The intention for this series is to share more diverse perspectives on what it means to be a turf professional in today’s industry. Our backgrounds (gender, race and such) can influence how others perceive us and how we perceive ourselves within the dominant narratives/lens in North America which favours the lived experiences of cisgendered, white males. Depending on where we find ourselves in relation to the dominant power structure, it can influence our mental wellness in a wide variety of ways and become a possible source of stress and suffering.

In the first post, Is it Time to Man Up or Open Up?, we looked at mental wellness from the male point of view. The second post of the series, Through a Different Lens: Female Perspectives on Mental Health and Well-Being in Turf, the focus shifted and asked some female industry folks to share their thoughts on this topic.

For the final installment in this series, we are examining the issue from the perspective of visible minorities within our industry. Much like our female participants, the experience of being a visible minority in a predominantly white/male industry can be daunting at times.

I am indebted to the kind and gracious participants who have shared their time and lived experiences for this, the final installment of the series. Jeremiah Mincey (Black Diamond Ranch), Tizayi Tundu (Country Club of New Canaan), Gustavo Rodriguez (The Links of North Dakota) and Brandon Bell, Organizational Dev./ Talent & Career Dev./ Inclusion & Culture at Syngenta.

As with the second installment of this series, my particular experience as a white male turf professional doesn’t lend itself to adding anything to the thoughts and experiences of the persons interviewed below. The following are their answers to the questions I posed and all shared in their own words. (Again, as with the last post, the answers compiled here are not attributed to any of the participants directly and all answers have been permitted to be shared for the purpose of this post.)

How has being a visible minority in the turf industry shaped your journey? (ex. Has there ever been incidents of dismissive or even racist behavior?)

"From the start, I have often been the only person of minority descent on my team or at industry events. While many colleagues have been welcoming, there have been moments when I’ve felt dismissed or overlooked, particularly in group discussions or decision-making. On a few occasions, I have encountered subtle forms of bias—such as assumptions about my expertise or background—that left me feeling undervalued. The most challenging incidents were not always overtly racist but came in the form of microaggressions: jokes about my accent, questioning my credentials, or being mistaken for someone in a lower position. These experiences have reinforced the importance of self-advocacy and resilience, even as they sometimes take an emotional toll."

On a few occasions, I have encountered subtle forms of bias—such as assumptions about my expertise or background—that left me feeling undervalued.

"At the beginning of my career, I believed that being a minority meant I would have to work twice as hard to earn respect and recognition. But over time, I realized that success in this industry—like in many others—comes down to showing up every day, putting in the work, and staying committed to growth. This mindset has carried me to where I am today. I’m grateful to say that I haven’t experienced racism from colleagues or club members throughout my journey. Instead, I’ve found that professionalism, dedication, and authenticity have allowed me to build strong relationships and earn the respect of those around me."

"In my experience, the majority of members and regular players I've interacted with have been respectful and supportive. However, I’ve noticed a recurring challenge when it comes to certain golfers who aren’t members or aren't closely tied to the club—occasional guests, public players, or visiting groups. Unfortunately, I’ve been met with racial prejudice more often than I’d like to admit, especially when carrying out basic responsibilities such as directing traffic in the parking lot or asking players not to drive carts through native areas. What’s particularly disheartening is that I’ve always approached these situations calmly and professionally—often with more patience and courtesy than I’ve seen extended by some of my Caucasian colleagues in similar scenarios. Yet the reactions I’ve received have, at times, reflected a clear lack of respect—not only for me personally, but for the staff and the property as a whole."

"When I first started working on the golf course back in 2017 I was one of two African Americans on the crew. At first, I was nervous. Being on a crew that was predominately white males, you never know what to expect or how people will respond to it. Luckily I was very fortunate to work with some phenomenal guys who made the experience very enjoyable. When I transitioned to a management position, that slight nervousness came back."

How does it feel to be at a conference or event and be the only visible minority in the crew? Is there by times a sense of isolation involved?

"Walking into a room knowing you're the only minority in the room can definitely be an overwhelming feeling. My first volunteer experience (Tour Championship) I was one of the only minorities in the room. There is a sense of isolation sometimes. Since being in the industry, nobody has ever made me feel unwelcome or that I do not belong. Even during my volunteer experience, nobody ever treats me as if I’m the only minority in the room. I am treated the same as everyone else which is a huge relief."

...nobody has ever made me feel unwelcome or that I do not belong.

