Spill the Tea 2026 – Stir the Pot. Hold the Sugar.
The Foundation for Fresno Unified Students invites you to the third annual Spill the Tea event—an energizing high tea honoring International Women’s Month and empowering bold voices in education and beyond.
Join us on March 14, 2026, for a thought-provoking conversation with leading trailblazers who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. This year’s theme, “Stir the Pot. Hold the Sugar.”, promises a candid and courageous dialogue about what it takes to lead, disrupt, and drive change—especially when the pressure is on.
Sponsorships are now available at a variety of levels. Your contribution helps cover costs for staff, event hosting, promotional materials, and thank-you gifts—ensuring that we can continue to make a difference where it matters most: with students.
Let’s sip, speak, and spark something new. We’re just getting warmed up.
Thank You to Our Esteemed Panelists
Rickie Dhillon, MBA
Superintendent/CEO & Chief Financial Officer Kepler Neighborhood School — Fresno, California
Rickie Dhillon, MBA, is a recognized expert in organizational strategy and resource management, known for leading transformative change with clarity, discipline, and integrity. As the Superintendent/CEO and Chief Financial Officer of Kepler Neighborhood School, she has been celebrated for her pivotal role in stabilizing and growing the institution—an achievement that earned her the prestigious Emerging Leader Award from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO). Her leadership has fundamentally reshaped Kepler’s outlook, strengthening financial health, elevating student services, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Rickie’s journey—from immigrant roots to executive leadership—embodies resilience, tenacity, and a deep commitment to public service. Her multi-sector experience in logistics, business instruction, and human resources provides a unique, comprehensive perspective on organizational health and managing complex change. At Kepler, she has guided a strategic turnaround that preserved jobs, revitalized academic programs, expanded STEAM and arts offerings, and fostered a more supportive learning environment for Fresno students and families.
Rickie is also deeply engaged in community and professional leadership. She serves on a Rotary Board, is Board Treasurer for the California Teaching Fellows Foundation, serves on the UC Riverside Women in Leadership Board, holds a position on the CASBO Central Section Board, and is Board Secretary for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). Her service reflects a deep commitment to cultivating leadership, strengthening educational systems, and expanding opportunities for future generations.
As a speaker, Rickie provides actionable, proven insights into organizational transformation. Her keynote themes include:
- The Immigrant Advantage — harnessing resilience and dual perspective for professional excellence.
- Courageous Turnarounds — the strategic roadmap she used to transform an underperforming school into a thriving institution.
- Leading with Financial Clarity — practical guidance on aligning fiscal responsibility with mission and people-first leadership.
- Building Community Power — leveraging multi-sector board service to drive impact beyond one’s organization.
With a record of stabilizing and growing institutions through vision, financial acumen, and compassionate leadership, Rickie Dhillon is a compelling force for positive change across education, leadership development, and community advancement.
Rickie Dhillon, MBA
Superintendent/CEO & Chief Financial Officer Kepler Neighborhood School — Fresno, California
Rickie Dhillon, MBA, is a recognized expert in organizational strategy and resource management, known for leading transformative change with clarity, discipline, and integrity. As the Superintendent/CEO and Chief Financial Officer of Kepler Neighborhood School, she has been celebrated for her pivotal role in stabilizing and growing the institution—an achievement that earned her the prestigious Emerging Leader Award from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO). Her leadership has fundamentally reshaped Kepler’s outlook, strengthening financial health, elevating student services, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Rickie’s journey—from immigrant roots to executive leadership—embodies resilience, tenacity, and a deep commitment to public service. Her multi-sector experience in logistics, business instruction, and human resources provides a unique, comprehensive perspective on organizational health and managing complex change. At Kepler, she has guided a strategic turnaround that preserved jobs, revitalized academic programs, expanded STEAM and arts offerings, and fostered a more supportive learning environment for Fresno students and families.
Rickie is also deeply engaged in community and professional leadership. She serves on a Rotary Board, is Board Treasurer for the California Teaching Fellows Foundation, serves on the UC Riverside Women in Leadership Board, holds a position on the CASBO Central Section Board, and is Board Secretary for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). Her service reflects a deep commitment to cultivating leadership, strengthening educational systems, and expanding opportunities for future generations.
