Meet the 2025 storytellers for Tea Infusiast’s annual chariTEA fundraiser!
On November 16, 2025, I will be hosting the fourth annual Story of a Teacup online fundraiser for a nonprofit organization. I’m excited to introduce you to this year’s storytellers!
Before I do–a quick word about this event. It’s an online tea party with storytelling! It’s an empathy-building event for tea lovers that raises money for a charitable cause. ALL ticket sales go to a designated charity.
This year’s designated nonprofit organization is World Central Kitchen. They are first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. They do vital work and have a 4 star, 100% rating from Charity Navigator.
2025 Storytellers
Now, about this year’s 2025 storytellers for the annual chariTEA fundraiser…
Shawn
Shawn J. Moore sits with tea as a contemplative practice, honoring its deep connection to Buddhist meditation and ritual. For him, each steeping is an exploration—an opening into stillness, curiosity, and the subtle teachings of presence. Shawn is passionate about helping people slow down so they can show up with clarity, compassion, and purpose.
As a Contemplative Learning & Development Strategist, he draws on over 15 years of experience guiding leaders, teams, and communities to find stillness as a source of strength. Shawn weaves mindfulness, equity, and embodied practices—like meditation, restorative yoga, sound healing, and yoga nidra—into his work. He creates space for authentic connection and sustainable change. Shawn’s website: The Mindful Rebel®. Instagram: @shawnj_moore
Kim
Kim Santo created “Stress ReLeaf: Working with Tea for Calm and Focus” at Boston University.
This weekly Student Wellbeing workshop provides a space for BU students to engage with tea in a meaningful way. With nearly 25 years of experience working in student affairs and higher education, Kim instills a joyful attitude into her job, emphasizing compassion, grace, and child-like whimsy. She enjoys creating tea content, connecting with fellow “Teaps,” and embracing tea nerdery in all its glory. Kim’s Instagram: @lil_teapot_78
Eve
Eve Rommel sees tea as an expression of hospitality – an opportunity to enjoy a moment of refreshment with others – an opportunity for freedom.
Active in Green Island Sangha, a meditation group grounded in the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, Eve creates the chance for participants to enjoy hot cups of tea together after the group meets. She enjoys the chance to enjoy being present with the tea, the friends and the freedom that presence provides. Though age and Covid have dulled her senses of smell and taste, Eve still finds comfort in a hot cup of tea.
Marco
Marco Namowicz is a Chicago-based tea educator, consultant, and photographer. Through his project STEAP’D, he creates experiences that bring people together through tea. He leads tastings, workshops, and community events that highlight tea’s cultural depth and invite meaningful connection.
Marco partners with producers, writes detailed tasting profiles, and develops resources that make tea both approachable and inspiring. His work blends knowledge, storytelling, and creativity to engage newcomers and seasoned drinkers alike. At the core of STEAP’D is his purpose: to create space for slowing down, sharing, and learning through the lens of tea. STEAP’D Instagram
Traci
Traci Levy (that’s me!), also known as Tea Infusiast.
I help people connect through tea and stillness. I infuse my tea-focused events and writings with themes like rest, mindfulness, connection, empathy, and meditation.
Besides offering events, as Tea Infusiast, I write this tea blog and publish Tea Infusiast News, a monthly newsletter for tea lovers. I find great meaning in being a tea educator and a meditation teacher.
We’d love to have you join us, the 2025 storytellers for this chariTEA fundraiser, at Story of a Teacup!
2 replies on “2025 Storytellers for ChariTEA Fundraiser”
I have just donated $25 to your fundraiser for the World Kitchen. What a lovely idea. I look forward to “attending” Story of a Teacup 2025
Hi Pam! A heartfelt thanks for donating. You’ve been added to the list of ticket holders. You should get a preliminary email in the next week, then details as the event gets closer. Thanks for helping us support World Central Kitchen and the important work they do feeding people around the world.