GGW Voices is an ongoing collaboration between CDC Gaming and Global Gaming Women featuring commentary and insight from women in the gaming industry.
Leadership in gaming has never been solely about the individual, it has always been shaped by community, sponsorship and the people who invest in our growth along the way. As Vice President of People Operations at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, I see firsthand how the combination of internal development, external support networks and committed allies can transform the path of women’s careers.
At The Venetian, our Women in Leadership program, part of the larger Venetians at Heart Program, was built on that understanding. It provides women across our organization with opportunities to strengthen their leadership voice, expand visibility, and make meaningful connections across departments. The resource group allows women to grow supported by peers, leaders and a structure that encourages advancement.
But some of the most enduring leadership development I’ve experienced personally has come from Global Gaming Women (GGW). GGW now includes more than 9,000 active members across over 70 countries, offering mentorship, scholarships and industry‑wide leadership programming. I’ve been part of a GGW Lean‑In Circle for six years, meeting regularly, sharing challenges and celebrating wins. This experience has served as a powerful anchor in my leadership journey. These Circles create a trusted space for vulnerability, goal setting and honest conversation which are elements that accelerate both confidence and capability.
My involvement with GGW has grown over the years, and today, I proudly serve as 2nd Vice President on the GGW Board. In that role, I help guide programs that support women across the industry, bringing an HR lens to the mentorship structures and development opportunities that can shift long‑term outcomes for emerging leaders.
Our internal Women in Leadership program benefits significantly from GGW’s programming. Participants who engage in GGW’s workshops and leadership development offerings return with sharpened skills, broadened networks and renewed focus on their long‑term career goals. These programs help counteract industry‑wide challenges.
But another critical factor often goes unspoken: the role of male allies.
Throughout my career, male mentors, sponsors and leaders have played a vital part in opening doors, advocating for my advancement, and ensuring my contributions were seen and valued. Allyship is not passive; it requires leaders to use their influence to elevate women, challenge biases and create pathways.
At The Venetian, many of our most impactful progressions come when male leaders champion our Women in Leadership participants, offering stretch assignments, providing visibility at the decision‑making table and reinforcing that leadership potential is not limited by gender. Their support not only accelerates individual careers but signals to the entire organization that developing women is a shared responsibility, not a “women’s issue.”
My recognition as one of the 2025 Women Rising in Gaming brought this full circle. The honorees came from diverse backgrounds and career paths, but every story reflected a common theme: someone invested in their growth. Being part of this group strengthened my resolve to ensure that the next generation of women in gaming benefits from even broader support, stronger mentorship and more intentional allyship.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, with more women influencing consumer trends, operational strategy and market innovation, cultivating inclusive leadership is no longer optional, it is mission‑critical. At The Venetian, we are committed to creating an environment where women thrive through meaningful development, community connection and the active engagement of allies across all levels of the business.
When women have the support of their peers, their organizations, and their allies, they don’t just advance, they transform the future of the industry.
