I was born and raised on the east side of Buffalo, New York, never having a chance to experience golf because it wasn’t a major sport in my community — nor was it accessible.

Instead of playing in soccer, softball and other sports, I eventually chose to focus on track and fields, where I became a four time state champion at Tapestry Charter High School. I was also active in leadership. I was the president of the Student Government Association at my high school.

I then committed to SUNY Cortland to receive my bachelor’s degree in sports management. At SUNY Cortland I ran track and set two records in track and field, one in the 4x100m relay, and the other in 200m dash. Aside from sports, I participated in various organizations on campus, such as NAACP, SGA, and the same theme.

I was also one of the multimedia managers on our school football team and became the SGA’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the 2020-21 school year. It was a great experience. I also led the creation of an antiracism 21-day challenge and a school program that assists students in DEI programming. I was in a familiar job, but at a new location by my senior year: SGA president.

During one of my classes in my last year, a presentation was given by the PGA of America’s Chris Kulinski, PGA. Chris is a Career and recruitment consultant who really opened up my eyes to the possibilities in the golf industry. He was the one who offered me a PGA WORKS fellowship in the Western New York PGA Section.

I applied for the fellowship, and was chosen for the position last year. It’s been an amazing experience.

This year, I’ve been able to learn the many different elements that makeup the golf industry. Planning special events for PGA REACH Western New York, assisting with Section Pro-Ams, Junior Tour events and PGA HOPE programming, operating Drive, Chip and Putt qualifiers, and drafting weekly updates to our Western New York PGA Members are all responsibilities I’ve taken a lot of pride in so far.

I also have the opportunity to help plan the PGA WORKS Beyond the Green program at this year’s PGA Championship by inviting guest panelists to come and share their stories with attendees about helping the Western New York community, and how golf has impacted their lives.

While working with the Western New York PGA, I’m planning to create a program that allows children in the city of Buffalo to learn the fundamentals of golf. I believe it’s important for the youth in my community to understand there are more options other than football and basketball.

PGA WORKS offers non-golfers the chance to learn more about the industry and gain a fresh perspective on how to develop a career. I have had the privilege of working with many amazing people, including Tori Schiro (Ashley Easterday), Julie Halie, and Julie Halie, which has helped me tremendously in understanding the golf industry.

Being a part of the Western New York PGA Section, in a position I never imagined I’d be in all those years ago, has been an honor.