Celebrating Voices: SIENNA’s 1st IEN Global Convention

Paul Biluan
Aug 28
2 min read

Updated: Sep 6

Celebrating Voices: SIENNA’s 1st IEN Global Convention

Since its inception in 2023, the Society of Internationally Educated Nurses in North America (SIENNA) has dreamed of hosting a face-to-face gathering to uplift the stories of IENs, or Internationally Educated Nurses. At the time, the organization was still new and lacked the resources and manpower to make such an ambitious event happen. This year, that dream is finally becoming reality. On November 15, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, SIENNA will proudly host the very first IEN Global Convention.

The Heart of the Convention: IENs at the Center

This is not your typical conference filled with back-to-back lectures and slide decks. The focus is on people. IENs will step into the spotlight to share their personal stories—stories of triumph, of struggle, and of resilience in the face of challenges. By placing IENs at the center, the convention highlights not only their professional contributions but also the journeys that brought them here. Their voices will guide discussions on integration, mentorship, leadership, and advocacy, making this gathering both deeply personal and powerfully relevant.

Community, Connection, and Change

The convention also reflects SIENNA’s mission to create a supportive, inclusive community for internationally educated nurses. It is more than a professional event; it is a chance to connect with peers who truly understand the experience of migration and transition into nursing practice in North America. Attendees can expect meaningful conversations that lead to collaboration and friendship, rather than the formality of traditional networking. The event will also feature solution-focused dialogues that connect lived experiences to broader advocacy efforts, ensuring that policies and practices reflect the needs of the people they impact most.

A Milestone for SIENNA and the Future

This convention is a milestone for SIENNA itself. Since 2023, the organization has worked steadily to grow its membership, strengthen its reach, and build the capacity to host an event of this scale. Launching the first IEN Global Convention in 2025 is proof of how far SIENNA has come in just a few years. More importantly, it is a promise to the IEN community that their stories will continue to be heard and valued.

Whether you attend in Orlando or join virtually, this is your moment to be part of history. The first SIENNA IEN Global Convention is not just a conference—it is the start of a tradition that will continue to celebrate, empower, and elevate internationally educated nurses for years to come.

Your voice is our future.

Ready to be part of this historic event?

https://www.siennanursingsociety.org/event-details-registration/ienconference