Central Michigan University (CMU) Athletics has received a $350,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to establish a new leadership development program for female student-athletes. The funding will support the launch of EmpowHER Leadership, designed to equip women athletes with tools for personal and professional success through mentorship, workshops, and community engagement.
The grant was announced on Feb. 1 during CMU’s National Girls and Women in Sports Brunch, where foundation co-founder Renee Parsons, a CMU alumna, spoke about the initiative. “I believe deeply in helping young women see their own strength, find their voice, and build futures they’re proud of, both on and off the field,” Parsons said.
EmpowHER Leadership will begin this fall with an initial cohort of 10 student-athletes, with plans to expand to 30 participants by its fifth year, according to Travis Downing, CMU’s associate athletic director for student-athlete development. The program will include workshops on communication, emotional intelligence, public speaking, and decision-making, paired with mentorship opportunities from women in business, education, government, and nonprofit sectors.
The EmpowHER Leadership program will also feature an annual retreat and access to leadership summits and networking events. Jennifer Cotter, CMU vice president for advancement, highlighted the program’s connection to alumni and community partners, noting that Parsons’ generosity strengthens CMU’s broader efforts to prepare student-athletes for success beyond their college careers.
CMU Athletics Director Amy Folan emphasized the importance of the foundation’s support.
“We’re incredibly grateful to The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation for equipping our female student-athletes with the skills, networks, and opportunities necessary to thrive in their academic, professional, and community roles. This gift will have a profound and lasting effect on the young women in our program and their success well beyond their time at CMU,” she said.
