Putt for Progress

This event is free for women of color and only those that identify as such!

Golf & Grow: Lessons on the Green

Join us for a special session at the Sisters of Econ Golf Clinic where you’ll not only learn the essentials of golf etiquette and technique from experienced volunteers—but you’ll also step into a deeper kind of learning. Led by former NCAA collegiate golfer Dr. Cristina González Alcalá, this interactive session weaves in the life lessons the game teaches us: patience, presence, power, and perspective.

Alongside executive coach Claudia Diaz, you’ll also reflect on your own professional journey—where you are now, and where you’re headed next. It’s a chance to pause, realign, and grow—on and off the green—with a community that sees you and is rooting for you.

This event is facilitated by Dr. Cristina Gonzalez Alcala and Claudia Diaz

Dr. Cristina González Alcalá is a community builder, equity strategist, and one of Greater Akron’s fiercest champions. She serves as the Director of Community Investment at Akron Community Foundation, where she leads the Foundation’s quarterly grantmaking and contributes to the strategic direction of a nearly $6 million grantmaking portfolio. Her work focuses on strengthening nonprofit capacity, guiding funders toward more inclusive and transparent practices, and fostering meaningful community partnerships.

With a background in public administration, systems change, and program evaluation, Cristina brings deep expertise and passion to the philanthropic sector. She has played a pivotal role in shaping ACF’s Proactive Grantmaking approach, working closely with donors, civic leaders, and grassroots organizations to address complex challenges through collaborative solutions.

In addition to her foundation work, Cristina is the Chair of the Board of Trustees at the historic Akron Civic Theatre, where she helps steward one of the region’s most treasured cultural institutions. She is also a Senior Lecturer at The University of Akron and the founder of Not Yo’ Daddy’s Mexican Hot Sauce, a small business rooted in culture, flavor, and local entrepreneurship. A graduate of Leadership Akron Signature Class 40 and a 2016 Torchbearers alum, she is deeply committed to advancing equity and belonging across every sector she serves.

Cristina’s approach to leadership is grounded in integrity, service, and a deep commitment to the common good—principles that align closely with Rotary’s own values. Inspired by her daughter, her family, and the power of community, she works every day to build bridges, foster goodwill, and create opportunities for others to thrive. Her work at Akron Community Foundation reflects a belief that when we lead with humility and purpose, we don’t just make grants—we build stronger, more connected communities.

About Claudia Diaz:
Founder & Principal Consultant, Cultura DynamicsVisionary Leader in Transformational Talent Management & Inclusive Excellence

Meet Claudia Diaz, a trailblazer in talent development and organizational culture, who is redefining the landscape of leadership and inclusion. As the Founder & Principal Consultant of Cultura Dynamics, Claudia is on a mission to unleash the full potential of people and organizations through cutting-edge talent development, transformative coaching, and facilitation.

At Cultura Dynamics, Claudia crafts tailor-made solutions that drive real impact. Whether through bespoke talent programs, high-impact coaching sessions, or energizing workshops, her approach is all about igniting passion, fostering collaboration, and pushing boundaries. Claudia’s commitment to inclusivity and strength-based development ensures that all individual’s unique talents are recognized and amplified.

Previously, as the Senior Director of Talent Development & Workplace Inclusion at The J.M. Smucker Company, an $8B CPG company where she was a force for transformative change, her visionary leadership revolutionized the company’s talent strategies, spearheading a bold Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (IDE) strategy and within 18 months, launched 11 thriving Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Under her guidance, employee engagement and organizational culture soared to new heights.

Claudia’s career in supply chain, international, customer service and HR is a testament to her extraordinary ability to drive performance and innovation. She has led significant mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, HR transformations, reimagined onboarding experiences, and developed impactful leadership programs that have empowered thousands. Her strategic acumen, combined with a flair for impactful program design, sets her apart as a true leader in her field.

But Claudia’s influence extends beyond corporate walls. She is a dedicated board member and advisor, shaping the future of leadership through roles with the Girl Scouts of NEO and the University of Akron Leadership Advisory Board, Ashland University as well as a coach at the Weatherhead School at Case Western Reserve University. Her academic achievements, including a Master’s in Positive Organizational Development & Change from Case Western Reserve University, reflect her unwavering dedication to making a difference.

Bilingual and passionately inclusive, Claudia Diaz is not just a leader but a catalyst for change, transforming how talent is developed and how organizations thrive. With every initiative, Claudia pushes the envelope, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every individual is empowered to excel.