Recently, Epson sponsored the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Panel at the Renee Powell Clearview Legacy Benefit.
The third annual Renee Powell Clearview Legacy Benefit is a full-day fundraiser that features 9 holes of golf with Epson Tour and LPGA players and a DEI Panel with local business leaders committed to changing the face of the game.
Each year the location changes, this year it took place at Galloping Hill Golf Course. The stormy weather didn’t stop attendees from celebrating the Clearview Golf Club and raising awareness of Renee Powell’s contribution and impact on women’s golf, with the proceeds benefiting the Clearview Legacy Foundation and local charities focused on bringing more people of color into the game of golf.
Renee Powell was the second African American to ever play in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). She currently is the head professional at her family’s Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio. Clearview is the only golf course designed, built, owned, and operated by an African American – Renee’s father, Bill.
Previously, this event had raised over $500,000 for the Clearview Legacy Foundation. This year, Renee was presented with a $200,000 check bringing the grand total to over $700,000 raised!
Through the partnership with the LPGA, Epson had the opportunity to support the event by sponsoring this year’s DEI Panel following the golf outing and youth clinic. Kendra Jones, Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer at Epson America, spoke on the panel about allyship and using it as a superpower to drive change.
Moderated by LPGA Foundation Board Member, Jacqueline Nickelberry, the panel was joined by Aubrey Harrell, Partner & Chair of the African Ancestry BRG at KPMG U.S., Mariah Stackhouse who is a dual member of the LPGA and Epson Tour, and Epson Tour player, Lakareber Abe.
The panel discussed how allyship comes in many forms and is not always tied to a direct financial investment. It is more about proximate work. You cannot help a group of people until you are proximate with them and understand the hurdles and challenges, they face.
Once you understand what the need is, you can identify solutions that lead to big changes. Little steps and contributions can deliver sweeping change.
Does your company want to become an ally and join Epson in lowering the entry fees for the players on the Epson Tour? Become a DEI Partner of the LPGA developmental tour and help Epson make golf more accessible and affordable to the next generation of women golfers! Contact Caitlyn Kovacs to learn more.
Kudos to the LPGA and KPMG for organizing a full day of events to promote diversity in golf! As part of our commitment, Epson donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Newark to support the cause.
