According to All In Diversity’s 2022 and 2023 All-Index Report, the number of women compared to men across the industry has dropped below 40% for the first time in the report’s history. The percentage of women in non-executive roles has dropped from 32% to 29%. These numbers make it clear that more work needs to be done to improve the representation of women across the entire industry.

In honor of International Women’s Day, we spoke with two standout professionals in the industry about their backgrounds, how they mentor and empower others, and how they work to make the gaming industry a more inclusive place for all.

Tell us a little about your background. When did you start in the gaming industry and what motivated you to join?

Shondra DeLoach-Perea, Vice President, Field Services, Call Center & Technology Operations, IGT: I started my gaming career in Tribal Gaming in Albuquerque, New Mexico. When I started, I worked in the Gaming Commission, and I worked my way up to the Executive Director of the Gaming Commission. I accredit my gaming career to the opportunities afforded to me by the Sandia Tribe. I obtained my MBA while working for the Sandia Tribe and I knew I always wanted to work in the mecca of gaming, so I made the decision to move to Las Vegas in 2008. In 2008 I took a management role at IGT. I have worked for IGT for 15 years and in the gaming industry for nearly 25 years.

My motivation for working in this sector stems from my passion for gaming. Having the ability to influence and drive changes that contribute to an industry that merges creativity, technology, and entertainment. Having the desire to create immersive experiences, tell compelling stories, or push the boundaries – these realities fuel my decision to work in gaming. Finally, a driving force behind my career choice in gaming is the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and innovative field where my skills can make a tangible impact.

Amanda Garber, Director, Community Affairs and ESG, PENN Entertainment: This April will be my 20^th anniversary with PENN Entertainment. I knew absolutely nothing about the industry when I joined the company, I was just looking for something new and different, coming from a small-cap banking and brokerage software company.  It’s hard to believe how much the industry has evolved over the years and it’s inspiring to see where PENN is today.  For me, it’s the incredible impact that our industry has on the communities where we operate – and the difference we are making for so many.  PENN has always done the right thing for the right reasons, but we’ve never been great at telling our story or seeking recognition for the things that we’re doing.  It’s been so rewarding to be a part of this process and to work with our management team to continue to move the needle in our communities, help improve the lives of our team members, and help tell our story.

Navigating career growth involves both giving and receiving empowerment. Share insights from your mentors and the best advice you've received. How do you prioritize empowering others, and what advice would you offer women advancing their careers?

SDP: The best advice I received from my mentors, both women and men, is never to take “No” as an answer. No means there is an opportunity to find a solution by making the impossible possible. I learned through this advice that adversity is part of the journey. Finding ways to navigate and cultivate a greater purpose for myself and others is also key. I prioritize empowering others as a personal and professional attribute that I hold near and dear to my soul and heart. Sharing my experiences and my journey is the essence of mentorship style and how I help women advance in their careers. If I can help ONE person not repeat the same mistakes I made or provide insight to help them make better, well-informed decisions to grow, develop, and connect/network with others to help them evolve to find their WHY, their PURPOSE, and make advocated for yourself a top priority.

The advice I offer to women advancing in their careers is in times of uncertainty or change, maintaining motivation and adaptability is vital, and clearly communicate your needs, wants, and desires. Foster an environment where you have the confidence to speak up and feel heard and valued. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of flexibility and adaptability, by embracing change as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback. Set personal and professional goals to maintain momentum/focus and celebrate successes along the way. Build your network and leverage those who support you, by fostering a supportive and collaborative network of people who can help and guide you in your journey.  

AG: I’ve had so many mentors and allies over the years who have recognized, encouraged, and helped empower me in situations where I otherwise lacked self-confidence. I’m forever grateful to those who have made themselves available to listen, encourage, help, and share recognition at any opportunity – and I try to be that person for anyone that I can. Making others feel appreciated is so important – that they are a valued part of the team, that they belong, and making sure to provide a seat at the table.

Let’s face it, sometimes we have a hard time getting out of our own way, in that the good old impostor syndrome kicks in, or fear of failure keeps us from doing the things that are outside of our comfort zone – but don’t turn down those opportunities.  Keep finding ways to grow, make yourself uncomfortable by learning and trying new things, and proactively seek out ways to do better, to be better.  Positivity is a powerful thing.  Put yourself out there, take those chances, and see what happens.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #InspireInclusion. Inclusion means openly embracing and valuing the many facets of diversity that exist in others. When we are inspired to value women’s inclusion, we create a better world. How do you #InspireInclusion within your workplace and what do you think needs to be done to make inclusion a priority across the gaming industry?

SDP: Inspiring inclusion within the workplace; starts with open communication and active listening from diverse perspectives. I inspire inclusion by encouraging and driving collaboration among team members, customers, and suppliers from different backgrounds and experiences. In conjunction with implementing inclusive policies and practices that promote diversity at all levels within the organization. Prioritizing ongoing education and training on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics helps build the DEI foundation.

From a global perspective, you must be mindful that training must meet the market’s needs, which vary. To make inclusion a priority across the gaming industry, it's crucial to address systemic barriers and biases. This involves promoting diverse representation at all levels in the gaming industry and in games/products (characters, development teams, brand, and marketing). Build a culture that embraces diverse storytelling and experiences that cater to a diverse global environment. Establish partnerships with organizations dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the gaming community. By taking proactive steps and promoting a culture of inclusion, the gaming industry will continue to leverage and support more welcoming and equitable spaces for all. In addition, I encourage everyone to get more involved in the DEI space. I have an embedded DEI mindset in everything that I do, and IGT has provided me with the tools to make this a reality. Whether that is signing up for an employee resource group, getting more involved in community initiatives, or creating safe spaces for more meaningful discussions that remove DEI stigmas. When DEI is a part of our DNA, magic happens.

AG: I’m thankful to work for a company that celebrates and prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion - not only internally but also within our communities.  PENN’s DE&I programs have expanded over the years to include scholarships, recruitment, leadership development, procurement, and community engagement.  As a member of PENN’s Diversity Council and having the opportunity to work with an incredibly talented group of women helping to drive our PENN Women program, I’ve seen first-hand the level of commitment and resources that the company has dedicated to these efforts and we’re continuously looking at ways to continue to do better.  We embrace and celebrate our differences, seek ways to learn from one another and do our part to develop, mentor, and empower others.

These programs and initiatives are key to continuing to effect change within our industry and I’ve been encouraged by the progress the industry has made toward fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, providing equal opportunities and development for its team members, and continuing to ensure that the workforce reflects the communities where we operate.