Bonita Bay Club’s Juana Diaz is featured in the Summer 2026 issue of The Florida Green, and in a Southwest Florida In Focus news story on WGCU. Both the article and news feature share her remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Mexico to becoming a golf course superintendent at Bonita Bay Club Naples. Arriving in the United States at just 15 years old without speaking English, Juana began working long days at a flower farm before discovering an opportunity in golf course maintenance. What began as an entry-level position grew into a 24-year career in which she learned nearly every aspect of golf course operations and worked her way into leadership.
Each highlights Juana’s determination, attention to detail and ability to lead with both high expectations and genuine care for her team. After building an impressive career at Hideout Golf Club, she joined Bonita Bay Club, where Director of Golf Course Operations Hal Akins recognized her leadership skills and tremendous potential. Juana is also passionate about creating opportunities for more women in golf course maintenance and encouraging others to see themselves in roles they may not have previously considered possible.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Juana’s story is one of perseverance, family and a commitment to continually growing. She helped both of her children pursue outstanding educational opportunities and is now working toward earning a turfgrass degree herself. As she shared in the article, she hopes her journey can inspire other women, immigrants and working parents to recognize that it is possible to overcome obstacles, build a meaningful career and continue reaching for new goals. We are proud to see Juana’s inspiring story recognized in The Florida Green and on WGCU.
