Ashaunta Epps, will officially receive the Inaugural Carrie Russell Champion for Change Award at the 2025 LPGA We Are The Women in Golf Summit Presented by Titleist. This award recognizes her exceptional leadership in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within golf and Epps is a much-deserving recipient.
All women are invited to join the LPGA Amateurs and the LPGA Professionals in Daytona Beach at the Hard Rock Hotel and LPGA International Golf Course for the event summit from Saturday, May 17- Monday, May 19, 2025. Epps will be presented with the Carrie Russell Champion for Change Award on Sunday, May 18 at 8:30 a.m.
“The event is going to provide a unique up-close and personal networking experience of LPGA Professionals and Amateur golfers from around the world. It’s an opportunity to gain valuable golf tips and make life changing connections to assist you on and off the course,” states Epps. “I’m looking forward to engaging with golfers from around the world, sharing my golf journey and knowledge, as well as curating relationships with those who share the love of the game of golf.”
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. In 2024 she announced the Ashaunta A. Epps Educational Scholarship.
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.
The 2025 LPGA We Are The Women in Golf Summit Presented by Titleist is a must-attend event for women looking to advance in the golf industry, both on and off the course. This inspiring summit brings together some of the most influential women in golf, offering a unique opportunity to network, learn, and be empowered. Attendees will hear from industry leaders, including LPGA professionals, business executives, and trailblazing athletes, who will share their insights on career growth, leadership, and the evolving role of women in golf.
Epps is deeply committed to giving back to the game that has shaped her journey. She actively mentors numerous golf professionals and played a key role in launching the LPGA Professionals Career Fair. Each year, she organizes the “Monday Before the Show” Golf and Networking event, bringing together professionals and amateur golfers from across the country to celebrate the contributions of Black female golf pioneers. Additionally, she has been a driving force behind many of the LPGA Professionals’ DEI initiatives, helping to create a more inclusive and equitable golf industry.
Beyond her achievements in golf, Epps is a dedicated leader and advocate in the broader community. She mentors and empowers young people, particularly women and minorities, through initiatives like the Coalition for Teens Helping Teens and Polished Pearls Leadership Seminars for Teen Girls. Her passion for leadership development and community engagement highlights her commitment to shaping the next generation and ensuring that golf remains accessible to all.
The event showcases some of the most influential women in golf, including actress, author, and speaker Stephanie Szostak. LPGA pioneer and former tour player Pat Bradley, who is also a World Golf Hall of Fame member, will be in attendance. Vision54 co-founders Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson, both LPGA professionals, will also be featured. Jody Jackson, an LPGA professional, performance coach, and technical lead of instruction for the Global Education Team, will share her expertise. Nancy Henderson, the chief teaching officer and president of the LPGA Foundation, will be among the distinguished participants. Additionally, Marvol Barnard, past LPGA Professionals National President and a PGA-certified teaching and coaching expert, will contribute to the event’s lineup , along with several other industry notables.
The summit provides valuable professional development sessions, mentorship opportunities, and discussions on topics such as breaking barriers, personal branding, and increasing diversity in the sport. Whether you’re a player, coach, business professional, or simply passionate about golf, this event is designed to inspire and equip you with the tools to succeed.
By attending, women will connect with a supportive community that champions their success in the golf world. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the movement shaping the future of women in golf! This one-of-a-kind conference includes an optional Pro-Am, optional golf, instruction, and MORE! Register at https://lpgaamateurs.com/lpga-golf-summit/
