Nina Marie is the Principal of Azira Coaching, LLC. She is dedicated to empowering women through golf. Nina aims to support women to achieve their career aspirations by utilizing golf as a valuable tool in business. In 2024, Nina was recognized as one of the NJBIZ 40 Under 40 Honorees for her contributions to New Jersey’s economic growth through her work in the golf industry. Additionally in 2024, she is named as a Women In Golf Awards - International Woman Finalist.

In 2019, Nina joined the Board of Directors for the Women’s Golf Association of New Jersey (WGANJ). Through her initial role as the Director of Education, Nina created innovative educational golf programs to support golf skill development for new golfers across New Jersey. By executing customer experience management techniques, she implemented surveys to identify the members’ areas of interest and goals for golf skill development. By utilizing the members’ feedback, Nina implemented golf programs and leagues with a myriad of golf courses.

Through Nina’s natural ability to engage members and build relationships, in 2022, she was promoted to the Director of Marketing role. She has leveraged her expertise in marketing and business development to elevate brand awareness of women’s golf. By creating valuable partnerships within the golf industry, Nina has played an integral role in expanding WGANJ’s reach and fostering increased participation among women golfers. As a result, WGANJ has experienced continuous growth over the past several years – with membership now exceeding 800 members. In 2023, Nina created a partnership with the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Cognizant Founders Cup, which recurred in 2024. These achievements elevated her to the role as the Officer of Strategic Development.

Nina’s experience in strategic planning, marketing and relationship building stems from her background in the healthcare industry. Nina earned a Master of Public Health in Health Policy & Management cum laude from New York Medical College. For over 12 years, Nina demonstrated measurable results through her contributions in the healthcare industry. She managed and created marketing strategies for major academic medical centers in the New York Metropolitan area, including U.S. News & World Report’s "Best Hospitals" and “Honor Roll Hospitals.” One of Nina’s career highlights was when she led a large-scale marketing project across six hospitals during the formation of the Mount Sinai Health System — New York City’s largest hospital merger.

Passionate about making a positive impact, the entrepreneurial coaching path suited the next chapter in Nina’s career. When developing her brand, she chose the name “azira” which means “a rising star” — a trailblazer, motivator and leader. Nina is dedicated to supporting women in business through professional development coaching — most importantly, through golf.  The NYC Journal recognized Nina as one of the “Top 30 Women Leaders to Look Out For in 2023,” as well as one of the “Top 30 Inspiring Women” in 2021.