​MISSION: {letter from the founder 2011}

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A Tea Takeover: Influential Women on the Brink of Brilliance, was founded due

to the extremely unfortunate and systematic disconnect between education and the arts in

our country, specifically in New York City.

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Throughout my six years working with youth in this city, I have found the disparities in our public school system to be astounding, yet motivating. School districts across the state have cut funding for art, creative and active afterschool programs, which in turn has cut inspiration for our youth. Many of our students struggle to find their own identity through the images of “cool” that American mass media bombards them with. Without creative outlets and inspiration, they are often lost and discouraged during such crucial times in life; childhood and adolescence.

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These students need the support of strong brands and the creative women who will attend this event. The purpose of this event is to create a bridge for representatives from

organizations such as family shelters, after-school programming, mentoring programs,

fashion companies, and more by connecting major mavens from these organizations who

have purpose, vision and a mission. By bringing these women into one space, an

atmosphere charged with positivity and servitude will bring about ideas, programs and

events that will surely be the change needed to impact our youth.

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-Zewiditu Ruffin
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