#BSPNTX Presents The Business of Golf

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84760264305?pwd=YXdPdlFMZlplSFRuWUVhMGd3L2QyUT09 

Meeting ID: 847 6026 4305

Passcode: 719518

Our seasoned panelists will talk about their journey in the golf industry, highlighting their accomplishments and the work they have put in to achieve success in a profession that is not as well known in minority communities. From getting their foot in the door to establishing themselves as professionals, our featured speakers will give insights on the skills and tools needed to navigate in the sports industry, touch on the hot topics and provide nuggets of wisdom to our next generation of those interested in the golf industry.

Panelists:

Chimeka Foster is Director, Charitable Programs at Invited Clubs (formerly ClubCorp). Foster joined Invited Clubs, the largest owner and operator of private golf and country clubs in the country operating more than 200 golf country clubs, businesses, sports and alumni clubs worldwide, in June 2021. As the Director of Charitable Programs, she leads the corporate initiatives that provide opportunities for employees and members to make an impact in the communities where Invited operates. Prior to joining Invited, Chimeka served on the community engagement team at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. She managed relationships with over 60 community partners and led initiatives focused on increasing access to economic and educational opportunities in North Texas. She is also credited with establishing the Airport’s Employee Emergency Fund. The sports industry veteran with over 20 years of experience creating grassroots community programs and cause-related partnerships for professional sports associations and nonprofits earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from Florida A&M University where she became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Foster obtained her Master of Science degree in Sports Administration from Georgia State University.

Lexie Okeke is Director of Community Engagement for the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and the AT&T Byron Nelson, the PGA TOUR event currently hosted by TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney. In this role, Okeke develops the strategy for the Club and golf tournaments throughout Collin County. In 2013, Lexie started a non-profit consulting agency, BE The Delta, to share her unique perspective on fundraising, event design and civic/non-profit partnerships. Okeke has more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit/social-impact industry focusing on donor development, event design, volunteer management and strategic communications. She earned her degree in Business Administration, Marketing from Western Governors University.

Moderator:

Jean-Jacques Taylor is the president of JJT Media Group, a multifaceted media company that regularly provides content for outlets such as The Dallas Morning News and ESPN’s The Undefeated. JJT has served sports fans for nearly 30 years as an award-winning journalist. He is the author of “Coach Prime: Deion Sanders and the Making of Men”, a book about Jackson State’s historic 2022 football season, which is scheduled for release in September 2023. He is also co-host of the JaM Session Podcast, which discusses sports, life and craft beer every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and teaches sports journalism at SMU. A print and multimedia journalist and author with 30 years of experience, JJT spent 19 years at The Dallas Morning News becoming the first and only person to rise from college intern to general sports columnist in the paper’s 135-year history. He has covered 23 Super Bowls, eight pro football Hall of Fame inductions, two World Series, two NBA Finals, a Stanley Cup Finals, the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and a host of special moments, including Emmitt Smith breaking the NFL’s all-time rushing record. The Dallas native is a graduate of Skyline High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University.