Local high school students, environmental activists, faith leaders and hundreds of members of the Siena community took part in person and online in the second annual Earth’s Cry, Humanity’s Call Integral Ecology Symposium. Held February 5, "Reimagining Economy: For People and Planet" explored how economic systems can better serve human dignity and the environment, grounded in Franciscan values and care for creation.
Keynote speaker Amy Domini founder of Domini Impact Investments and a pioneer in socially responsible investing, said, "A lot of what we're doing in this field is addressing the failures of government and of civil society. I don't believe that investments are neutral. You're either an ethical investor or you're not."
Domini, the author of Socially Responsible Investing: Making a Difference and Making Money and The Challenges of Wealth, has briefed business and government leaders around the world on the importance of how to steward the Earth's resources with the goals of sustainability and fair labor practices.
"Setting standards to what we will and won't buy, being activist shareholders, and supporting community development initiatives: these are the things that responsible investors do," she told the audience gathered in the MAC.
Leslie Dame ’28 was involved in planning the symposium and moderated the morning session.
“My hope is that the audience learned the power we have as the next generation entering the workforce, and that, by being committed to change, we can make it happen,” said Dame. “I also hope that even students not planning to go into business careers understand the strength we have as consumers to influence different environmentally conscious practices.”
A dialogue on “Societal Impact and Integral Community Development” was held by Aaron Pacitti, Ph.D., professor of economics, and Kirsten S. Moy of the Aspen Institute. It was followed by a panel discussion hosted by Pacitti, featuring Ava Geer M.S. ’26 among others.
“Hearing from business leaders who prioritize both financial success and positive community impact, was truly inspiring,” said Geer. “Being given the opportunity to share my experience in Siena’s Societal Impact Fellowship reinforced my commitment to pursue work in the nonprofit sector and with mission-driven organizations that align with my values and strive to create lasting impact for both people and the planet.”
Livestream links are available for the symposium's morning session and keynote address.
In his opening remarks, President Seifert said that Siena sees integral ecology not as an abstract concept but as "a way to see the world, a way that recognizes the deep interconnectedness among people, the planet, and purpose. St. Francis viewed the Earth not as a resource to be exploited but as a sacred living gift that sustains and nurtures all life."
Br. Michael Perry O.F.M., director of Siena's Laudato Sí Center for Integral Ecology, which sponsored the event together with the School of the Business and the Spirit of '68 Committee, called the symposium "a search for positive, necessary solutions to the existential crisis of global warming and climate change."
