entrance to the office of the African-American Resource Center

Queen's Tea

In 2005 Oprah Winfrey held a private luncheon where “legends” in art, entertainment, and civil rights were greeted and paid homage to by the “young’uns” during one phase of her “Legends Ball.”

Two women with vision, creativity, and clarity of thought talked about the Legends Ball and said to each other, “Why can’t we do something very similar in scope here at Penn?" So they put their heads and hearts together and crafted the “Queen’s Tea.” Those two women were Dr. Valerie Allen and Mrs. Afi Haywood.

In May 2006 the African-American Resource Center, at the University of Pennsylvania, hosted its first Queen’s Tea, and established what has become a tradition at the University. The Queen’s Tea is a formal gathering that traditionally brings women from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds together in a regal setting that celebrates “them.”

It is traditional for faculty, staff, students, and women from the surrounding community to don their summer dresses, gloves, and beautiful hats as they dine on a deliciously catered buffet and digest inspiring words from a local author and/or other inspirational speaker(s). Yes this is “our” time as women come together to relax in the inspiring company of each other.

Noontime Networking Lunch Series

The WOCAP Noontime Networking Lunch Series is an informal gathering that by design brings together faculty, staff, students, and community from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds to network and share their research projects, dissertations, personal stories, travels, writings, service to their communities, artistic talents. It also is a mechanism for introducing new employees to the Penn community.

Women of Color at Penn Bulletin Board

To learn about the events and programs, go to the Women of Color at Penn bulletin board.

If you would like to have an event or program listed, email information to:

Yolanda Washington, ywash@seas.upenn.edu
Mattie Simbarcelos, simbaa@wharton.upenn.edu

Dr. Allen surrounded by orchids at a podium at the Sheraton Hotel

Leadership Academy

The leadership academy was the dream-child of Joann Mitchell and was actualized under the WOCAP Executive Chairing of Desirae Cesar. It has been developed for women of color who wish to understand, navigate and develop skills essential for a successful career in higher education and other advancement opportunities.

This is accomplished by exposing participants to thought leaders at the university; sharing best practices and research of University leaders; exploring how to leverage one's network as well as how to identify and utilize mentors; developing communication and negotiation skills as well as learning how to do individual branding and marketing that will take you to the next level in your leadership journey.

Annual Women of Color Day

The National Institute for Women of Color (NIWC) has proclaimed March 1st National Women of Color Day. Penn, UPHS, Presbyterian and Pennsylvania Hospital seek to increase our awareness of the talents and achievements of women of color.

Recognize women in our community whose special commitment and dedicated service to their workplace, or the Delaware Valley have made a difference. We hope you will join us for the annual uplifting and inspirational day-long celebration.

Annual Women of Color Day Event Information

The daylong celebration takes place on the 3rd Friday in March from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. The Awards Program will take place in the Grand Ballroom, Inn at Penn, 3600 Sansom Street. Vendors also on site.

Please join us!

Go to Program Registration.

Address
3643 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3199

Telephone Numbers
Tel: (215) 898-0104
Fax: (215) 573-9117

Directions
Find us on the map