National Golf Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate a sport—but could it be more than that? While many associate the game with lush greens and quiet fairways, programs like Pro Kids, First Tee – San Diego are showing us that golf can also be a powerful catalyst for education, mentorship, confidence, and connection.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Hera Hub member Vivian Sayward and Christine Barbara, Director of Marketing and Communications for Pro Kids, First Tee – San Diego, to learn how access to the game has been reshaped in San Diego. Their passion for creating opportunity through golf is nothing short of inspiring.
Founded on the belief that every young person deserves the chance to thrive, Pro Kids, First Tee – San Diego goes beyond teaching kids how to swing a club. Their mission is to challenge underserved youth to excel in life by promoting character development, life skills, and values through education and the game of golf. It offers a safe, inclusive space where young people—many from underserved communities—can find role models, build resilience, and dream bigger.
It’s worth reflecting on the broader role golf can play. Whether it’s opening doors to college scholarships, connecting youth with mentors, or simply giving them a place to belong, the game has the potential to support growth. As we celebrate the sport on National Golf Day, let’s also celebrate programs like Pro Kids, First Tee – San Diego and those working to make it accessible and meaningful for all.
Voices Featured in This Interview
Vivian Sayward
Vivian is the Chief Operating Officer at Enterprise Value Partners, where she leads strategic initiatives to help clients unlock value through acquisitions, operational improvements, and change management. With experience spanning Fortune 500 companies and startups, she has led global teams, launched disruptive business models, and driven multiple successful exits across industries. Vivian also serves as an Executive Board Member for Pro Kids / First Tee of San Diego, supporting youth development through golf and education. She holds a B.A. from Smith College and an M.B.A. from UC Irvine.
Christine Barbara
Christine is an experienced marketing and events professional with over a decade of expertise in leading dynamic events and strategic campaigns. As Director of Marketing and Communications at Pro Kids, First Tee – San Diego, she drives brand development, oversees fundraising events, and cultivates community engagement to advance youth development through golf and education. With a BS in Business IMC from San Diego State University, Christine creates impactful strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.
Melissa Lee, Director of Community Success of Hera Hub
Growing up in the high desert area of southern California, Melissa Lee loves warm weather and wide open spaces. In college, she developed a deep sense of connection and belonging through community, which only expanded as she traveled abroad and taught English to people from all over the world here in San Diego. With a unique, integrative studies degree in the creative process and 10 years experience in teaching and education management, she is now an entrepreneur – learning to use business as a force for good. Beyond taking deep inspiration from the empowered entrepreneurs of the Hera Hub community, Melissa feels at home as a connector, resource, and cheerleader for the members and their business needs.
