Pay It Forward Collegiate Collegiate Women’s Champion: Regina Plascencia

PIF Collegeiate Women's Golf, Individual Winner, Regina Plascencia

“Sometimes we overlook what type of privilege we have. This made me realize, ‘’I am privileged. I need to give back to people who maybe are not so privileged.’” 

– Regina Plascencia, University of South Florida women’s golfer

 

Bell Pay It Forward Givers

Regina Plascencia

University of South Florida Women’s Golf Team

Tampa, Florida

 

Recipients

Corazones Magicos

 

The Need

Regina knew from the beginning that she wanted to support an organization in Mexico and help women or children affected by abuse. After talking with her mother, she chose Corazones Magicos because of its work helping children process the trauma and understand that their experiences don’t define them.

“You’re not a victim, you’re a survivor, and that is really true.” Regina said. “But to be that you also need help.”

 

The Impact

Regina surprised representatives from Mexican nonprofit Corazones Mágicos during a video call by announcing her $1,000 donation. Their emotional response showed her how meaningful the contribution would be to the organization and the children it supports.

 

The funds will help Corazones Mágicos continue offering psychological services at no cost to children and families affected by sexual abuse. Removing that financial barrier gives more children access to professional support as they process trauma.

 

Regina connected strongly with the organization’s message that children can move forward as survivors. She understands that reaching that point takes time, care and guidance from people equipped to help.

 

The experience also prompted Regina to reflect on the support and resources she has received in her own life. It reminded her that many children facing similar circumstances do not have the same help available to them.

 

Giving her tournament winnings affected Regina more deeply than she expected.

 

“I want to keep giving back,” she said. “It’s so special. I’ve never felt that. I’ve never done anything like that.”

 

Through the Pay It Forward program, Bell gives employees money each year to donate to people in need and causes they care about.

PIF Collegeiate Women's Golf, Individual Winner, Regina Plascencia
PIF Collegeiate Women's Golf, Individual Winner, Regina Plascencia
PIF Collegeiate Women's Golf, Individual Winner, Regina Plascencia