10 Women Rising in Gaming

September 2026

Catie Gillis

Company: The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Years of experience in the gaming industry: Almost 20

Hometown: Richmond, Virginia

What was your first job in the gaming industry? Did you have previous experience in other industries? What drew you to gaming?

My first role in the gaming industry was in slot marketing as an intern in MGM’s Hospitality Internship Program and Management Associate Program, where I quickly discovered the unique combination of data analytics, customer experience, and business strategy that makes gaming such a dynamic field. Prior to entering gaming, I gained experience in hotel management growing up under my grandfather, uncle, and dad who owned and operated hotels in Virginia. Working in a family-owned hotel business as a teenager, I was very accustomated to customer-focused environments that taught me the importance of relationship building, operational excellence, and delivering exceptional experiences. Hospitality has been in my blood from the very beginning.

What initially drew me to gaming was the industry’s energy and complexity. Very few industries combine hospitality, entertainment, technology, and marketing as seamlessly as gaming does. I was fascinated by the opportunity to use both analytical and creative thinking to influence business outcomes while creating memorable experiences for guests. From the beginning, I recognized that gaming offered endless opportunities to learn, innovate, and grow, and that is what has kept me engaged throughout my career.

What do you like about working in gaming? What is it about the industry that keeps you engaged? What is unique about it?

What I love most about gaming is that no two days are ever the same. The industry is constantly evolving based on customer expectations, emerging technologies, market dynamics, and new forms of entertainment. It requires leaders to remain agile, innovative, and focused on the guest experience.

Gaming is unique because it sits at the intersection of hospitality, entertainment, data, and relationship management. We have the opportunity to create experiences that are highly personalized while also driving significant business performance. Whether it’s developing strategic marketing initiatives, strengthening guest loyalty, or identifying new growth opportunities, the work has a direct and measurable impact.

What continues to keep me engaged is the people! Our industry is built on relationships, both with guests and with the teams that support them. Seeing individuals develop in their careers, watching teams achieve ambitious goals, and helping create memorable experiences for our guests are some of the most rewarding aspects of what we do.

Looking ahead, what impact do you hope to make in the industry, and what would you like your leadership legacy to be?

I hope to contribute to shaping a more innovative, inclusive, and guest centric gaming industry. Guest expectations are always changing and I believe leaders have a responsibility to embrace change, challenge traditional thinking, and create strategies that position our organizations for long-term success.

From a leadership perspective, my greatest goal is to be a part of someone’s development. While business results are important, I believe the most meaningful legacy a leader leaves is the impact they have on others. It’s how you make people feel that makes the difference. I want to be known as someone who created opportunities for growth, encouraged diverse perspectives, and helped individuals realize their potential.

What personal and professional qualities or traits do you believe are essential for success in the gaming industry, and which of those qualities have helped you thrive in your own career?

Adaptability, strategic thinking, resilience, emotional intelligence, and a genuine commitment to serving guests and employees. Because our industry is constantly evolving, the ability to embrace change and remain solutions-oriented is critical. Just keep pushing and asking questions!

The qualities that have helped me thrive most are perseverance, positive energy, and work ethic. I have always looked for ways to learn from every experience and push myself beyond my comfort zone. I believe growth happens when we are willing to work hard and come up with solutions.

What advice do you have for women seeking careers in gaming?

Be confident in your abilities (don’t question yourself)
Be curious (don’t be afraid to ask the questions)
Be resilient (keep pushing for yourself)

Gaming offers tremendous opportunities for women across every discipline, from operations and finance to technology, marketing, analytics, and executive leadership. Don’t be afraid to pursue roles that challenge you or put you outside of your comfort zone. Some of the most significant growth opportunities in my career came from saying yes to experiences before I felt completely ready.

I also encourage women to build their own board of directors – a group of leaders that you can lean on for real conversations. Seek out mentors and sponsors, and support other women along the way. Success is never achieved alone. The relationships you build throughout your career can provide guidance, advocacy, and opportunities that help accelerate your growth.

Finally, bring your authentic self to your leadership journey. Diverse perspectives make organizations stronger, and the industry benefits when women lead with confidence, integrity, and their unique experiences. The gaming industry continues to evolve, and there has never been a better time for women to pursue leadership opportunities and help shape its future.