fletcher welcomed special guests Jamila Zahra Felton and Erica Thompson for a Zoom conversation about The Green Book, its historical legacy, and contemporary relevance.
On October 8, 2024, Siena's Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Samantha Fletcher welcomed Naomi Peña, Co-Founder and Director of Community & Family Engagement, Literacy Academy Collective. Peña shared her experiences and insights on dyslexia and the Hispanic/Latino community, what all educators and parents should know, and her journey to becoming a founder of a groundbreaking public school for struggling readers partnering with NYC public schools.