BREAKING BARRIERS & SHATTERING STEREOTYPES

Women Paving The Way At Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

When discussing women in leadership positions, the conversation often focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). When an organization has a comprehensive DE&I strategy, the emphasis is on supporting different groups of individuals, including people of different races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders and sexual orientations, and allies. DE&I initiatives are essential for any business, and their steps reflect a company’s willingness to be a proponent of change.

The casino industry, often associated with glamour, entertainment and high stakes, has traditionally been seen as a maledominated field. However, times are changing, and Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is a shining example of a casino where the number of women in leadership positions is on the rise.

Samantha Gulick, Director of Marketing and Hotel Operations for Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino, believes in championing gender diversity. “It’s no longer just talking about diversity in leadership positions,” said Gulick. “We have to demonstrate our commitment to diversity. Representation is important and having representation in leadership positions ensures that all perspectives and needs are better understood and considered in decision-making processes.”

A diverse leadership team brings a variety of perspectives and experiences to the table. This diversity can lead to more innovative solutions and strategies, as different viewpoints can challenge the status quo and drive positive change. With a focus on inclusiveness, Harrah’s established Business Impact Groups (BIGs) to bring forth the various perspectives of its diverse workplace. One such BIG is SAVVY.

SAVVY is the Business Impact Group for women and allies. SAVVY focuses on women's empowerment, support and advancement within the company. The goals of the SAVVY Business Impact Group are to:

● promote cultural awareness and education.

● develop team members personally and professionally.

● drive innovation and strategic business initiatives.

● support diverse team member recruitment and retention and foster a positive company image in the community.

SAVVY Chair Donata Cobb says, “Promoting gender diversity in leadership is extremely important, but it's also important to be a role model to others. Women in leadership serve as role models and mentors for other women within the gaming industry. By encouraging them to pursue and excel in leadership positions, we break down gender stereotypes and inspire more women to seek positions in gaming.

According to Gulick, another benefit to diverse leadership with- in the gaming industry is a better understanding of the organiWhen our team is representative of those we are trying to reach, we can make better decisions and

Diverse leadership fosters a more inclusive and welcoming workplace culture. It can lead to policies and practices prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion, making the casino a better workplace for all employees.

Karen Sampson, Director of Human Resources, plays a pivotal role in ensuring a healthy work environment, cultivating talent and implementing policies that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. “Gender equity goes beyond hiring and promotion practices,” says Sampson. “Harrah’s Ak-Chin also works to identify ways to support women in general. SAVVY identified a need for pregnancy and new parent support and worked with our team to offer resources such as navigating the adoption process, returning to work and adjusting to parenthood, budgeting for a new child, car seat safety, and Paid Child Bonding Leave. These resources are invaluable for new mothers and families that need a little extra support during their pregnancy, maternity leave, and when they return to work.”

April Stovall, Director of Facilities and Surveillance, is one of Harrah’s female leaders. Her role is crucial in maintaining the security and integrity of the casino's operations. In a traditionally masculine field, Stovall's presence sends a strong message about the ability of women to excel in even the most demanding positions within the industry.

“I always strive to conquer new responsibilities, and the fact that men typically dominate my position motivates me even more,” says Stovall. “Since my role is responsible for the safety and security of the physical property and hundreds of guests, I take it very seriously.

According to Bambi Johnson, Director of Finance and Administration for Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino, "I firmly believe that the success of our organization is intricately tied to the diverse and dynamic contributions of women in leadership. Embracing the unique perspectives and talents that women bring to the table not only fosters innovation but also ensures a more inclusive and resilient future for our industry. By empowering women in leadership positions, we not only elevate individual voices but collectively raise the bar for excellence, creating a stronger, more vibrant gaming community. For more information about Harrah's Ak-Chin, visit HarrahsAkChin.com. $