"Attending industry events can be both energizing and isolating. Walking into a room where I am the only visible minority often brings a sense of being 'on display'. The pressure to represent not just myself but my entire community can be overwhelming. At times, the lack of diversity makes networking feel awkward, and I find myself holding back from fully engaging in conversations. To combat these feelings of isolation, I seek out allies—people who are genuinely interested in diversity and inclusion—and make a conscious effort to participate. Sometimes, just finding one friendly face or supportive colleague can make all the difference. I also remind myself that my presence is meaningful, even if it feels uncomfortable."

How has this journey impacted your mental well-being? How does it land today?

"My mental well-being has never been impacted by being a minority in this industry. Where I’ve faced real discouragement is in the lack of proper training and mentorship during my time as an intern, Assistant-in-Training, and even as an assistant. I’ve always been eager to learn and grow, but at times, I’ve struggled with patience—especially when I’ve been overlooked for superintendent roles due to what’s perceived as a "lack" of experience. It’s not a lack of dedication or potential, but rather a lack of opportunity to develop under strong leadership. These challenges have motivated me to keep pushing forward and to seek environments where growth, support, and development are taken seriously."

"The emotional landscape of this journey is complex. There have been periods of stress and self-doubt, especially when faced with exclusion or the need to constantly prove my worth. However, I have also experienced tremendous personal growth. Learning to navigate uncomfortable situations has strengthened my resilience and self-awareness. Currently, my mental well-being is a work in progress; I am more attuned to my own needs and boundaries, and I actively seek out resources and support networks that help me stay grounded."

Learning to navigate uncomfortable situations has strengthened my resilience and self-awareness.

Has being a visible minority in a mostly white/male industry pushed you to prove yourself more, only to find that pushing so hard had a negative effect on your well being?

"This journey has been a great one. But I have put a huge pressure on myself to be the best. I would be lying if I said that the pressure didn’t affect me negatively especially when things aren’t going the way I planned. I find myself going the extra mile and doing more just so I don't experience being behind or failure. I see it as I am working so hard so that I can inspire other minorities to join this industry. When I went through being fired last year, that took a toll on me mentally. I figured that I wasn't good enough and especially being a minority that blemish would affect me more than my white counterparts."

"Being a 'minority' in this industry has never negatively impacted my well-being. What has affected my mental well-being, however, is my own competitive nature. I hold myself to very high standards—I work hard, I strive to be the best, and I take pride in giving my absolute best every day. But with that mindset comes an internal pressure that can be overwhelming at times. When I don’t meet my own expectations, I sometimes fall into the trap of feeling like I’m not good enough, even when that’s far from the truth. It's a constant balancing act between ambition and self-compassion—something I'm continuing to work on as I grow both personally and professionally."

It's a constant balancing act between ambition and self-compassion...

"The pressure to prove myself has at times been intense. I acknowledge that I need to work twice as hard to gain the same recognition as my peers. This drive can be motivating but also exhausting, leading to moments of burnout and anxiety. I’ve learned that striving for excellence is important but so is giving myself grace and acknowledging my achievements. Finding the balance between ambition and self-care remains a daily challenge."

How has your journey affected your approach to everyday life and your own well-being?

"My journey has mirrored the way I approach everyday life—with determination, discipline, and faith. I’ve never expected anything to come easy, and I’ve learned that hard work and consistency are the foundation of any real success. Through every challenge and achievement, I’ve trusted God to guide me, knowing that each step-- no matter how difficult—has a purpose. This mindset has shaped not only my work ethic but also my character, helping me stay grounded, focused, and resilient in the face of adversity."

"My experiences have shaped not only my professional identity but also my personal life. I am more empathetic, patient, and open-minded as a result of the obstacles I’ve faced. The discipline and problem-solving skills I’ve developed on the job translate into my relationships and interactions outside of work. Most importantly, I’ve come to prioritize my well-being—physically, emotionally, and mentally—by setting boundaries and making time for rest and reflection."

I’ve come to prioritize my well-being—physically, emotionally, and mentally—by setting boundaries and making time for rest and reflection.

What are some of the key tools you employ each day to help with your overall well-being?

"To maintain my well-being, I rely on several daily practices. Mindfulness and meditation help me manage stress and remain present. I make it a point to connect with supportive friends and family, even if just for a quick check-in. Physical activity, whether working out or simply walking the course, keeps me grounded. Journaling allows me to process my experiences and track my progress."

"Patience is the number one. I can be very impatient at times but recently I have learned to slow down and actually breathe and not be in such a rush. I'm working more on enjoying my career journey instead of only focusing on my future."

