

THE HISTORY OF THE TEA
Afternoon tea was a practice that was started in the early 1840’s during the Victorian era when Anna Russell, 7th Duchess of Bedford wanted a “spot of tea” and some baked goods between lunch and late evening dinner, because it was not uncommon for many upper class families to dine as late as 9 o’clock in the evening.
She began to have tea and bread at mid afternoon in her living quarters in a less formal arrangement then other tea parties. The tea was served in her sitting room on low tables and it became known by the name “low tea”. It was an informal, pleasant social event in which friends could catch up on the news of the day.
Anna Russell introduced the idea to her friend Queen Victoria, and suddenly “low tea” became an event to be practiced by the upper classes of England. The teas were no longer served on low tables in the less formal sitting room, but reserved for the best guest parlor in the house or in the formal gardens. Only the best silver and china tea sets and best linens were used specifically for the event of taking afternoon tea. Ironically, “high tea” was really what those in lower classes enjoyed.
When day laborers and farmers headed to the house to eat they had a full meal of meats, cheese, butter, and eggs. This of course was washed down with tea. The tea was served on the main dining table hence the 'high' table and therefore, became known as “high tea”.
Today in the U.S., tea rooms in elegant hotels cater to social climbing upper class women. Taking afternoon tea is typically a social and networking event/opportunity much like the golf course serves for men, and it remains on the list of “must do’s” for both young and old social climbers.

MEET THE FOUNDER
I spent years contemplating a program like DiversiTea. It's been six years now and I'm truly overwhelmed by how much the event has grown and how many
women we have inspired.
Our idea was simple –To create a forum for ladies with experience in life, love
and their careers to share their experiences with an upcoming group of
fabulous professional women. That experience would be shared, first through a
letter to their younger selves and second, through an honest conversation
during Tea.
DiversiTea has become full of life-changing advice and true inspiration. Our goal is to Let this inspire both mentors and mentees to keep paying it back by
paying it forward. I am humbled and excited about the response to DiversiTea
and I am honored to be a part of its growth and evolution as a staple event for
women in New Orleans.
My vision is that DiversiTea becomes the premiere inspirational event for
women and young ladies of New Orleans. That vision can become reality with
your help. Thank you for your support.
- Michelle Craig
ABOUT US
DiversiTea Divas provides an intimate forum for professional women to network with and mentor college-aged and high school students, all in an effort to develop a new generation of women to enter into the workforce.
For mentee's, DiversiTea provides a dynamic group of mentors ready and willing to pass on their wealth of experience. In addition to choosing their "Personal Board of Directors" from the crowd of mentors in the room, mentee's also have an opportunity to talk to other women who are doing what they want to do in life.
Because we know life is busy, DiversiTea does more than just introduce the mentor and mentee. We believe that change and growth are only effectuated by a continuous, sustainable relationship.
DiversiTea brings everyone together for "Tea Talks" to continue to reconnect, re-energize and reshape our mentee's lives one student at a time. These quarterly and annual events include in-person meetings, social media and other engagement opportunities.
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WHY DIVERSITEA MATTERS
It is our responsibility to lift as we climb. Some of the issues girls and young women of color face are: Gender and wage gap, wealth gap, mental and emotional health, higher rates of homicide, greater health disparities, and limited philanthropic investment.
COMMUNITY

Helping the Community
With this initiative, our goal is to promote great opportunities for those in need. With access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential. Learn more about our work by getting in touch with our team today.
COACHING

Guidance
A total of 500 young ladies, and women have attended DiversiTea in the six years the event has been held. Each year the number of guest increases and we have a waiting list of people who want to attend.
ADVOCACY

The Key to a Good Mentor
Helping young women become more of who they already are... with confidence and courage.
A cup of tea is an excuse to share great thoughts with great minds.

"A mentor empowers a person to see a possible future, and believe it can be obtained.”
Shawn Hitchcock
PAST EVENTS
2015 3RD ANNUAL "TEA TALK"
2016 4TH ANNUAL "TEA TALK"
2018 6TH ANNUAL "TEA TALK"
2021 DIVERSITEA-LEGAL: AN INTIMATE TEA TALK













Life, Career, and Strategy
Coaching Effectuating Change
December 2015 DiversiTea Divas hosted its 3rd annual "Tea Talk" held at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans. Several Keynote speakers covered topics in the area of Career, personal life and strategy on handling it all.
December 2016 DiversiTea Divas hosted the 4th Annual "Tea Talk" held at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans. Several keynote speakers covered topics in the area of corporate versus entrepreneurship, and effectuating change.
Tackling the Issues
December 2018 DiversiTea Divas hosted its 6th Annual 'Tea Talk" held at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans. Several Keynote speakers covered topics in the area of Financial Fitness, My sisters keeper, and Wellness & Authenticity.
Molding the Legal Future
December 2021, the DiversiTea Divas hosted the Diversitea-Legal: An Intimate Tea Talk held at the AC Marriot in New Orleans. Several Keynote speakers covered topics in the area of the law profession and provided the students with real-life information about the life of a lawyer and the trials of being women lawyers.

MEET THE BOARD
Committed to Community
Since our founding in 2012, DiversiTea has developed and grown in a positive direction. We’re very proud of the work we have been able to do in the community.
Donate to Diversitea Divas
1201 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
diversiteadiva@gmail.com | Tel: 504-459-4557