IGA panel: Women are “done putting up” with male-focused views in gaming leadership
Gaming America was in attendance to hear how female leaders in Tribal gaming are becoming tired of the male-dominated rhetoric seen throughout the industry.
Key Points
- Melanie Heskett, Elizabeth Deegan and Yonne Tiger spoke during the “Tribal Women Driving Profits and Purpose in Indian Gaming” panel at the IGA conference in California
- The panelists referenced difficult challenges women have faced when attempting to pursue leadership roles in gaming, including at Tribal properties across the US
During the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) event in San Diego, California, representatives of female leadership took part in a “Tribal Women Driving Profits and Purpose in Indian Gaming” to highlight the importance of women in what is seen as a male-dominated industry.
Indigo Sky Casino GM Melanie Heskett, Fortune Bay Casino GM Elizabeth Deegan and Show Nation President Yonne Tiger spoke during the panel, with Heskett sharing how keeping a team-oriented mindset helps Tribes continue to grow and innovate within the gaming industry.
“Our Tribal communities are our leaders, our members and the workers who help drive revenue at every property,” Heskett said.
“Nothing works in Tribal gaming unless every piece of that machine is happy and working in a positive environment.”
Moderator Margo Gray, VP of Magnum Marketing, directly called out businessmen and political leaders such as President Donald Trump and Elon Musk for attempting to prohibit the advancement of women throughout various industries, including gaming.
“I remember a couple of years ago, we could barely fill these rooms for a female-led panel, and now there are gentlemen trying to learn from leaders such as the women up here with me today,” Gray said.
“I want you all to go back to your co-workers and spread the message that women are done putting up with this. 50% of all gaming is made of women, outside of the Tribal element even.”
Deegan pointed out how her property has stepped away from the traditional feel of a Tribal casino, and how guests that step into Fortune Bay Casino may not feel as if they are entering a Tribal-led property.
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“I feel as if in the past we have lost that traditional element of an Indian gaming property and one of my main focuses is reclaiming that feeling and ensuring we stress the sovereignty of our Tribe at all times,” Deegan said.
“Every decision that we make is going to affect the generations after you. Your kids, their kids and the community as a whole. I’m always thinking of who my decisions will affect, and how it will take effect for future generations.”
Each speaker also shared how preparing the next generations of potential female leadership is vital if the industry is to consistently feature women in power and ensure that females will always have a voice in key decision-making strategies.
Despite what is seen as a male-dominated industry, Heskett and Tiger shared that working as a singular unit instead of two sides attempting to overtake one another is how men and women in the gaming industry will find success. Tiger spoke on “finding ways to complement each other” is how a $42bn industry, including Tribal gaming, environment and energy, will constantly grow with both men and women in executive leadership positions.
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