Tiffany Fitzgerald

Tiffany Mack Fitzgerald is a native of Oakland, California, mother of three active teens and surrogate parent to many. Tiffany is an alumna of Grambling State University and has served in many roles in Corporate America. She started a consulting firm in 2001 where she assisted small businesses with marketing and public relations. She formerly worked in Public Relations and Government Affairs for one of the largest employers in the Quad City region.

Tiffany enjoys the game of golf. As she became a more experienced golfer, she noticed how few Black women were involved in the sport. As a result of the need, Tiffany founded Black Girls Golf, LLC in order to share her experience as a golfer and help other women experience the rewards of the game. Black Girls Golf is headquartered in Metro Atlanta with new chapters being established in other major metros in 2015. 

Read below to learn more about Tiffany and her Black Girls Golf (BGG) Movement!

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1. Tell us a little about your background and what lead you to become an entrepreneur.
Growing up I was involved in athletics and academic enrichment activities year-round in Oakland, CA – a place with a rich African American history. However, it wasn’t until I stepped foot on the campus of Grambling State University that I understood the legacy and responsibility of what it meant to be black. I clearly understood that in order to help black people, other black people made sure they built something where black people would be loved and served.

Taking with me the lessons Grambling taught me, I landed in corporate America not fully aware of what it took to be successful there and what I had to sacrifice to remain there. There was a time when my children were asleep when I left in the morning and asleep when I got home at night. I was trying to work hard and climb the corporate ladder. Then, I was downsized. I realized that in order to control my own destiny and be there to tuck my kids in at night, I had to create something for myself; but I wanted to create something that would help people who looked like me.

 2. Why did you start BGG?
Most of the time I spent in corporate America was me on the outside trying to figure out how to get in. I wanted to be on the more visible project the summer interns were getting. I wanted to be on a first name basis with executives. I got to work early, left late, and I worked really hard but I was still called the black girl in marketing. They didn’t even know my name, yet the young, white male interns were on a first name basis with management. I quickly figured out they were able to spend informal, one-on-one time with management on the golf course. Guess who wasn’t there? Me and all the other black women who thought working hard was enough. 

When management asked, “who wants to go hit balls” I wasn’t able to go. When they needed a spot filled on the company foursome, I couldn’t’ volunteer. I didn’t play golf. Once I started playing, I realized how few women were on the golf course, and even fewer black women. In corporate America, there are those who golf, and those who don’t. Too many black women are on the outside looking in because they don’t play. I want to change that. I created BGG to introduce women, specifically black women, to a game that has multiple benefits – personal and professional.

3. Who is your favorite female entrepreneur and why?
Sheila Johnson is one of my favorite female entrepreneurs. Her very first business was teaching private music lessons. Now, she exists in a space where there aren’t very many female owners- sports and entertainment. I think what I like most about her is her business savvy. 

4. If you had the chance to start BGG all over again, what would you do differently?
 If I had to start BGG all over again I would be more confident. When I started I was underselling my services because I didn’t think people would take me seriously. I lacked the confidence to charge what I should have been charging.

5. What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs?
The best advice I can give anyone is to move in the direction of the life and/or business you want to have and the universe will begin to conspire in your favor. Don’t let fear or lack of confidence paralyze you. Fear of failure can be more powerful than your dreams if you give into it. 

6. What are your future plans for BGG?
There is lots in store for the future of BGG. We are currently working on plans to establish chapters in other metro areas, merchandise, tournaments, and creating a golf network for female golfers.  Our mission is to make golf more affordable, accessible, and fun for women of color. 

To learn more about Tiffany Fitzgerald & BGG visit:
www.blackgirlsgolf.net
www.tiffanymack.com