Saturday, June 20, 2026, Aurora InfoTech was proud to be represented by our VP and CSO, Roy Richardson, as he joined a distinguished panel of community leaders at the 2026 Ties & Tea program event.
Held at the Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center and hosted by Empowered Girls Inc. in partnership with Let's Spill the Tea, the event brought together youth, families, and community leaders for an afternoon centered around authentic conversation, mentorship, and meaningful connection, all under the theme:
"Building Stronger Bonds, Inspiring Brighter Futures."
About the Event
Ties & Tea is a community-driven program designed to create a safe and empowering space where young girls can engage in real, honest conversations with respected men in their community. The program is rooted in the belief that when young people hear genuine stories of success, struggle, and resilience from real-life role models, it has the power to inspire, encourage, and leave a lasting impact.
The event was moderated by Monica May, Founder and Host of Let's Spill the Tea, whose mission centers on helping mothers and daughters break through together.
One of the most unique and engaging elements of the event was the fishbowl-style Q&A, where questions were prepared and submitted by the young ladies themselves, then randomly selected during the discussion, creating a dynamic and genuinely interactive conversation between the panelists and the audience.
Roy was honored to share the panel alongside an impressive lineup of community leaders and advocates, including Mark Velez, Commissioner Burns, Sly Fertil, Tony Jones, Clarence Haywood, and CJ Bellamy.
Together, the panelists offered a wealth of lived experiences, wisdom, and encouragement, speaking candidly about their journeys as fathers, mentors, leaders, and role models in their community.
Why Events Like This Matter
At Aurora InfoTech, we believe that leadership extends far beyond the workplace. Investing in the next generation, showing up, speaking up, and giving back, is at the core of who we are as a company and as individuals.
Roy's participation in the Ties & Tea program reflects our commitment to being active, engaged members of our community. We are incredibly proud of him for lending his voice, his time, and his heart to such a meaningful event.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We extend our deepest gratitude to Monica May, Felicia Lewis, Empowered Girls Inc., Let's Spill the Tea, Harmony Candle Company, and the entire team for organizing such a thoughtful and impactful event. The care and intentionality poured into every detail of this program were truly evident, and we are honored to have been a part of it.
To the young ladies who attended, your curiosity, your boldness in asking questions, and your eagerness to grow are a testament to the bright futures ahead of you. Keep going.
Aurora InfoTech is committed to investing in community, leadership, and the next generation. Stay connected with us for more updates on our community involvement and company news.
