HIGH TEA SOCIETY GIRLS CONNECTED

High Tea Society is a Washington, DC-based humanities organization that uses storytelling and intergenerational dialogue to explore identity, culture, and the human experience. Through both published works, including biographies and cultural texts featured in its Fashion Intel series, and lived narratives shared through youth programming, HTS examines real-life stories, cultural influences, and the consequences of choices. By connecting the experiences of authors, teens, and community members, HTS equips participants with Tools for Excellence & Achievement (T.E.A.).

The transition from girlhood to womanhood can be difficult without proper guidance. High Tea Society uses storytelling, cultural exploration, and intergenerational dialogue to equip young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds with the critical social and professional skills needed to navigate their communities.
In the words of our founder, the Honorable Mary A. Gooden Terrell, we want young women to “be just as comfortable in the White House as they are in their house.” To that end, we go where our girls are: their schools, their homes, and their digital spaces.

Although the foundations of High Tea Society are rooted in tradition, the organization’s approach reflects the needs of the 21st century. Through both in-person programming and digital storytelling platforms, HTS creates opportunities for participants to engage with real-life narratives, cultural texts, and community voices.

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Since 1997, High Tea Society has worked with over 800 young women across Washington, DC. Through its four-pronged approach, the 4 Es (Exposure, Environment, Expectations, and Experiences), HTS integrates storytelling, cultural awareness, and community engagement into programming that supports academic achievement, personal growth, and global awareness.

Through participation in High Tea Society programs, young women develop the ability to interpret real-life situations, make informed decisions, and understand the broader cultural and social forces that shape their lives. Using storytelling and shared experiences, HTS builds resilience and equips participants with life skills that extend beyond “street skills,” preparing them to contribute meaningfully to civil society.