About Us

Our Impact

In 1996, Tiger Woods launched TGR Foundation based on the Woods’ family motto of share and care, and a dream to give kids hope. With the mission to empower youth to reach their highest potential, TGR Foundation developed innovative education and youth development programs to reach underserved students worldwide. In 2016, Tiger Woods challenged TGR Foundation ‘to make bold choices, explore unchartered territory and reach millions of kids around the world.’

Now in its 25th anniversary year, the foundation has met his challenge and celebrates two million students reached.

 

“I’m proud of my foundation’s growth over the last 25 years,” Tiger Woods said. “Five years ago, I challenged my team to reach millions of kids around the world. As we celebrate this milestone, I’m excited for our new projects that will help even more students chase after their dreams.”

The journey to two million began with Woods’ vision to create a safe space for underserved youth. With the opening of the TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim in 2006, his vision became a reality and a series of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), college and career programs for youth followed. In an effort to impact even more students, the TGR Learning Lab began working closely with educators worldwide, helping them enhance their practice. For 25 years, TGR Foundation has worked to create a world where opportunity is universal and potential is limitless. With an unwavering commitment to impact underserved youth, the foundation’s mission is to empower students to pursue their passions through education.

Looking ahead, TGR Foundation remains focused on driving equity and access in education. With the launch of the Pathways Forward initiative, the foundation will expand efforts to provide students the tools and resources to build accessible pathways to personal and professional success. Through collaborative partnerships and donations to Pathways Forward, students will have access to innovative curricula, inspiring learning spaces and resources to achieve career success all aimed to reach more underserved youth in the years ahead.

To learn more about TGR Foundation, please visit TGRFoundation.org.

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Who we are

  • Executive Leadership

    Michelle Bemis

    President

    “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” Abraham Lincoln

    Mike Antolini

    Senior Vice President

    “Life moves fast. As much as you can learn from your history, you have to move forward.” Eddie Vedder

  • Events

    Gina Ekmekjian

    Senior Director, Events

    “Do it with passion, or not at all.” Rosa Nouchette Carey

    Dave Klewan

    General Manager, The Genesis Invitational

    “If you can’t outplay them, outwork them.” Ben Hogan

    Stacy Stark-Bloch

    Associate Vice President, Events

    “Dreams and dedication are a powerful combination.” William Longgood

    Lindsey Witham

    Senior Director, Golf & Events

    “Motivation comes from working on things we care about. It also comes from working with people we care about.” Sheryl Sandberg

    Brandon Wong

    Senior Director, Operations

    “Doubt is the enemy of success.” Jim Bridwell

    Julia Klipp

    Senior Manager, Events

    “You're tougher than you think you are, and you can do more than you think you can.” Christopher McDougall

    Sarah Rapps

    Senior Manager, Events

    “In a world where you can be anything...be yourself.” Etta Turner

    Jack Basalone

    Manager, Operations

    “Each person holds so much power within themselves that needs to be let out. Sometimes they just need a little nudge, a little direction, a little support and the greatest things can happen.” Pete Carroll

    Dora Seggelke

    Events Coordintaor

    “There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

    Cynthia Mejia

    Event & Administrative Coordinator

    “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” Steve Prefontaine

  • Marketing

    Noah Sharfman

    Senior Manager, Event Marketing & Communications

    “An escalator can never break: it can only become stairs.” Mitch Headberg

    Heather Kellogg

    Manager, Marketing & Digital Content

    “Never give up! Failure and rejection are only the first step to succeeding. ” Jim Valvano

    Jacqueline Maciel

    Marketing & Communications Coordinator

    “The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.” May Angelou

    Amber Fuller

    Art Director

    “DESIGN IS SO SIMPLE, THAT'S WHY IT'S SO COMPLICATED. ” PAUL RAND

    Duy Mai

    Graphic Designer

    “I FOUND THAT I COULD SAY THINGS WITH COLOR AND SHAPES, THAT I COULDN'T SAY IN ANY OTHER WAY—THINGS THAT I HAD NO WORDS FOR.” GEORGIA O'KEEFFE

  • Partnerships

    Danny Callahan

    Assoc. Vice President, Corporate Partnerships

    “Keep on rockin' in the free world.” Neil Young

    Matt Cusick

    Director, Sales

    “Don't start if you're gonna quit.” Eric Church

    James Cefaly

    Director, Sales

    “The more I practice, the luckier I get.” Arnold Palmer

    Anthony LaFica

    Sales Manager

    “Be a dreamer. If you don't know how to dream, you're dead.” Jim Valvano

    Gabrielle Viera

    Corporate Partnerships Coordinator

    “Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.” John Wooden

    Timari Foster

    Corporate Partnerships Coordinator

    “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Neale Donald Walsch