WISE women challenge the course

Women from across the Valley gathered Nov. 2 to challenge the golf course and learn how to develop business relationships through golf. The event benefitted ASU’s WISE (Women in Science & Engineering) group on ASU's Polytechnic campus.

WISE is the premier leadership development program for women enrolled in the College of Technology and Innovation. The organization’s mission is to gather, guide and advance women careers in ST(EM)2 fields: science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, mathematics and management.

Kathy Lynn-Cullotta, WISE advisory board member and co-president of 85 Broads Phoenix, was a key advocate in wanting to raise awareness of the WISE group to the larger Phoenix community. “It is amazing to see how these young women grow in confidence and leadership through WISE," she said. "Developing informal mentoring relationships in different challenging settings, like an outing for new golfers, are ways professional women in Phoenix can support the women of WISE.”  

Similarly, Ashley Yost, an undergraduate in CTI’s Graphic Information Technology program and secretary of WISE, describes the importance of linking the WISE group to mentors and connections in the Valley.

“Being given the opportunity to make such astounding connections in the Valley allows the women of WISE to grow even further," Yost said. "As a member of WISE, I can visualize the impact that women can have in the Valley and these connections allow us to get that much closer to reaching our goals. It has been a privilege to introduce so many wonderful mentors to the WISE community and I cannot wait to see how it will further develop in the future.” 

The outing, which took place at the Arizona Golf Resort, included golfers of all levels beginning with a clinic for new golfers led by Peggy Briggs, LPGA. Debbie Waitkus, president of Golf for Cause and author of "Get your Golf On!" designed the day’s program to help newer golfers feel comfortable at the game.

“Golf is a widely accepted venue for conducting business and forwarding professional relationships – for men and for women," Waitkus said. "Augusta National’s invitation to Darla Moore and Condoleezza Rice serves as validation. Having golf in your business tool box is essential. Through a variety of fun, experiential programs, Golf for Cause grows women through the game of golf.”

The outing included playing nine holes of golf in a foursome, each with a mentor, and then ended with hors d’oeuvres and a celebration highlighting the day’s experiences. Sponsors of the event included 85 Broads Phoenix, Women INVESTING in Women, The Nautilus Group / New York Life, Intel and Golf for Cause, LLC.

For more information on WISE see technology.asu.edu/wise.