The Safe Spaces. Brave Faces. SafeT.E.A. Tour Is Officially Underway!

The kickoff of the Girls Who Brunch Tour’s Safe Spaces. Brave Faces. SafeT.E.A. Tour in New Orleans was nothing short of incredible!

We welcomed 196 girls and young women for a powerful day filled with honest conversations, meaningful connections, confidence-building activities, wellness experiences, entertainment, mentorship, and unforgettable moments.

SafeT.E.A.: Truth, Expression, and Authenticity, was present in every room as our girls were encouraged to speak openly, recognize their strength, embrace their stories, and confidently become the authors of their own futures.

Leaders Who Created Safe Spaces

Our program opened with music by DJ Yung Nae, followed by a warm welcome from the Girls Who Brunch Tour New Orleans Committee Chairs.

We were honored to receive welcome remarks from Representative Delisha Boyd, whose presence and encouragement helped set the tone for an inspiring experience.

Coach Brown energized the girls with an engaging fitness experience that emphasized movement, confidence, health, and wellness.

Panel One: Safe Spaces

Moderated by Dr. Ni’Cola Mitchell, our Safe Spaces panel featured an extraordinary group of women who shared wisdom, transparency, and practical guidance:

• Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson: Founder, America’s Big Sisters Foundation

• Cicley Gay: Founder, Black Lives Matter Sports

• Michelle Mackel: U.S. Army Veteran, CEO, and Author

• Halima Narcisse McKenna: Attorney

The discussion reminded our girls of the importance of finding trusted support systems, protecting their emotional well-being, using their voices, and understanding that asking for help is a sign of strength.

Confidence, Safety, and Self-Protection

Gerard Davis of DF6 Defense Academy led a dynamic self-defense demonstration, equipping the girls with valuable safety knowledge, awareness, and confidence.

The demonstration was a powerful reminder that every girl deserves to feel prepared, protected, and empowered in her everyday life.

Panel Two: Brave Faces

Our Brave Faces panel, also moderated by Dr. Ni’Cola Mitchell, featured courageous leaders who spoke openly about resilience, purpose, identity, healing, education, and overcoming challenges:

• Keyontae Hamilton: Motivational Speaker and Educator

• Jaz Morton: Author and Teacher

• Rev. Dr. Yolanda Seals-Stewart, PhD, LPC, LPCC, LMHC, CPCS, EAS-C, SATS

• Sashika Baunchand: Founder and Executive Director

• Tenisha Thompson: Mentor, Curator, and Consultant

Their stories showed our girls that being brave does not mean never experiencing fear; it means finding the courage to keep moving forward, even when life becomes difficult.

Workshops That Equipped the Whole Girl

Girls participated in age-appropriate workshops designed to strengthen their emotional wellness, financial knowledge, educational preparedness, decision-making, and confidence.

Our workshop presenters included:

• Shelia Wiltz Frey, LPC: The Importance of Healthy Mental Hygiene

• Marie Wade, CPA Candidate: Financial Literacy and Real Estate Investing

• Dr. Donnette Green: Don’t Let the World Program You: Becoming the Author of Your Own Mind

• La Von Donigan-Bradley: Girl Bye

• Tiffany Magee: From Confusion to Confidence: Real Talk About College, Money, and Your Future

• Titilayo Osaya: Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Parents and caregivers were also supported through a dedicated workshop presented by Wanda A. Romain: College Preparedness Checklist for Families

These sessions provided our girls and families with practical tools they can continue using long after the event.

Entertainment That Brought the Energy

The New Orleans experience was filled with joy, culture, creativity, and incredible talent.

Featured entertainment included:

• DJ Yung Nae

• Arnez Tyree

• Angelia Ire

• Zulu Tramps

• Blazin Cheetahs Dance Team

• Center Stage School of Dance

Each performance brought excitement to the room and helped create a celebration our girls will always remember.

This Is Only the Beginning

New Orleans set the bar high for what is already becoming an extraordinary tour season.

With 196 girls in attendance, powerful speakers, engaging workshops, committed community partners, and unforgettable entertainment, the kickoff demonstrated exactly why safe spaces are necessary and why brave faces must continue to be celebrated.

We are incredibly grateful to every speaker, presenter, performer, volunteer, committee member, parent, organization, and supporter who helped bring this experience to life.

The Safe Spaces. Brave Faces. SafeT.E.A. Tour is officially underway, and we are just getting started.

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Powered by Partnership

A heartfelt thank-you to all of our sponsors, community partners, vendors, and supporters who helped make the New Orleans kickoff of the Safe Spaces. Brave Faces. SafeT.E.A. Tour such an amazing experience for the 196 girls in attendance.

We extend an especially warm thank-you to BLM Sports for their generous support and continued belief in the Girls Who Brunch Tour. Your partnership helped us create a day filled with empowerment, education, wellness, entertainment, and unforgettable memories for our girls.

To every organization and business that donated resources, services, products, food, time, and financial support, thank you. This experience would not have been possible without your commitment to investing in the next generation.

Together, we are creating spaces where girls feel seen, heard, protected, prepared, and empowered to walk boldly into their futures.

Truth. Expression. Authenticity.

Welcome to the SafeT.E.A. Tour.