Debbie Waitkus is passionate about golf – how it positively impacts people personally and professionally. She founded her company Golf for Cause® in 2000 to empower businesswomen through golf and wrote a book entitled Get Your Golf On, which includes contributions from LPGA Co-Founders Marilynn Smith and Shirley Spork. Inspired by their life-long entrepreneurial spirit, Debbie co-founded the Marilynn Smith & Founders’ Legacy Foundation dba Golf It Forward, forwarding their spirit and legacies.

Deborah Grischo is currently employed as a family nurse practitioner and is a cousin to Marilynn Smith. After Marilynn passed in 2019, Deborah helped co-found the Marilynn Smith Founders and Legacy Foundation dba Golf It Forward. Inspired by Marilynn’s passion to provide scholarships to young women planning on playing collegiate golf, Deborah will ensure her legacy continues for many years to come. Deborah chairs the scholarship committee.

Deb Knowles recently retired from a career in the Financial Services Industry. Her professional career experience ranged from Retail Brokerage, Global Financial Service Consulting, and Executive Management. Deb was introduced to the Marilynn Smith Foundation by her friend and golf coach LPGA Founder Shirley Spork. She is grateful to be a part of creating greater good through scholarships for young women aspiring a career in golf.

Michele Alexander is the niece of Marilynn Smith. Though not active in the world of golf, she traveled with Marilynn to various tournaments in the 70's and grew up watching and celebrating the career and legacy of her aunt. She is thrilled to be a part of furthering Marilynn’s legacy, as well as the other founders, in the years ahead.

Tracy Hupko is the Executive Director of the I GOT THIS Foundation. Tracy previously worked for the LPGA Cognizant Founders Cup for seven years where she had the opportunity to become friends with Shirley and Marilynn. Of the many lessons handed down to her by both of these women, it was their desire to leave the game better than they found it that drives Tracy’s passion for the foundation.

Carla Glasgow has joined the Golf It Forward team as a golf professional, bringing with her years of experience that began when she took up the sport at the age of 14. One of her early lessons was taught by LPGA Founder Shirley Spork, which sparked her passion for the game. When she became a member of the LPGA Tour in 1972, she had the privilege of being paired with another LPGA Founder, Marilynn Smith, and has played alongside eight of the thirteen LPGA Founders. With extensive experience as both a player and a teacher, Carla adds significant expertise to GIF.

Koré Grate has served on non-profit boards over the last 30 years. Since 1989 she has been the Executive Director and Head Instructor of the Five Element Martial Arts and Healing Center in Minneapolis, MN. From 2013-2023 she served as Executive Director forthe Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors. She is a board member of the Keiko Fukuda Judo Foundation and is the Owner/Artist at Tatu’s by Koré and was the President of the Braemar Women’s Golf Club for two years. She is active in three senior women’s leagues.

Koré is deeply passionate in honoring women, who pave paths for young women to be ALL that they can BE!

Nan Ryan, a devoted figure in golf, retired after a remarkable 50-year tenure leading the International Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, a tournament she founded in 1973. Her passion for golf was evident in the early 1950s when she toured Texas and Louisiana with her friend Marilynn Smith, conducting clinics and exhibitions. A Life Member of the LPGA, Nan also organizes the Nan Ryan Invitational, supporting the Estes Park, CO, Junior Golf Program. She continues to play golf frequently and supports initiatives like the Marilynn Smith Scholarship Fund. Between 1958 and 1962, she was Associate Editor and Assistant Director of Public Relations for The PGA of America and later served as the LPGA's Director of Public Relations until 1965. Born in 1934, the year Horton Smith won the inaugural Masters, Nan's life is woven into the fabric of golf history.

Emily Ralph is a 2016 recipient of the Marilynn Smith Scholarship and is the first of the PEARLS to serve on the Golf It Forward board. She works full time as a Senior Quality Engineer while also taking her LPGA T&CP classes. Emily was selected to attend the 2023 Founders Cup in honor of Marilynn and represent scholarship winners of the past and those yet to come. Emily believes joining the board is an opportunity to give back and grow the game.

Jane Spicer is the CEO of Daphne’s Headcovers. Jane proudly sits on the Marilynn Smith Foundation as she admires the female founders and the road they paved for female golfers and entrepreneurs. Ms. Spicer was deeply inspired by their work, courage and tenacity and hopes to continue their legacy by providing scholarships and paving the way for females in the future.

Pete Goebel , a passionate golfer and retired payments consultant, dedicates his life to promoting golf for all through youth and charitable organizations. He actively supports LPGA*USGA Girls Golf of Phoenix, the I GOT THIS Foundation, and the Arizona Women’s Golf Advisory Council. As a volunteer coach with First Tee-Phoenix, he engages with programs for Boys Camp, Girls Clubs, and local Tribal organizations. Pete and wife Jan are the first to line up for Golf It Forward and I GO THIS programs in AZ and beyond!