The Foundation for Fresno Unified Students encourages the community to take a long lunch and attend the second annual “Spill the Tea” event on Thursday, March 6.

The high tea gathering celebrates Women’s History Month and highlights the accomplishments of women in the community.

A panel moderated by foundation CEO Wendy McCulley will have discussions surrounding the theme: “Boiling Point — Leading When the Heat is On.”

Conversations will focus on leadership, education and overcoming obstacles, providing professional insights and uplifting community voices. The Foundation hopes to hone in on how leaders handle difficult times and decisions, said foundation executive officer Andrew Scherrer.

The goal is to “to truly model leadership and showcase how leaders can come from anywhere and can be leaders of anything,” Scherrer said.

Meet the panel:

• Jordan Beckford — Captain, Fresno Police Department
• Raji K. Brar — Chief Operating Officer, Countryside Corporation
• Graciela Moreno — News anchor, ABC30
• Diane Phakonekham — President & CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California
• Edythe Woodruff Stewart — General surgeon, founder of SurgicApp

The Foundation website provides in-depth biographies on each woman. Check them out here.

The panel hosts a diverse range of professions, ensuring there is no “code talk” that may be used amongst those in the same field.

“You’re not sitting with people who are deeply ingrained in the same industry as you are and so you have to make it accessible,” Scherrer said. “That is a really key in our belief for raising voices: making it accessible.”

Additionally, the event will include a student panel comprised of Fresno Unified pupils who are leaders in their own right. The foundation believes this is an important bridge between youth and career veterans.

“The Spill the Tea event, created by our Foundation, offers a meaningful platform for women of all ages,” says McCulley, “Our goal is to cultivate spaces where students can break away from traditional norms and thrive both academically and professionally.”

Event Info

The Palomino Event Center will host “Spill the Tea” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

High tea attire, including gloves, hats, and “the whole nine yards,” is encouraged but not required. Those wishing to opt out are asked to wear business casual attire.

Tickets, priced at $75, are available here.

All proceeds support Fresno Unified students. If you are unable to attend but still wish to support the foundation, donate here.