DiversiTea Divas
DiversiTea Divas empowers women of color to succeed by providing transformative support and resources. We bridge the knowledge gap and foster a more inclusive future through mentorship, networking, and economic opportunities. By addressing the unique challenges faced by women of color, we help to unlock their potential and create a more vibrant and equitable society for all.
Welcome to DiversiTea, a program that was born from years of contemplation and a deep desire to create a space where women could inspire and uplift one another. Founded twelve years ago, DiversiTea has blossomed into a transformative event that brings together women with diverse experiences in life, love, and careers to share their wisdom with the next generation of fabulous professional women.
At the heart of DiversiTea is a simple yet powerful idea: to provide a forum where women can connect through two meaningful acts—writing a letter to their younger selves and engaging in honest conversations during our signature Tea events. These exchanges have become a source of life-changing advice and true inspiration.
Welcome
Our mission is to inspire mentors and mentees to continue the cycle of giving back by paying it forward. We are humbled by the overwhelming response and support from our community, and we are honored to witness DiversiTea's growth as a cornerstone event for women in New Orleans.
Our vision is to make DiversiTea the premiere inspirational event for women and young ladies in New Orleans. With your support, we can make this vision a reality.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Michelle Craig
Founder and Mentor
DiversiTea Divas
"All of the women at the event were awesome at giving pertinent advice and sharing their experiences... Receiving this scholarship helped me secure a spot to study abroad this summer in Vienna, Austria."
Angela Pickens
Why DiversiTea Matters
At DiversiTea, we believe it is our responsibility to lift as we climb. The girls and young women of color we serve face numerous challenges, including:
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The gender and wage gap
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The wealth gap
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Mental and emotional health struggles
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Higher rates of homicide
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Greater health disparities
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Limited philanthropic investment
Our commitment is to address these issues by creating a supportive and empowering environment where these young women can find guidance, inspiration, and opportunities for growth. Together, we can work towards a more equitable future.
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
Over 1,000 young ladies and women have attended DiversiTea in the years since the event has been held. Each year the number of guests 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.
"The scholarship helped me sustain housing and reliable transportation... I am grateful to Michelle Craig for availing herself for questions, 'brain picking,' and a good conversation when requested."
Caitlin Douglas
Why Tea
In the realm of professional networking, there exists a stark disparity in access to high-quality spaces that foster meaningful connections and opportunities. Historically, tea parties have served as a hub for influential conversations, mobilizing the upward mobility of white women, while golf courses have done the same for white men. However, these exclusive spaces have often been inaccessible to marginalized communities.
The tradition of afternoon tea, born in the Victorian era, was initially an informal gathering for the upper class, later adopted by Queen Victoria and transformed into a formal event. Meanwhile, "high tea" was enjoyed by the lower classes, consisting of a hearty meal served with tea. This dichotomy highlights the socioeconomic divide in access to networking opportunities.
In contemporary America, tea rooms in elegant hotels cater to social climbing upper-class women, while golf courses remain a bastion for male professionals. This perpetuates a cycle of exclusion, limiting access to coveted direct placement opportunities and necessary funding for underrepresented groups.
DiversiTea, founded by Michelle Craig, a native of New Orleans, seeks to bridge this gap by hosting "Tea Talks" in the city where African American Tea Ceremonies originated. By leveraging the cultural significance of tea parties, DiversiTea creates an inclusive space for meaningful connections and opportunities, honoring the legacy of resilience and community that defines New Orleans.
The city's rich history, marked by the intersection of cultures and traditions, makes it the perfect backdrop for DiversiTea's mission. By providing a platform for seasoned professionals to mentor and prepare emerging professionals from diverse backgrounds, Michelle Craig is paying homage to the city's spirit of community and inclusivity.
As we strive for a more equitable society, it is essential to acknowledge and address the disparities in access to networking spaces.
By creating inclusive environments like DiversiTea's "Tea Talks," we can empower emerging professionals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a more just and equitable landscape for all.
Past Events
2015
2016
2018
2021
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.
Our Board
DiversiTea Divas
3726 Canal Street, STE A., New Orleans, LA 70119
diversiteadiva@gmail.com | Tel: 504-459-4557