Page 18 - GBC ENG fall 2021

Photo by: Bernard Brault, Golf Canada
18
Golf Business Canada
Mary DePaoli
Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer, RBC
Editor’s Note: In her current role, Mary leads the sponsorship strategy for RBC’s golf platform, and has played an instrumental role in the evolution of the platform in recent years, notably with the transformation of the RBC Canadian Open. In addition, Mary serves as Chair of the Board responsible for overseeing the RBC Foundation, one of Canada’s largest corporate donors.
Lack of representation and diversity in general are still probably the biggest challenges facing women who want to work in the golf industry. It’s hard to see a pathway to success with the absence of female mentors in senior roles, or a professional network that doesn’t reflect your gender enough to fuel your sense of possibility. In my experience, the best way to work through these challenges is to broaden the pipeline and make the sport more accessible, not just with respect to gender, but all aspects of diversity.
The CP Women’s Open hosts a Women’s Leadership Summit each year that RBC is proud to support and participate in. I’m also deeply involved with WISE Toronto – an organization dedicated to helping women advance their careers in the business of sports and events through peer support and mentorship programs. As a founding Board member, I’ve learned so much from the strong network of women who are breaking new ground in the front offices of professional sport every day.
We are incredibly proud of how Team RBC’s own Brooke Henderson has become a beacon of inspiration for young girls on the golf course, and how Team RBC’s Alena Sharp has been a positive spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ community.
My advice to any female interested in beginning their career in golf is to go for it! The sport of golf is growing, and it’s open to disruption like never before.
Nadia Di Menna
General Manager, Golf Le Versant, QC
President, NGCOA Canada, Quebec Chapter
NGCOA Canada National Board & Member
Golf Canada Golf Industry Advisory Council Member
Le Versant is a family business founded by my father, Pasquale Di Menna in 1988. Over the years, our course became the largest single location facility in Canada with four 18 hole courses. Having been in the business since my teenage years, I have a great understanding of the benefits and challenges of our industry. I wanted to provide direct access for women to golf.
30 years ago, most women who belonged to a course, did so as a spousal membership that was connected to their husbands. For that reason, I created a Women’s League and now over 80 ladies of all levels come together on Wednesday for a round of golf followed by a social event. Today 35% of our annual membership sales come from women.
As President of the NGCOA Canada – Quebec Chapter, I had the privilege of representing the golf industry during meetings with various government agencies, particularly regarding the development of the opening protocol for the 2020 season in the midst of a pandemic. The message conveyed by the Table de concertation definitely appealed to new fans. Dealing with a global pandemic was undoubtedly the most challenging time of my career to date!
Creating a desire among new women golfers requires role models, ambassadors, and women of influence. When I meet women golfers who thank me for the initiatives I have introduced, it encourages me to pursue my mission of encouraging and supporting more women to take up the game of golf and to surpass myself.
Golf Business Canada