“In The Fairway” Guest PGA WORKS Program Specialist

Colorado PGA REACH News

“In The Fairway” Guest PGA WORKS Program Specialist

Rachel Melendez-Mabee Discusses Intentionality

In efforts to promote the PGA Professional, The Colorado PGA has begun guest appearances on the “In The Fairway” radio show on The Fan 104.3FM with Jerry Walters and Mike Castorino airing Sunday mornings from 8-10am. So far the Colorado PGA Segment guests have included Eddie Ainsworth, CEO and Executive Director of the Colorado PGA, Ann Finke, PGA Director of Golf Instruction at Country Club of Colorado, and Kirk Mease, PGA former Head Professional at Wellshire Golf Course. In June, Rachel Melendez-Mabee, PGA WORKS Program Specialist for PGA REACH joined the segment. Rachel shared about the new Colorado PGA WORKS Fellowship, funded by Colorado PGA REACH, and granted to Elizabeth Whan.

As the PGA WORKS Program Specialist, Rachel Melendez-Mabee is responsible for the oversight and overall execution of PGA REACH’s inclusion and diversity program. The program’s mission is to establish a deep bench of diverse talent prepared to ascend to key employment industries in the game and the business of golf. Melendez-Mabee states, “We want to make sure that we have adequate representation from all backgrounds, from all dimensions of diversity, in our sport and in our workforce.” “Diversifying opportunities starts with intention,” shares Melendez-Mabee. “PGA WORKS, specifically, does exactly that. We go out with intentionality and look at underrepresented talent and get them into our industry. Underrepresented includes racial demographics, gender demographics, LGBTQ+, Veterans, people with disabilities. We want to make sure we are passing a good wide net into all of those diverse populations. A lot of times the industry [an $84 billion industry] is found as ‘cool’ or ‘attractive,’ but pathways are needed into it. PGA WORKS creates, with intention, those pathways.” There is an 85% job placement rate in the industry post fellowship. “We want to continuously fill the pipeline,” continues Melendez-Mabee. “Success comes from the resources available, the career consultants, and mentors to the fellows. A lot of talent that comes in are non-golfers, but after the 12-month fellowship, 100% are hooked, have the golf bug, and want to continue their career path in golf.” All segments of the radio show are available online as podcasts. Click below to listen to the full interview.

Rachel Melendez-Mabee is responsible for oversight and overall execution of PGA REACH’s inclusion and diversity program, PGA WORKS.