As a speaker, Rickie provides actionable, proven insights into organizational transformation. Her keynote themes include:
- The Immigrant Advantage — harnessing resilience and dual perspective for professional excellence.
- Courageous Turnarounds — the strategic roadmap she used to transform an underperforming school into a thriving institution.
- Leading with Financial Clarity — practical guidance on aligning fiscal responsibility with mission and people-first leadership.
- Building Community Power — leveraging multi-sector board service to drive impact beyond one’s organization.
With a record of stabilizing and growing institutions through vision, financial acumen, and compassionate leadership, Rickie Dhillon is a compelling force for positive change across education, leadership development, and community advancement.
Officer Lindsay Dozier
Fresno Police Department
Community Relations Unit
Officer Lindsay Dozier is a lifelong Fresno resident and a highly respected member of the Fresno Police Department, where she currently serves in the Police Community Relations Unit. Raised in Fresno and educated in Fresno Unified Schools, Officer Dozier developed a passion for service and athletics early in life. A competitive athlete across multiple disciplines—including Karate, Tae Kwon Do, boxing, and long-distance running—she began teaching self-defense as a teenager and pursued her childhood dream of becoming a police officer. She attended Fresno City College and graduated from the Fresno City College Police Academy in 1998.
Officer Dozier was hired by the Fresno Police Department in 1999 and spent 18 years in the Patrol Division, working midnight patrol. During that time, she served 12 years as a Field Training Officer, mentoring and training new officers in the field. In 2017, she transferred to the Student Neighborhood Resource Officer (SNRO) Unit, where she was assigned to Baird Middle School until 2020. This role ignited her passion for youth mentorship and prevention-focused policing.
Through her work with the Fresno Police Activities League (PAL), Officer Dozier founded Fresno PAL Fightgirl Fitness in 2021—a fitness and mentorship program for at-risk junior high and high school girls referred by law enforcement, educators, and social service professionals. The program later evolved into Fresno PAL Lady Boxing, which works alongside PAL’s long-standing boxing program. Using boxing as a vehicle, Officer Dozier and other female Fresno PD officers teach resilience, confidence, teamwork, and leadership in a safe, empowering environment.
In 2021, Officer Dozier became the first Community Relations Officer for the Fresno Police Department. Her responsibilities include creating and managing PAL programs, coaching Fresno PAL Lady Boxing, leading the Fresno Police Explorer Program, partnering with Fresno Unified School District to develop First Responder–based CTE pathways, and representing the department at community and school events.
In recognition of her extraordinary service and community impact, Officer Dozier was inducted into the 2023 National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame—a well-deserved honor reflecting her dedication, leadership, and lasting influence on Fresno’s youth and families.
Officer Lindsay Dozier
Fresno Police Department
Community Relations Unit
Officer Lindsay Dozier is a lifelong Fresno resident and a highly respected member of the Fresno Police Department, where she currently serves in the Police Community Relations Unit. Raised in Fresno and educated in Fresno Unified Schools, Officer Dozier developed a passion for service and athletics early in life. A competitive athlete across multiple disciplines—including Karate, Tae Kwon Do, boxing, and long-distance running—she began teaching self-defense as a teenager and pursued her childhood dream of becoming a police officer. She attended Fresno City College and graduated from the Fresno City College Police Academy in 1998.
Officer Dozier was hired by the Fresno Police Department in 1999 and spent 18 years in the Patrol Division, working midnight patrol. During that time, she served 12 years as a Field Training Officer, mentoring and training new officers in the field. In 2017, she transferred to the Student Neighborhood Resource Officer (SNRO) Unit, where she was assigned to Baird Middle School until 2020. This role ignited her passion for youth mentorship and prevention-focused policing.
Through her work with the Fresno Police Activities League (PAL), Officer Dozier founded Fresno PAL Fightgirl Fitness in 2021—a fitness and mentorship program for at-risk junior high and high school girls referred by law enforcement, educators, and social service professionals. The program later evolved into Fresno PAL Lady Boxing, which works alongside PAL’s long-standing boxing program. Using boxing as a vehicle, Officer Dozier and other female Fresno PD officers teach resilience, confidence, teamwork, and leadership in a safe, empowering environment.
