INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
personally and professionally . Emphasis was placed on the need for women in turfgrass to build camaraderie with other women to overcome challenges . Women were also encouraged to work on maintaining a positive mindset , recognizing and improving strengths and weaknesses , and pursuing opportunities . Educational , leadership and mentorship opportunities are available to women through participating in “ Women in Turf ” events , serving on local or national association boards , and attending conferences .
Interviewed women described that the industry can support women by continuing to fund these events and encouraging female counterparts to engage . Women also discussed how men in the industry can provide support through acceptance , mentorship and advocacy . Many women relied on male friends and mentors on their journeys to leadership . Women were hopeful more men would fill these roles by speaking out when misconduct is observed , encouraging women to pursue growth , and believing in their abilities .
MOVING FORWARD Results of this study revealed women in turfgrass are successful leaders , and their experiences can shape future female recruitment . While 12 women in this study had turfgrass degrees , 10 of the 12 started in careers other than turf . This finding
indicates few women are entering the industry immediately after high school . In order to increase recruitment , women and men need to be informed of opportunities in the turfgrass industry in middle and early high school to promote turfgrass as an immediate career . Given that all 13 women in this study described their upbringing as one involving outdoor activities , focusing recruiting efforts on students who play sports or are involved in agriculture will likely yield greater interest in turfgrass . Increasing female visibility on athletic fields and through social media may also foster interest by showing young females that career opportunities in the turfgrass industry are possible and rewarding for women .
In order to retain women currently working in turfgrass , the industry should continue to fund and participate in “ Women in Turf ” events . Participants described these events as essential to fostering a spirit of community and initiating change . Additionally , mentorship provided individually or through formal mentoring programs is needed and was found to promote professional development and leadership growth .
Women interviewed in this study were hopeful sharing their experiences would provide insight on improving recruitment strategies and industry culture for women . Recruiting a diverse workforce with more women will likely lead to innovation and may ease employment concerns as the labor force grows . SFM
Devon Carroll is a Ph . D . student in Plant , Soil and Environmental Science concentrated in turfgrass weed science at the University of Tennessee . She can be reached at dcarro17 @ vols . utk . edu or on Twitter @ turfgirl24 .
Carrie Stephens , Ph . D ., is a Professor of Leadership in the Department of Agricultural Leadership , Education and Communications in the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee . She can be reached at cfritz @ utk . edu or on Twitter @ Carebearsvoice .
12 SportsField Management | May 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com