Averi Rodriguez (Class of 2028): Organizing a Workshop or Conference - Future Business Leaders Who Golf Program (9 points)

 

Serving as a correspondence leader with Ladies Who Golf has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding parts of my involvement with the Future Business Leaders of Spelman. I initially joined the organization as an Executive Intern in the spring of my freshman year, and since then, I have grown into the role of Co-Correspondence Director and FBLS liaison for the program. This progression has been especially meaningful to me because it not only highlights my personal growth within the organization but also reflects the trust built through steady communication, professionalism, and relationship cultivation. In this capacity, I have had the privilege of managing correspondence with our professional partners, Keyeriah and Lashonda Miles, the founders of Ladies Who Golf, and nurturing strong relationships with them over time. Through this collaboration, I have guided them on campus tours, worked closely on marketing initiatives, engaged in business discussions, and supported the program’s growth and visibility. These experiences have enhanced my leadership, teamwork, and communication skills in practical ways, while also emphasizing the importance of professionalism and intentional partnership-building.

One of the standout aspects of this experience is the program’s impact itself. Ladies Who Golf provides members with the chance to learn golf for free, a skill that is incredibly valuable as it opens doors in professional environments and boosts students’ confidence in networking situations they might not have otherwise accessed. Beyond learning the sport, members form meaningful connections with mentors in their respective fields, adding significant value to the program. Witnessing the program’s success and seeing students reap its benefits has been deeply rewarding, especially knowing how much work happens behind the scenes to ensure such partnerships succeed. At the same time, this experience has taught me that strong programs require ongoing effort, adaptability, and clear communication. If improvements were to be made, future efforts might focus on increasing member engagement consistently throughout the program, creating more frequent touchpoints between mentors and mentees, and broadening awareness so that more students recognize the professional benefits of participation. Despite these growth opportunities, the partnership’s overall success has demonstrated the power of intentional collaboration when organizations share a common mission.

This role connects closely with other leadership experiences I’ve had, reinforcing a pattern I’ve noticed in my own development: I flourish in roles where I act as a bridge between people, ideas, and opportunities. Whether through outreach, planning, or relationship management, I’ve learned that meaningful programs are built through sustained effort and thoughtful communication over time. Working with Ladies Who Golf has deepened my understanding of maintaining external partnerships—not just through messaging or coordinating logistics but by building genuine trust and mutual respect. It has also highlighted the importance of representation and access. Programs like this matter because they introduce students to professional settings, skills, and networks that can significantly impact their confidence and career growth. Seeing members gain exposure to golf, mentorship, and professional networking has reminded me how transformative access to such experiences can be in shaping students’ self-perception and future paths.

This role has profoundly influenced my goals and aspirations by confirming how much I value leadership that creates opportunities for others. It has shown me that I not only enjoy participating in impactful programs but also take great satisfaction in laying the groundwork that enables those programs to thrive. Moving forward, I aim to continue honing my skills in correspondence, strategic partnership development, and collaborative leadership so that I can keep creating meaningful opportunities for students and communities. I also plan to pursue roles that allow me to connect organizations, foster strong professional relationships, and contribute to programs that empower others through exposure, mentorship, and growth. Above all, this experience has taught me that while bringing a program to life requires hard work, the fulfillment gained from seeing others benefit makes that effort truly worthwhile.

By,

Averi Rodriguez