In 2021, Officer Dozier became the first Community Relations Officer for the Fresno Police Department. Her responsibilities include creating and managing PAL programs, coaching Fresno PAL Lady Boxing, leading the Fresno Police Explorer Program, partnering with Fresno Unified School District to develop First Responder–based CTE pathways, and representing the department at community and school events.
In recognition of her extraordinary service and community impact, Officer Dozier was inducted into the 2023 National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame—a well-deserved honor reflecting her dedication, leadership, and lasting influence on Fresno’s youth and families.
Dr. Veronica Ramirez, MD
Board-Certified Pediatrician • Children’s Author • Community Health Advocate
Dr. Veronica Ramirez, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician in Fresno, California, with more than 15 years of experience providing compassionate, family-centered care. A Central Valley native, Dr. Ramirez grew up in the South Valley town of Dinuba. She was raised by her single mother and by grandparents who immigrated to the region as farm laborers—an upbringing that shaped her commitment to service, community health, and expanding access to care.
A proud alumnus of Dinuba High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Fresno State University in 2003. While at Fresno State, she worked with the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP), a program dedicated to increasing the number of underrepresented students entering medical professions. She continues to volunteer with both HCOP and the UCSF Fresno Doctors Academy, supporting future generations of healthcare leaders.
Dr. Ramirez earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in 2009, graduating with honors and induction into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. She completed her pediatric residency at UCSF–Fresno in 2012 and is currently affiliated with Clovis Community Medical Center and Community Regional Medical Center.
Her philosophy of care is rooted in partnership and trust:
“I chose medicine to help people. I chose pediatrics because children are an amazing patient population to work with. I believe every child deserves to live a healthy life and have access to quality healthcare. This can be achieved through a collaborative effort between patients, parents, and physicians. Establishing a trusting relationship between my patients and their families is very important to me. It is these relationships—and the opportunity to be a part of my patients’ lives as they grow into young adults—that drives my passion for pediatrics.”
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Ramirez is a children’s author who uses storytelling to make health concepts accessible and empowering for young readers. Her book Danni’s Broken Bone helps children understand injury and healing through relatable, comforting explanations informed by her medical expertise and experiences as a mother.
Dr. Ramirez and her husband, Rene, have three children who inspire both her clinical practice and her writing. She enjoys reading, creating educational stories, and spending time with her family.
With deep roots in the Central Valley and a passion for pediatric wellness, health education, and community empowerment, Dr. Veronica Ramirez continues to make a meaningful impact on children and families throughout the region.
Dr. Veronica Ramirez, MD
Board-Certified Pediatrician • Children’s Author • Community Health Advocate
Dr. Veronica Ramirez, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician in Fresno, California, with more than 15 years of experience providing compassionate, family-centered care. A Central Valley native, Dr. Ramirez grew up in the South Valley town of Dinuba. She was raised by her single mother and by grandparents who immigrated to the region as farm laborers—an upbringing that shaped her commitment to service, community health, and expanding access to care.
A proud alumnus of Dinuba High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Fresno State University in 2003. While at Fresno State, she worked with the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP), a program dedicated to increasing the number of underrepresented students entering medical professions. She continues to volunteer with both HCOP and the UCSF Fresno Doctors Academy, supporting future generations of healthcare leaders.
Dr. Ramirez earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in 2009, graduating with honors and induction into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. She completed her pediatric residency at UCSF–Fresno in 2012 and is currently affiliated with Clovis Community Medical Center and Community Regional Medical Center.
Her philosophy of care is rooted in partnership and trust:
“I chose medicine to help people. I chose pediatrics because children are an amazing patient population to work with. I believe every child deserves to live a healthy life and have access to quality healthcare. This can be achieved through a collaborative effort between patients, parents, and physicians. Establishing a trusting relationship between my patients and their families is very important to me. It is these relationships—and the opportunity to be a part of my patients’ lives as they grow into young adults—that drives my passion for pediatrics.”
