“Breaking Bonds and Barriers “ | Oneda Castillo | TEDxLagunaBlancaSchool
where she was gifted a “Bernice” doll, a symbol of her mother’s desire for her to embrace her identity, to navigating the challenges of desegregation in the 1960s, Oneda has consistently defied expectations. When a guidance counselor questioned her math aptitude, suggesting opportunity was limited by her gender, Oneda refused to be deterred. She majored in math and pursued a career in nuclear engineering. She later discovered golf, a sport that provided a path to self-discovery. Despite being told she “won’t be a golf professional,” she persevered, becoming the only Black female Master LPGA Teaching Professional. Oneda champions inclusion, empowering youth, veterans, and those with disabilities, believing “there is more happiness in giving than receiving.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx. Oneda joined the LPGA in 1997 to grow the game of golf, contributing as a National Evaluator, Global
Instructor, Leadership Academy Instructor, and LPGA*USGA Girls Golf site director. She has also served as
Director of Golf for the Women in Golf Foundation and established an Adaptive Golf site in 2018. Oneda
supports programs like The First Tee and PGA Hope for veterans.
In 2023, she earned her Master LPGA teaching certification, becoming only the second Black woman to do
so. A Top-50 Best Teacher since 2017, her honors include a Lifetime Achievement This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
