Jeanette Ortegon’s childhood years in Los Angeles weren’t all fun and games. Any number of choices she made could have landed her on a path to trouble.

Decades later, Ortegon enjoys a successful career with the U.S. Department of Defense. Currently stationed at Fort Meade, Ortegon also has worked in the prison system in Anne Arundel County and been an instructor at Anne Arundel Community College.

Two years ago, Ortegon formed the Anne Arundel Women’s Golf Organization, a non-profit group that promotes the game of golf among youth. The AAWGO targets at-risk youths while offering golf as a positive outlet.

Last year, the...