Inaugural event featuring Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew and PGA Professional Maulana Dotch supports media
education and creative opportunity.

BALTIMORE, MD — The inaugural Driving the Narrative Charity Golf Event, hosted by Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, brought together golfers, business leaders, community advocates, media professionals and supporters for a powerful day of golf, connection, storytelling and inspiration. Held August 24 at Hunt Valley Country Club, the event featured golf, networking, a fireside chat and luncheon—all centered on leadership, perseverance and the power of owning and driving one’s personal narrative. Proceeds benefited Root Branch Arts and Outreach Institute, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to expanding access to media education, creative training and professional opportunities for learners of all ages.

Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, Maulana Dotch and guests gather on the course during the inaugural Driving the Narrative Charity Golf Event at Hunt Valley Country Club.

Two Trailblazing Women. One Powerful Conversation.

Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew and PGA Professional Maulana Dotch engage guests during the event’s featured fireside conversation.

One of the day’s highlights was a fireside chat between Dr. Pettigrew and PGA Professional Maulana Dotch. Their conversation explored their individual journeys, the barriers they have overcome and their experiences navigating industries in which women—and particularly Black women—remain underrepresented.

The two trailblazers also discussed the responsibility that comes with breaking barriers and the importance of creating opportunities for those coming behind them.

“Attending the Driving the Narrative Charity Golf Tournament in Baltimore with Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew was such a great experience. Even though we have different career paths, our journeys have been very similar, being women, and especially Black women, in industries where there are very few who look like us. I’m proud that our journeys have allowed us to be trailblazers, open doors, and inspire women through the game of golf.” — Maulana Dotch, PGA Professional

Guests Reflect on the Experience

The impact of the event extended far beyond the golf course, with attendees praising both the substance of the fireside conversation and the opportunity to build meaningful connections.

“The fireside chat between two empowering women was sophisticated, informative and truly inspiring.” — Event attendee

“Vonnya, thank you so much for hosting such a special event. My brother and I had an incredible time networking and golfing.” — Guest visiting from Philadelphia

PGA Professional Maulana Dotch tees off during a day that brought together sport, leadership, relationship-building and purpose.

Together, these reflections captured the spirit of Driving the Narrative—an experience designed to bring people together through sport while creating space for meaningful conversations, new relationships and lasting inspiration.

More Than a Golf Tournament

Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew shares insights on personal narrative, leadership and creating space for the next generation.

From the opening registration breakfast and shotgun start to the fireside chat and luncheon, Driving the Narrative provided guests with opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas and celebrate women who have challenged traditional boundaries.

The conversation between Dr. Pettigrew and Dotch emphasized the importance of not only being the first to break through a barrier, but also using that position to open the door wider for others.

“I wanted to create an experience where people could come together through golf but leave with something greater—a renewed understanding of the power of their story. Our narratives matter. When we own our stories, we can change perceptions, create opportunities and inspire the people coming behind us.” — Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew

Driving a Larger Mission

Proceeds from Driving the Narrative support the work of Root Branch Arts and Outreach Institute, helping expand access to media education, creative training and opportunities for individuals to develop their voices and tell their own stories.

“Storytelling has the power to change how people see themselves and how the world sees them. When people have access to the tools and platforms to tell their own stories, they gain greater power to drive their future.” — Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew

The success of the inaugural event establishes a strong foundation for Driving the Narrative to become an annual experience combining sport, storytelling, leadership and community impact. Dr. Pettigrew expressed her appreciation to the golfers, sponsors, partners, volunteers, speakers and guests who helped bring the vision to life.

“This was more than a tournament. It was a celebration of possibility—of what happens when we own our stories, support one another and create space for the next generation to lead.”— Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew

Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew and Maulana Dotch commemorate the inaugural event and its mission to celebrate possibility and open doors for others.

About Driving the Narrative

Driving the Narrative is a signature charity golf experience hosted by Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew that brings together golf, media, leadership, entrepreneurship and community impact. The event inspires participants to recognize the power of their personal and professional stories and take ownership of how those stories are told.

PGA Professional Maulana Dotch and Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew join participating golfers on the green at Hunt Valley Country Club.

About Root Branch Arts and Outreach Institute, Inc.

Root Branch Arts and Outreach Institute, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to expanding access to media education, training and opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds. Through targeted programming and community partnerships, the organization equips individuals with the tools and opportunities needed to develop their voices, tell their stories and pursue their creative and professional goals.