Siena Center for Social Justice
Siena Center for Social Justice
In collaboration with the Vice President for Mission Integration and Inclusion, the Siena Center for Social Justice (SCSJ) is dedicated to fostering dialogue across differences to advance social justice.
Through educational programming, SCSJ raises awareness and equips individuals with the knowledge, tools, and experiences needed to promote global citizenship and social justice. Partnering with communities at Molloy University and the greater Long Island region, SCSJ provides engaging programs designed to create a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Committed to educating students, faculty, administrators, staff, and community members on the importance of building inclusive and equitable communities, SCSJ will:
- Implement and coordinate a comprehensive programming calendar that celebrates the diversity of Molloy’s student, faculty, and staff populations;
- Develop and deliver a wide range of social justice educational opportunities on topics including, but not limited to, age, generation, disability status, religion and spirituality, ethnicity and race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, Indigenous populations, national origin and language, and gender and sexuality;
- Empower a campus community that is actively engaged, socially aware, and embraces multiculturalism, social justice, and the diverse identities each individual brings; and
- Strengthen dialogue, collaboration, and opportunities for celebration with campus and community partners.
Advisory Board
2024-2025 Siena Center for Social Justice Advisory Board
Donald “DJ” Mitchell, Jr., Vice President for Mission Integration and Inclusion, Co-Chair
Andrea Morgan-Eason, Associate Professor of Nursing, Co-Chair
Matthew Albanese, Director of Compliance and Secretary to the Board of Trustees
Michelle Chamblin, Professor of Education
Hia Datta, Associate Professor of Communication Disorders and Sciences
Janice Kelly, Professor of Communication and Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies
Jeanne Kimpel, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Anthropology
Karl Koeppel, Dean of Students
Amy Meyers, Professor of Social Work
Michelle Martin, Director of Mission and Ministry
Lisa Miller, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator
Sherry Radowitz, Senior Director of Grants and Sponsored Programs
Sarah Shin, Director of Experiential Education
Susanna Stickley, Senior Director of University Marketing and Communications
Angela Zimmerman, Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Membership
The Siena Center for Social Justice Advisory Board comprises administrators, faculty, staff, and undergraduate and graduate students. While there is no set number of committee members, diverse representation across Molloy’s various schools and departments is essential during advisory board selection. After a university-wide nomination and application process, the Vice President for Mission Integration and Inclusion selects advisory board members in consultation with the President’s Cabinet. Terms last up to two academic years. The Vice President for Mission Integration and Inclusion chairs or co-chairs the Board. Co-chairs may be appointed by the Vice President for Mission Integration and Inclusion after Board formation.
Upcoming Events - Heritage Month Calendar
Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15)
LGBTQ+ History Month (10/1-10/31)
Native American Heritage Month (11/1-11/30)
Disability Awareness Month (11/15-12-15)
Black History Month (2/1-2/28)
Women’s History Month (3/1-3/31)
Religious and Spiritual Diversity Month (4/1-4/30)
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (4/15-5/15)
Special Events: Martin Luther King Day of Service and Autism Acceptance Month
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September
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October
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November
Native American Heritage Month
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December
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January
January 20, 2025 - MLK Day of Service
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February
Black History Month
32nd Annual African American Read-In
The African American Caribbean Organization and the English Department celebrate Black History Month. In recognition of James Baldwin's 100th birthday and the 100th anniversary of The Harlem Renaissance, the readings will focus on excerpts from Baldwin's The Fire Next Time.Date: Monday, February 3, 2025
Time: 10:40 am - 12:05 pm
Location: Larini Room, Public Square
Celebrating Black History: Honoring Achievements, Embracing Diversity
Sponsored by the Black Equity Alliance Affinity Group, the program will include trivia, the history of stepping, a keynote address by DJ Mitchell, Vice President for Mission Integration and Inclusion, reflections, and networking.
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Location: Wilbur Arts Center, Hays TheatreFor more information, contact Dr. Freida Pemberton, President, at fpemberton@molloy.edu.
"Black Lives Matter": Reflections from Children's Picture Books
This presentation shows how racism has been represented in some recently published books for children. These books are written to support and guide children's understanding of racism.Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Time: 12:15 pm - 1:40 pm
Location: Larini Room, Public SquareAll are welcome! In order to reserve enough seating, instructors who bring their classes should notify Sr. Alice Byrnes in advance at abyrnes@molloy.edu.
Black History Month Trivia
Celebrate Black excellence with a night of trivia, free food, and exciting prizes! Put your knowledge to the test, connect with friends, and honor the rich history and culture of Black leaders, innovators, and trailblazers. Bring your competitive spirit and get ready for a night of fun, learning and celebration!Date: February 18, 2025
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Larini Room, Public SquareQuestions? Contact us at jlainez@lions.molloy.edu or tmontgomery@lions.molloy.edu.
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March
Women's History Month - Events to be added
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April
World Autism Awareness Month - Events to be added
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (April 15 - May 15) - Events to be added
Submit Heritage Month Calendar Event
If you have an upcoming Heritage Month Calendar event you would like added to our calendar and promoted through the Siena Center's email account, please complete this form. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email us at scsj@molloy.edu.