WGA Donors Report, 2018

BIRIDIANA goes by any number of nicknames but the one that really sticks on the course is Birdie Her golfers think her name is a good luck charm Birdie started caddying in 2012 as a member of the first WGA Caddie Academy class The program provides high school girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with the opportunity to caddie and eventually to become eligible to apply for the Evans Scholarship While at the Caddie Academy Birdie became a seasoned pro mentoring the less experienced caddies Even when youre exhausted or its super hot out its important to show up every single day and not give up she says Birdie earned the Evans Scholarship and is majoring in building construction management at Purdue University There arent many women in the field but that doesnt concern her I am going to run my own construction company one day she says Birdie who has served as vice president of communications for her chapter lives with 50 other Scholars in a Scholarship House that overlooks a beautiful golf course Its a daily reminder of how we got to where we are today she says Birdie is the first member of her family to go to college a fact that fills her parents with pride The mentorship she received from club members gave her the confidence she needed to search for a chance at a promising future Shell never forget the day she asked one of her golfers to write her a recommendation letter for the Evans Scholarship I thought it would be a bother and he called it an honor she recalls That was the proudest moment of my life Why is expanding career services and networking such an important priority Because we are committed to helping them get what they need to thrive in college and jumpstart their careers Its particularly important in this environment Our plan is to build on the fine efforts already underway through the Leadership Council and at the local club level by developing a more formal comprehensive and scalable program What do you think Scholars and young Alumni need to achieve a lifetime of success They need ongoing mentoring direction and seasoned guidance And we have the network to make this happen There are many successful stakeholders eager to share their experiences skills and contacts with our Scholars and young Alumni What kind of tools and support will be available We want to provide Scholars and young Alumni with what they need to be successful While they are in school this might mean helping them pick a major or get an internship Come time to graduate we can help with resumé and interview preparation and connect them with possible employers As an Evans Alum yourself how did mentoring impact your life and future I had people who cared about me Thats how I got to college and why I had a successful career Mentoring is another word for caring My mom got me out of bed and on the bus every day to my caddie job Thats mentoring at its finest Evans Alum John Mendesh graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1979 He is chair of the WGAs long range plan committee and recently retired after a 33 year career with General Mills Q A Expanding Career Services and Networking for Scholars and Young Alumni with WGA Director John Mendesh 11 Developing Mentorship Programs for Scholars and Young Alumni G A M E C H A N G E R