Teeing off with Dianze!

Our next 60+ Senior is a woman of fortitude, ambition, and an overall trailblazer. Meet Dianze Thompson, a retired accountant and yes another one of my former high school classmates. Dianze is the epitome of class, and grace who has been servicing her community for years, as well as giving back upon retiring at the age of 58. Dianze is a native New Orleanian who has been residing in Houston, Texas for several years. In my interview with Dianze she explains that she initially took her first golfing lesson at the age of 53. Upon doing so, she said that in lieu of the fact that she didn't see many women that looked like her engaging in the game of golf, she knew that she wanted to do something about that. Another major dilemma actually finding a place to execute that game especially as a woman of color..... a game that she truly has a passion for.

Because of her dedication to the game of golf, she said that she knew that she wanted to do something more with the sport other than just playing it. She was invited to an event in 2018, and from that event she reached out to other fellow Golfers from different areas of Houston and they formed a mentorship program for young black females, therefore introducing young girls to the game of golf. Their focus is working with Journey through 18 LPGA Girls Golf headed by Maulana Dotch PGA and LPGA instructor at Hermann Park Golf Course. They also worked with Aldine Independent High School girl's golf teams. Hence, in 2021 Women on Par was born. The group's mission is to help women of color with the execution of play on the golf course and learn golf etiquette and rules. She noted that high schools are furnished with a lot of sports equipment, but unfortunately golfing equipment barely makes a line item in the budget. Women on Par decided to do something about that and they organized a fundraiser in which they were able to raise a total of $6,000 for golf equipment: balls, tees, gloves, ball markers and bags. All of the golf clubs were donations from friends and family members.

Dianze is definitely one active senior. You will find her out on the golf course teeing off on any given day and even in her travels, Dianze will find a place to play the sport that she definitely loves and is most passionate about. She also does water aerobics twice a week and free tax preparation during tax season for AARP as a volunteer. We salute you Dianze for your leadership and service as well as your work in your community as a volunteer and showing us that is it never too late to make an impact on our community..... one that will have an impact for years to come!