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Ramirez is a children’s author who uses storytelling to make health concepts accessible and empowering for young readers. Her book Danni’s Broken Bone helps children understand injury and healing through relatable, comforting explanations informed by her medical expertise and experiences as a mother.
Dr. Ramirez and her husband, Rene, have three children who inspire both her clinical practice and her writing. She enjoys reading, creating educational stories, and spending time with her family.
With deep roots in the Central Valley and a passion for pediatric wellness, health education, and community empowerment, Dr. Veronica Ramirez continues to make a meaningful impact on children and families throughout the region.
Annalisa Perea
Fresno City Councilmember, District 1
Annalisa Perea is a dedicated public servant and urban planner currently serving as the Fresno City Councilmember for District 1. Born and raised in Fresno, she has deep roots in the community and a lifelong commitment to its growth, safety, and prosperity.
Annalisa began her academic journey at Fresno City College before earning a Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Her professional career as an urban planner has focused on building safer, more connected communities through expanded park spaces, roadway improvements to enhance traffic flow, crime-reduction design strategies, improved pedestrian walkability, and the expansion of affordable housing throughout the Central Valley.
In 2018, Annalisa was elected to the State Center Community College District Board of Trustees, where she gained valuable experience in educational policy and community governance. Her dedication to public service led to her unanimous appointment to the Fresno City Council on December 9, 2022, filling the seat vacated by Esmeralda Soria. She was sworn into office on December 14, 2022, elected Council Vice President on January 3, 2023, and later served as Council President in 2024.
As a councilmember, Annalisa has championed safer neighborhoods, government transparency, affordable housing, and equitable treatment for all residents. She has been a strong advocate for working families and the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring inclusive representation in city governance. Her policy initiatives include declaring a state of emergency to address housing and homelessness, supporting the Tower District Farmers Market, implementing a local job-creation incentive program, and advancing the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance to support small entrepreneurs while maintaining public safety and accessibility.
During her tenure as Council President, Annalisa advanced a “three-legged stool” approach centered on public safety, housing, and economic development. She prioritized community-based policing, modernized zoning ordinances to increase affordable housing, and helped secure a historic tax-sharing agreement with county partners to drive economic growth.
Known for her collaborative leadership style and strong commitment to constituent engagement, Annalisa Perea is a bold and thoughtful leader dedicated to improving District 1 and strengthening the Fresno community as a whole.
Annalisa Perea
Fresno City Councilmember, District 1
Annalisa Perea is a dedicated public servant and urban planner currently serving as the Fresno City Councilmember for District 1. Born and raised in Fresno, she has deep roots in the community and a lifelong commitment to its growth, safety, and prosperity.
Annalisa began her academic journey at Fresno City College before earning a Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Her professional career as an urban planner has focused on building safer, more connected communities through expanded park spaces, roadway improvements to enhance traffic flow, crime-reduction design strategies, improved pedestrian walkability, and the expansion of affordable housing throughout the Central Valley.
In 2018, Annalisa was elected to the State Center Community College District Board of Trustees, where she gained valuable experience in educational policy and community governance. Her dedication to public service led to her unanimous appointment to the Fresno City Council on December 9, 2022, filling the seat vacated by Esmeralda Soria. She was sworn into office on December 14, 2022, elected Council Vice President on January 3, 2023, and later served as Council President in 2024.
As a councilmember, Annalisa has championed safer neighborhoods, government transparency, affordable housing, and equitable treatment for all residents. She has been a strong advocate for working families and the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring inclusive representation in city governance. Her policy initiatives include declaring a state of emergency to address housing and homelessness, supporting the Tower District Farmers Market, implementing a local job-creation incentive program, and advancing the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance to support small entrepreneurs while maintaining public safety and accessibility.
During her tenure as Council President, Annalisa advanced a “three-legged stool” approach centered on public safety, housing, and economic development. She prioritized community-based policing, modernized zoning ordinances to increase affordable housing, and helped secure a historic tax-sharing agreement with county partners to drive economic growth.
Known for her collaborative leadership style and strong commitment to constituent engagement, Annalisa Perea is a bold and thoughtful leader dedicated to improving District 1 and strengthening the Fresno community as a whole.
