Jackson State University News September 8, 2020 JSU alum Garcia named to 2020 Class of PGA WORKS Fellows "I've always known I wanted to be in the golf industry, but I just didn't know how to actually get into the golf industry," says Tasita Garcia, PGA WORKS fellow. "I had no idea where to start." Garcia's uncertainty quickly vanished when she was selected as a 2020PGA WORKS Fellow. This national Fellowship is the flagship program of the PGA REACH inclusion pillar focusing on engaging a diverse demographic of participants, with consideration to gender, age, race religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability and veteran status. "The main goal of the PGA WORKS Fellowship is to provide opportunities for minorities and women in the golf industry," says Garcia. "This is essential for all of the fellows because currently, Caucasian males make up about 98% of the golfing industry. These opportunities will allow individuals like me to obtain crucial employment positions in the golfing business." In her role, the Ohio native is assisting the administration of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programming, the flagship military program of PGA REACH, where she plays an integral role coordinating PGA HOPE Clinics and Play Days across the region. "So far, I've helped with marketing, social media coordinating, and planning/executing events," says Garcia. "It's been really cool because I've been learning a little bit about everything in this industry." Additionally, Garcia will support youth player development programming including PGA Jr. League Golf and Drive, Chip & Putt; serve as an event coordinator for fundraisers, and assist with marketing & communications initiatives to promote all PGA REACH-Middle Atlantic activities. After completing this 12-month fellowship, Garcia is hopeful that she will continue her journey by starting a career in the field of golfing. "I definitely want to stay in the golf industry and one of my goals is to eventually work at headquarters," she says. "Once I am at headquarters, I would love to work in the area of Diversity and Inclusion. Hopefully, I can work on initiatives that will bring more opportunities to people that look like me." In 2017, Garcia earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Entrepreneurship. During her college tenure, she was a member of the JSU Women's Golf team where she was coached by the legendary Eddie Payton. She has also served on the Athlete Advisory Committee for the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and as a volunteer coach for The First Tee of Cleveland (Ohio). In closing, Garcia says she motivates herself by staying true to these words of affirmation. "Since I've been in this industry, I have to consistently remind myself that no matter how uncomfortable I may feel, whether I am in a room with two or 200 people, I am there because I belong." Sandra M. Phoenix HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. Building Capacity for Humanities Special Collections at HBCUs - Become an ally and partner with us to protect, preserve and share a more authentic record of American history. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/humanities-2019.html for more information. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/ and click on the Donate Now button to invest in this project. Your support is appreciated. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/