Empowering Women Student-Athletes at Central Michigan University – February 2026
Central Michigan University (CMU) holds a special place in my heart – it is not just the place where I earned my degree, it is also a cornerstone of the town in which I was born and raised. Mt. Pleasant shaped so much of who I am, and CMU was always part of the fabric of our community – a place full of pride, possibility, and people cheering each other on.
No matter where life takes me, I’ll always be proud of my roots at CMU.
That’s why this recent philanthropic opportunity felt so personal and meaningful. Through The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, Bob and I are proud to support CMU’s new EmpowerHer Leadership program with a $350,000 grant that will expand mentorship and leadership opportunities for female student-athletes.
Announced at CMU’s National Girls and Women in Sports Brunch, this program is designed specifically to help women athletes grow beyond competition – building confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of purpose that will serve them long after their competitive playing days are over.
EmpowHER will provide workshops focused on communication, emotional intelligence, decision-making, and public speaking, while also connecting student-athletes with accomplished women mentors across business, education, government, and nonprofit sectors.
I’ve always believed athletics can be one of the most powerful classrooms there is. Whether on the field, the court, or the golf course, sports teach young women how to stay focused under pressure, how to bounce back after setbacks, and how to lead with both strength and grace.
As someone who cares deeply about developing women leaders, I love that this program recognizes the unique drive and discipline of female student-athletes – and gives them additional tools to step into leadership roles in their careers, communities, and lives.
The program will begin this fall with 10 student-athletes and grow to serve 30 women by its fifth year, creating a lasting network of support and opportunity within CMU Athletics.
Supporting the next generation of women leaders – especially those balancing academics, athletics, and big dreams for the future – is something I feel deeply connected to. I’m proud that this gift will help ensure CMU’s women student-athletes have the mentorship, encouragement, and community behind them as they take their next steps.
I can’t wait to see where their strength takes them next.
Fire Up Chips!
