PGA of America Golf Professional Joe Tesori was among the guest panelists at the Diversity Forum on Health, Wellness and Sport on Oct. 17. The forum took place at Syracuse University’s Falk College of Sports and Human Dynamics.
The goal of Falk College’s two-day forum was students to learn more about diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) issues. The forum brought together Falk College faculty leaders and local organizations to create a transformative experience that challenges assumptions, encourages dialogue and promotes holistic well-being for everyone.
As the Executive Director of PGA REACH Central New York, Tesori sat on the local organizations panel. PGA REACH CNY is the philanthropic branch of the Central New York PGA that features three pillars: PGA HOPE, PGA Jr. League and PGA WORKS.
Joining Tesori on the panel were Lori Klivak, Senior Director at Interfaith Works, Xavier Mann, Executive and Business Development Director at ED23 and Jamie Favata, Treasurer at CNY Adaptive.
“It was a great evening,” Tesori said. “It was so impactful to hear other foundation leaders in our community speak about their dreams and aspirations for the future. At PGA REACH CNY, we are trying to change the narrative with the game of golf and diversify the golf space with historically underrepresented ethnic groups and do it the right way.”
Tesori shared the objectives of PGA REACH as well as the current golf-related programs offered for Veterans, junior golfers and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Those initiatives include an inner-city golf program that introduces golf to under privileged youths.
Tesori’s panel appearance helped students learn about the opportunities that are out there through the PGA of America. Tesori fielded numerous questions from students after the panel was finished.
“I can only hope we keep diversifying the golf space here in CNY and with support from our local professionals and foundation partners, we will continue to do so,” Tesori said. “Listening to other foundation leads at other organizations within CNY that night gave us at PGA REACH CNY some insight and guidance on how we can continue to follow through on our foundations mission statement. We will keep striving to make an impact and nights like this go a long way with that goal.”
More than 150 students attended the event.
“I appreciate Falk College’s Aaron Knighton and Beth Perez for inviting us to speak and cannot wait to keep collaborating with great people like those two in the future,” Tesori said. “Through support from our allies like Syracuse University and specifically the Falk College, we are so fortunate to be invited to speak and participate in these great events here in our community.
(Photos courtesy of Falk College and Cathleen O’Hare)
