Andra Day, Councilmember Heather Hutt, Michelle Gaskill-Hames Among Honorees at Power-Packed First Ladies High Tea
The 27th Annual First Ladies High Tea drew more than 700 attendees to the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel last weekend in a vibrant celebration of faith, leadership, and community service that brought together elected officials, faith leaders, and changemakers from across California.
Hosted by actress Wendy Raquel Robinson and Grammy-winning gospel artist Erica Campbell, the event honored a powerhouse lineup of women making a tangible difference in their communities and beyond. Campbell—who co-pastors California Worship Center with her husband—was joined onstage by her daughter and rising gospel singer, Krista Campbell, who performed during the afternoon program.
Among the distinguished guests were L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, State Senator Lola Smallwood-McKinney, and Assemblymembers Tina McKinnor and Sade Elhawary, underscoring the Tea’s reputation as a signature event in the Black community.
This year’s honorees included Oscar-nominated actress and singer Andra Day, who received the Spirit Award, Kaiser Permanente Regional President Michelle Gaskill-Hames, who was presented with the Focus Award, and Los Angeles City Councilmember Heather Hutt, who received the Gamechanger Award.
Councilmember Hutt reflected on the collective strength of the community in her remarks.
“Being a Councilwoman is more than a title—it’s a daily commitment to service,” she said. “This award fills me with optimism and renews my sense of purpose. I thank my team and this incredible community, because everything you do is in service to one another.”
In keeping with tradition, the event also honored four exceptional first ladies for their contributions to faith and community: Charlé Johnson (Metropolitan Baptist Church); Dr. Micheline McFarland (Lift International Church); Andrea Robinson (Resurrection Church L.A.) and Bukeka Williams (88th Street Temple COGIC).
Day, in an emotional and Spirit-led speech, acknowledged the deep faith roots that fuel her work and service.
“To be recognized in a room full of faith-filled, purpose-driven women and men—many of whom have poured into their communities, their families, and into my life—is something I do not take lightly,” she said.
“At first, I thought I was receiving the Legacy Award,” she added with a laugh. “But the Spirit Award? That’s even deeper. Because what people are seeing in me isn’t about me—it’s the Holy Spirit working through me.”
Day emphasized how her church family inspires her to serve, referencing the Hebrew word “avodah”, which means both work and worship.
“Our work is our worship,” she said. “And that truth has never been lost on me.”
First Lady Charle´Johnson delivered a powerful message on the event’s theme, Beauty for Ashes.
“I literally spent 90 days walking through the ashes of the L.A. Fire in Palisades and Malibu as an asbestos inspector,” she said. “It reminds me of the ashes of my own life—every flame, every ember that shaped who I am today. I stand on the shoulders of my grandmothers, my mom, my aunts—every woman who ever had to turn pain into purpose.”
One especially moving moment came when First Lady Andrea Robinson, a breast cancer survivor, shared her story, giving thanks to God, her family, and her faith community for walking with her through the journey. Her testimony echoed the event’s central themes: sisterhood, strength, and resilience.
Robinson, grateful and uplifting in her remarks, shared:
“Whatever environment you’re in, remember—you add the seasoning. You can make it sweet, salty, or spicy. You choose. You add the flavor. And lastly, women: check your breasts.”
Gaskill-Hames, who also serves as First Lady of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church’s Ninth Episcopal District, reflected on community unity during times of crisis.
“We formed a coalition of compassion that transcended titles and uniforms,” she said. “When we come together, we don’t just rebuild—we reimagine what is possible.”
Now in its 27th year, the First Ladies High Tea—founded by L.A. Focus Publisher Lisa Collins—has become a red-carpet tradition in the Black faith community, celebrating service, spiritual leadership, and purpose. Past honorees include former Vice President Kamala Harris, CeCe Winans, Debbie Allen, Pat Harvey, Yolanda Adams, and the late Cicely Tyson.
The program also featured a stirring performance by the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles and recognized 13 outstanding young women as winners of the annual First Ladies High Tea Essay Contest. Two of the students received $5,000 scholarships presented in honor of Dr. Betty Price and the late music industry icon Jheryl Busby, a founding partner in the establishment of L.A. Focus and the First Ladies High Tea.
As the event drew to a close, attendees left inspired, reminded that true leadership isn’t just about position—it’s about purpose. And that in community, anchored by faith, there is always hope, healing, and the power to rise.