"For me, maintaining balance and peace in life comes through prayer, attending church with my wife, and cherishing time with her and our children. Those moments ground me, give me perspective, and remind me of what truly matters. Faith and family are the foundation of my strength, and they continue to guide and motivate me both personally and professionally."

Who are some of the key people/mentors that have helped shape your journey thus far and given you the support you needed to keep going?

"Mike O’Keefe of the Ohio University, Pat O’Brien, Superintendent at Hyde Park Golf & Country Club, Brandon, Director of Agronomy at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Patrick Reinhardt at the GSU Course, Lukus Harvey, Director of Agronomy at Atlanta Athletic Club, Zach Morris, Emily Casey, Noah Emert, Douglas Gearhart, Whit DeVaux, Matt Castanga, Josh Bussing, Anne Streich, Jared Reinke, Andy Rhylander, Rene Castro, Rafael Barajas."

Any parting thoughts?

"In my experience, this industry is more accepting than many people might assume. That’s just my perspective, of course—but I’ve found that the turfgrass community, as a whole, is full of professionals who are willing to support one another, share knowledge, and build lasting connections. Of course, like any industry, there are individuals who don’t always reflect those values—but they are the exception, not the rule."

In my experience, this industry is more accepting than many people might assume...

"If I could give any advice it would be this: surround yourself with people who share your values, your work ethic and your goals. Find those who want to grow and help others grow. This industry is built on those kinds of relationships. While it’s true that it has long been white-male dominated, that doesn’t define its potential. There is so much good here—so much pride in the craft, dedication to excellence, and a genuine willingness to help one another. It’s a great industry... My experience with non-member golfers, like regular players and guests, and how I’ve been treated over the years, is a story for another time."

"Reflecting on my journey, I am struck by the need for greater representation and inclusion in the turf industry. I often wonder how the industry can better support minorities—not just through hiring but by fostering environments where everyone feels seen and valued. What initiatives could help bridge the gap? How can leaders create more pathways for diverse talent? I encourage my peers to ask themselves these questions and to reach out to those who may feel isolated. Sharing our stories is a powerful step toward change."

Following the initial set of interviews with Jeremiah, Tizayi and Gustavo, I was very fortunate to make contact with Brandon Bell from Syngenta. Brandon works within our industry to promote inclusion and culture, traveling extensively to share the message. During our conversation, Brandon reflected on where we find ourselves at the present moment in our industry:

“All we have is the present and historical experience to draw from. We are currently moving through and within a transformational time for the turf industry. The key element as we move forward is self-awareness. It’s the foundational idea that allows us to view it all through multiple lenses and form more of a composite view of the industry as a whole.”

He spoke to the power of culture, both in its ability to create and shape a wider sense of openness within our industry and but also in its power to constrain us. 

“When culture is about community and interconnection, it has the power to move beyond old patterns.”

As we conclude this series, I find myself reflecting on Brandon’s idea of using the power self-reflection and an open, flexible culture to move beyond old patterns:

When we expand our perspective and embrace the idea of interconnection, our entire approach shifts.

By actively fostering a deeper connection to our own patterns and blind spots, we begin to see how truly similar all of us in this industry actually are.  Self awareness holds the key to creating a culture of positive change through safe and inclusive community building and interconnection.

By actively fostering a deeper connection to our own patterns and blind spots, we begin to see how truly similar all of us in this industry actually are.

When we are open to this idea, we can choose to seek out those people within our industry who feel they are “on the outside” and offer them a compassionate presence. These simple acts of kindness can have more impact on creating a new, industry wide culture of inclusion and understanding than any marketing campaign ever could. 

Within the current political climate and sense of division in the world right now, this sense of kindness is more vital than ever. When those in our industry have family, friends or members of their cultural community who may fear for their livelihoods and safety, it’s a radical act to listen and approach every situation with courage. This strength in turn comes from compassion for self and others and helps us to recognize our shared humanity.

As I compiled the reflections and comments from all the participants, I was so incredibly grateful for their vulnerability and willingness to share. It forced me personally into some uncomfortable places and insisted that I re-examine old assumptions and viewpoints.  It reminded me that I can rest in the sense of not knowing another’s experience, but always be willing to seek out deeper understanding.

Working our way through the season we can get so bogged down with our own issues and problems that it can be difficult to see beyond our own properties. This sense of isolation can be powerful, but melts away quickly when we open up and share with others who understand our plight. It can be more powerful still when we take the time to reach out and simply listen to those who need help. Whether it’s because of mental health struggles, feeling dispossessed, or just plain exhausted with it all, a listening presence can change a life in ways we simply cannot comprehend.

Thanks so much for reading.