DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 9, 2024) — The LPGA Foundation announced that Ashaunta Epps has been named the inaugural recipient of the Carrie Russell Champion for Change Award. This new award recognizes an LPGA Professional who demonstrates exceptional leadership in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within golf. Nominees are selected based on their innovative initiatives, community impact, and advocacy for creating opportunities in the game for underrepresented groups, all in the spirit of the late Carrie Russell.
Carrie Russell, a true pioneer in the LPGA, broke barriers by becoming the first Black American to achieve Class A and LPGA Master Life Professional Member status. As the first President of the LPGA Professionals Northeast Section, she served as a role model for future generations of female golf professionals, paving the way with her perseverance and commitment to building community. In her memory, the Carrie Russell Champion for Change Award was created to honor those who build on her legacy of empowerment and progress.
Ashaunta Epps embodies the very qualities the award seeks to celebrate. As the CEO and Founder of A Perfect Swing, Inc., Epps has made it her mission to continue making golf more accessible to everyone. She teaches the game as a vehicle for career advancement and personal development, particularly for youth in underserved communities, and even boasts a 99% college acceptance rate among her students. Through her nonprofit foundation, she provides young people with opportunities to experience the game of golf while also teaching leadership and networking skills. Epps has introduced over 3,500 women and over 5,000 youth to the game of golf. Her innovative approach to her many programs blends her passion for golf with her dedication to growing the game.
Her leadership in the LPGA is equally impressive. As an LPGA Class A Professionals Member, she has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the 2024 LPGA Southeast Section Junior Leader of the Year, 2022 and 2021 LPGA Southeast Section Professional of the Year, and 2020 Teacher of the Year. Her work as President of the LPGA Southeast Section and her involvement with national initiatives further highlight her influence in the golf community.
VIEW Full Video Below:
VIEW Ashaunta’s Acceptance Speech HERE:
Learn more about the Carrie Russell Champion for Change Award visit https://www.lpga.com/news/2024/lpga-master-professional-carrie-russells-legacy-lives-on-through-champion-for-change-award
