About the Speaker Series
The Mary Carbone Multi-Cultural Speaker Series supports the mission of Staten Island Academy by deepening our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging across our PreK–12 community.
Through a generous grant, the series will feature a diverse range of speakers on campus, representing varied cultural backgrounds, professions, and lived experiences. These voices help us engage in meaningful, ongoing dialogue that celebrates our shared humanity while honoring the uniqueness of every individual.
Windows & Mirrors: Learning Through Shared Stories
At the heart of The Mary Carbone Multi-Cultural Speaker Series is the concept of “windows and mirrors.”
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Windows offer opportunities to learn about experiences and perspectives different from our own. They invite curiosity, broaden understanding, and cultivate empathy by allowing us to see beyond our personal experiences.
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Mirrors reflect our own identities and stories back to us. They affirm that our experiences matter, helping students and community members feel seen, valued, and connected.
By intentionally incorporating both windows and mirrors, the series creates a balanced and powerful learning experience: one that fosters empathy, inclusivity, and mutual respect.
Impact Across Our Community
This series is designed to engage the entire Staten Island Academy community. Students, parents, guardians, faculty, staff, and community members are invited not only to attend these events but to actively participate in thoughtful discussions inspired by each speaker.
Through shared dialogue and reflection, the series promotes:
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Cross-cultural understanding
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Greater empathy and awareness
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A stronger sense of individual and collective belonging
Together, these conversations help shape a school culture where diverse experiences are celebrated, personal identities are affirmed, and every voice has a place.