Page 20 - GreenMaster Winter 2024

representatives. She allowed time for open discussion and helped a few of us talk through conflicts we are facing. Leah Welter, District Manager for crop protection, shared her career journey that led her to be the first female District Manager in crop protection within the company and the challenges she faced. Then last, Trevor Heck, President of Syngenta Canada, spoke to us about Syngenta as a company, and how they make equality, diversity, and inclusion a priority everyday.
HARD WORK PAYS OFF
Once the educational seminars concluded, we had the rest of the week to watch golf in the afternoon and catch up on some much-needed sleep. During the final round on Sunday, we were able to be a part of the crew singing “O Canada” as Brooke Henderson approached the 17th tee. We followed Henderson to the 18th green where we were fortunate to meet the C.E.O of Golf Canada, Laurence Applebaum, who
thanked us for our efforts during the week. He invited us inside the ropes for the rest of the day to watch play come in. We sat 10 feet away from the green right next to the trophy as Lauren Coughlin came down the 18th hole where the entire Earl Grey team joined us, and we watched her win her first tour event. The atmosphere was electric. It was the perfect final moment for us to witness after the effort we put in.
Throughout the week, the Earl Grey team was the embodiment of hospitality by welcoming us with open arms to their team. They were a hard working, passionate group and the whole crew was a testament to the culture and leadership that Terry, Dave, and Clayton cultivated. Through the exhaustion, the constant high-fives and fist pumps kept the atmosphere fun, and the words of encouragement helped us push through.
As a volunteer, it is always nerve-wracking coming into a new environment where you do not know
how the operation works, but the team made it easy to transition and learn a new golf course and maintenance team. It was an honor to be a part of Terry completing his final career goal and leaving as part of his fourth goal. Although Terry cannot attest for his fourth career goal himself, I can confidently say that after that week, he finished as a mentor to the nine of us women in turf volunteers.
THE VALUE OF NETWORKING AND SUPPORT
I am deeply grateful to have been a small part of the team for the week. Syngenta, a company that focuses heavily on equality, diversity, and inclusion, sponsored the entire event from transportation to housing and meals. Having the ability for the nine of us to share a house instead of hotel rooms allowed for a different level of networking and camaraderie. Thank you to Jason Steadwell, Sarah Osborne, and Syngenta for the time and effort that was put in to make this event happen. GM
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20 • CGSA • GreenMaster