Central Michigan University Athletics
Renee Parsons Serves as Driving Force Behind EmpowHER Program
3/20/2026 9:38:00 AM | General, Our Stories, Student-Athlete Leadership & Development
On February 1, more than 150 attendees joined us for our inaugural National Girls & Women's in Sports Brunch at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. By every measure, the day was a rousing success!
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Among the event's highlights beyond the incredible lineup of panelists, was the announcement of a $350,000 gift to CMU Athletics from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to establish the EmpowHER Leadership program, an initiative for women's student-athletes that will help them cultivate confidence, resilience, and career readiness through mentorship, experiential learning, and community impact.
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We are incredibly grateful to Renee Parsons for serving as a driving force behind this initiative, as she has a deep appreciation for the role that athletics can play in the lives of girls and young women and has a passion for supporting women on their path to leadership.
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Raised in the hospitality and business industry in Mount Pleasant, Renee graduated from CMU and went on to a successful career, establishing GoDaddy Cares, a corporate-focused giving program, leading hospitality, and design at Scottsdale National Golf Club, and launching PXG Apparel, a golf apparel line for both women and men.
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The EmpowHER program at CMU is important to Renee, not only because she was born and raised here, but because CMU "shaped so much" of who she is today. She recently shared her thoughts on the EmpowHER Leadership program in a blog published on her website and personal LinkedIn page:
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"I've always believed athletics can be one of the most powerful classrooms there is. Whether on the field, the court, or the golf course, sports teach young women how to stay focused under pressure, how to bounce back after setbacks, and how to lead with both strength and grace. As someone who cares deeply about developing women leaders, I love that this program recognizes the unique drive and discipline of female student-athletes – and gives them additional tools to step into leadership roles in their careers, communities, and lives."
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As part of the EmpowHER Leadership program, participants will engage in workshops on communication, emotional intelligence, public speaking, and decision-making. They will also be paired with women leaders and mentors in business, education, government, and nonprofit sectors. Participants will take part in an annual retreat and attend special events including public forums, women's leadership summits, and networking events.
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Thank you to Renee for her continued support of CMU Athletics. With her vision and generosity, this gift will have a profound, lasting, and immeasurable impact on CMU female student-athletes for generations to come.
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Among the event's highlights beyond the incredible lineup of panelists, was the announcement of a $350,000 gift to CMU Athletics from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to establish the EmpowHER Leadership program, an initiative for women's student-athletes that will help them cultivate confidence, resilience, and career readiness through mentorship, experiential learning, and community impact.
Â
We are incredibly grateful to Renee Parsons for serving as a driving force behind this initiative, as she has a deep appreciation for the role that athletics can play in the lives of girls and young women and has a passion for supporting women on their path to leadership.
Â
Raised in the hospitality and business industry in Mount Pleasant, Renee graduated from CMU and went on to a successful career, establishing GoDaddy Cares, a corporate-focused giving program, leading hospitality, and design at Scottsdale National Golf Club, and launching PXG Apparel, a golf apparel line for both women and men.
Â
The EmpowHER program at CMU is important to Renee, not only because she was born and raised here, but because CMU "shaped so much" of who she is today. She recently shared her thoughts on the EmpowHER Leadership program in a blog published on her website and personal LinkedIn page:
Â
"I've always believed athletics can be one of the most powerful classrooms there is. Whether on the field, the court, or the golf course, sports teach young women how to stay focused under pressure, how to bounce back after setbacks, and how to lead with both strength and grace. As someone who cares deeply about developing women leaders, I love that this program recognizes the unique drive and discipline of female student-athletes – and gives them additional tools to step into leadership roles in their careers, communities, and lives."
Â
As part of the EmpowHER Leadership program, participants will engage in workshops on communication, emotional intelligence, public speaking, and decision-making. They will also be paired with women leaders and mentors in business, education, government, and nonprofit sectors. Participants will take part in an annual retreat and attend special events including public forums, women's leadership summits, and networking events.
Â
Thank you to Renee for her continued support of CMU Athletics. With her vision and generosity, this gift will have a profound, lasting, and immeasurable impact on CMU female student-athletes for generations to come.
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