Alzheimers Los Angeles presents Visionary Womens Afternoon Tea

Visionary Women's Afternoon Tea

Tuesday, March 4, 2025 • 3:30 – 5:30PM

The London West Hollywood

The Visionary Women’s Afternoon Tea is an elegant gathering dedicated to recognizing the unwavering dedication of remarkable women in the fight against Alzheimer's. Join us on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the London West Hollywood as we come together to honor extraordinary individuals, share stories of resilience, and make a difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's is a Women's Issue. Two-thirds of those diagnosed are women, and similarly, two-thirds of primary caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer's are women. As we stand together in March, recognized as Women's History Month, we shed light on the unique challenges women face in the realm of Alzheimer's.

Sponsorship Opportunities

To support our cause and be part of this impactful event, download our Sponsorship Deck. Your sponsorship ensures that vital resources reach those affected by Alzheimer's.

Connie Lee Keiter Breaking Boundaries Award

Ken Chiate

Ken Chiate

Ken Chiate

Alzheimer’s LA Board Member

Ken currently supports various Alzheimer’s research and care, inner city youth, rehabilitation and homeless programs, and is a member of the Board of Alzheimer’s Los Angeles.

Ken married his wife Jeannette Jensen in 1965. Jeannette was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment when she was 58 years old, which was later diagnosed as early onset Alzheimer’s, and Jeannette died 10 years later when she was 68 in 2011.

Ken is a partner of the Los Angeles office of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan, an international law firm specializing in litigation. He was named one of Southern California’s top 100 Super Lawyers in 2004 and a Super Lawyer every year from 2004 to 2017, and represents both corporations and/or individual clients in high stakes litigation. He was a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop LLP and its predecessor firm for 36 years before joining Quinn Emanuel in 2002 where he is currently representing clients and specializing in pro bono housing litigation.

Ken graduated Columbia Law School (J.D. Cum Laude) in 1996, and Claremont Men’s College (B.S. Honors) in 1963. He has a 53 year old son, Gregory, and 50 year old daughter, Carlee, and he lives in Malibu. Ken is currently Of Counsel with Inner City Law Center. He was a Founding and still is a Member of MJC&S, is an active member and “All Star” of WBC (We Benefit Children) Charity, and funded the Alzheimer’s Research Enbrel Study at University of California, Irvine in 2013.

Caring Hearts Award

Aurora Ramirez

Aurora Ramirez

Caregiver

Aurora’s life is a testament to the power of faith, love, and resilience. A devoted single woman and an only child, she poured her heart into serving the Lord through her local church, finding immense joy in mission work. Her passion for helping others, especially through her trips to Africa, fueled her dream of becoming a full-time missionary. But in a twist of divine purpose, Aurora found her true mission closer to home.

In 2016, Aurora’s life changed forever when her mother, Sofia, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Sofia, a loving and independent widow, had spent her life raising Aurora with unparalleled devotion and sacrifice. Now, the roles reversed, and Aurora embraced the role of caregiver with the same steadfast love her mother had shown her.

The shift was overwhelming at first. Aurora was consumed by fear, anxiety, and uncertainty as she navigated the uncharted territory of caregiving. But her faith and determination led her to seek out resources, which eventually brought her to Alzheimer’s Los Angeles. This discovery proved to be a lifeline, opening a "box of hope" that would guide her through the challenges ahead.

Through Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, Aurora gained invaluable resources and tools that empowered her to better care for Sofia. She learned the importance of self-care and how to manage the physical and emotional demands of caregiving. However, it was the support group that made the most profound impact.

The group provided Aurora with more than just advice; it became her safe place. Surrounded by people who truly understood her struggles, she found emotional support and built bonds that felt like an extended family. This sense of community helped Aurora move from a place of fear to one of strength and acceptance.

Today, Aurora is in a much better place—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Her caregiving journey has become not just her challenge but her blessing. Inspired by the support she received; Aurora has made it her mission to help other caregivers. She shares her experiences and offers companionship to those walking the same path, ensuring they know they are not alone.

Aurora’s story is a reminder that God’s plans often differ from our own but are always filled with purpose. While she once dreamed of being a missionary in faraway lands, Aurora found her calling in the quiet, daily acts of love and care for her mother.

Judy Wunsch Heart of Service Award

Petra Niles

Petra Niles

Senior Manager, Education & Outreach, African American Community, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles

Petra Niles is a Gerontologist and current Senior Manager of African American Service, Education, and coordinator of the South Central-West Central Dementia Care Network at Alzheimer’s Los Angeles. She has been with Alzheimer’s Los Angeles for over twelve years and has an extensive background in outreach and education of Alzheimer’s disease, aging issues which includes, geriatric care management, senior programs management, elder abuse, and aging in place. She believes strongly in the importance of motivating young people to better understand and become active in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Petra has a master’s degree in Gerontology from the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at USC.

Visionary Women 2025 Planning Committee

We extend our gratitude to the dedicated committee members who have played a pivotal role in making this event possible. Their passion and commitment drive our collective mission forward.

Susan Levin, Chair
Beth Devermont
Mirella Diaz-Santos
Melly Khamvongsa
Monica Moore
Arden Teplow
Linda Thieben

Photos from 2024 Visionary Women's Afternoon Tea

More photos can be found on our Facebook page.

Funds raised from this event support Alzheimer’s Los Angeles’ critical education and support programs that provide much needed care for caregivers facing the enormous challenges of caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.