Lawrence, Kansas, United States: Participants in the GCSAA’s inaugural Women’s Leadership Academy will be guided along a path of discovery aimed at breaking down barriers and enhancing inner skills to maximise their impact as leaders.

To be held from November 7-9, the Academy will be attended by 40 selected turfgrass professionals.

The event at GCSAA headquarters in Kansas will feature education focused on key areas of self-discovery, understanding others, effective communication and inspiring others, all of which are key attributes of effective leaders.

Suzy Whaley, PGA Master Professional and the first woman to serve as President of the PGA of America, will headline the event, sharing her experiences as a woman leader in the golf industry.

In addition to educational sessions, the Women’s Leadership Academy will include networking opportunities and discussions on wellness, talent optimisation, human resources and more.

“Women make up a growing segment of the industry, and the GCSAA Women’s Leadership Academy offers the opportunity to help these professionals sharpen their leadership skills, which they can use to improve their facilities, careers and communities,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said.

“I congratulate the first members of the Women’s Leadership Academy and look forward to seeing them in November. They are taking steps to not only grow their own careers, but to encourage other women to consider working in the industry,” he added.

The Women’s Leadership Academy is hosted and paid for by the GCSAA based on the support of industry benefactors, which include The Toro Company, Nufarm and Yamaha who support this event as Trailblazer benefactors; Club Car and PBI-Gordon as Pathfinder benefactors; and Target Specialty Products as a Flag Bearer benefactor. The event is endorsed by the Sports Turf Managers Association.

The Toro Company, Club Car and the PGA of America are all Executive Members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.