By Damian Martinez, journalist at G&M News.
What are your main priorities for the brand in such a competitive and evolving market?
My primary focus is to strengthen Light & Wonder’s position as a leading cross-platform gaming company by fostering a brand that resonates deeply with players, partners, and our own creators. In such a competitive and rapidly evolving market, it’s crucial that our brand consistently communicates our commitment to building new worlds of play. A key priority is to ensure that our brand remains player-centric, with a clear emphasis on creating exceptional experiences that keep players engaged and excited. This means collaborating closely with our creators to promote the unique products and content that set us apart. Additionally, I aim to leverage our history and expertise and continue to push boundaries. Another focus is expanding our brand’s reach and cohesion across all platforms, whether online, on casino floors, or in interactive experiences, so that we become a trusted, unified brand in any space we enter. In this competitive landscape, I also prioritize agility, keeping our messaging relevant and responsive to trends and player expectations. Ultimately, our brand’s evolution hinges on remaining bold, dynamic, and unmistakably player-focused, enabling us to build lasting connections and drive growth across all channels.
Having been named one of the ‘10 Women Rising in Gaming’ is a major achievement. How has this recognition impacted your career and your approach to leadership?
Is truly an honor and has had a meaningful impact on my career and approach to leadership. This recognition has deepened my commitment to fostering growth and inclusivity within our industry, reminding me of the importance of elevating others along the way. It’s incredibly inspiring to be counted among such accomplished women in gaming, and this motivates me to push even further in my role, not just for my personal goals, but to contribute to a more diverse and representative industry. This acknowledgment has reinforced my belief in the power of collaborative leadership. I’ve always valued my team’s creativity and dedication, but this experience has strengthened my focus on creating opportunities for them to shine and grow. I’m committed to supporting and mentoring talent within our organization, fostering an environment where each person’s unique contributions are recognized.
Can you share the key milestones or challenges in your journey that have helped you develop in brand marketing within the gaming industry?
My journey has been shaped by several key milestones and challenges, each teaching me invaluable lessons in adaptability and strategic thinking. One of the most defining moments was our company’s divestiture and subsequent rebranding, where I had the opportunity to help establish a fresh identity and new direction for Light & Wonder. This rebranding process was intense, requiring us to develop a compelling brand story, visual identity, and cultural shift that would resonate with our team and the market. It was a complex challenge, but it showed me the importance of a cohesive, inspiring brand that aligns with the company’s vision and values. Additionally, managing through multiple acquisitions over the years has taught me how to bring different brands, teams, and cultures together under a unified brand strategy. It has reinforced my focus on creating clarity and cohesion, especially in such a dynamic industry. Each acquisition stretched my ability to align and communicate our brand message, showing me how essential it is to maintain a clear identity, even as the organization grows and evolves.
Light & Wonder hosted its first joint global networking event with Global Gaming Women, sponsored by the company’s EmpowHER program. What inspired this initiative, and how does it align with L&W’s broader diversity and inclusion goals?
The inspiration behind hosting Light & Wonder’s first joint global networking event with Global Gaming Women came from a desire to create meaningful opportunities for women to connect, grow, and support one another within the gaming industry. Sponsored by our EmpowHER program, this initiative was designed to make networking more accessible by holding the event during office hours, reducing barriers like childcare that can sometimes limit participation for working women. We wanted to foster an inclusive environment where women could share experiences, build relationships, and feel supported in their professional journeys. This event aligns closely with Light & Wonder’s broader diversity and inclusion goals. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive, and that includes removing barriers to professional development and mentorship. By partnering with Global Gaming Women and leveraging our internal ERG resources, we’re actively promoting a culture of inclusivity and representation. This initiative is one of many steps we’re taking to support women’s growth and create a stronger, more diverse gaming industry for everyone.
In which way do you think the EmpowHER program will be evolving in the future, and what are your hopes for its impact on the industry?
I see tremendous potential for the EmpowerHER program’s growth and impact. We’re fortunate to have dynamic global members supporting the program, along with dedicated internal co-chairs like Randi Topham, Stephanie Bruckner, Jelcey Whitlock, and Sandeep Dasgupta. With strong support from our VP of CSR, Tracy Skenandore, and through our Game Changers of Light & Wonder program, EmpowerHER has launched impactful initiatives, including the Dress for Success Suit Drive, a highly regarded Personal Brand Series, and the recent Global Networking Event with GGW. Last year, the team also organized an inspiring International Women’s Day event, for which I managed and branded video content to enhance visibility and engagement across the organization. Looking ahead, I envision EmpowHER expanding its reach and influence by partnering with external organizations, creating more opportunities for women to gain visibility and skills, and establishing programs that address the unique challenges women face in the industry. My hope is that EmpowHER will uplift women within Light & Wonder and serve as a model for the gaming industry, inspiring other companies to invest in the success and advancement of women at all stages of their careers.
As a reference in the gaming industry, how do you mentor and support other women aspiring to leadership roles in this sector?
As a leader, I am committed to helping other women in gaming reach their potential. I believe mentorship is about genuinely listening, encouraging others to embrace their strengths, and sharing the wisdom I’ve gained from my own journey: the lessons, growth, and challenges I’ve faced. My goal is to foster a supportive environment where women feel confident taking on new roles, growing their careers, and encouraging others along the way.