Global Gaming Women (GGW) and IAG’s sister company CDC Gaming have unveiled their 10 Women Rising in Gaming honorees for 2025, recognizing the accomplishments of women who have long worked in the gaming industry.
To be officially honored at a recently announced Day Zero Party on 5 October 2025, the Sunday evening before G2E, this year’s 10 Women Rising in Gaming recipients have a wide range of backgrounds and come from an array of gaming industry sectors.
“The Class of 2025 showcases the diverse and dynamic landscape of women who have shaped the gaming industry and who continue to pave the way for future generations of female trailblazers,” said Global Gaming Women Executive Vice President Pamela Buckley. “Each honoree represents the very best in class, leaders who embody innovation, resilience and vision, while serving as role models who inspire and empower others across every corner of our industry.”
As revealed by GGW and CDC Gaming, this year’s class includes women who have been athletes in college and had parents who worked in the gaming industry. They come from Las Vegas, Buffalo, New York and Joliet, Illinois. A few had never stepped inside a casino before being employed in the industry.
“This year’s 10 Women Rising in Gaming highlight the stories of women whose paths are as diverse as the industry itself,” said CDC Gaming Publisher Cory Roberts. “From first jobs as dealers to leading billion-dollar expansions, each honoree shows that opportunity in gaming comes in many forms. Their journeys remind us that talent can emerge from anywhere – and that these women uplift and strengthen the whole industry through their leadership and mentorship.”
To read more about each honoree, click here to view CDC Gaming’s original announcement.
The full list of 10 Women Rising in Gaming for 2025 is as follows:
Krystal Jones, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Adriana Kasunic, Vice President People Operations, The Venetian Las Vegas Resort
Dyani Marvel, Vice President, Marketing Strategy & Operations, Wondr Nation
Lana Rivera, President, Graton Resort and Casino
Michelle Schenk, Director Global Communications, IGT
Jennifer Shatley, Executive Director, Responsible Online Gaming Association
Brooke Thomas, People & Inclusion Executive, Seminole Hard Rock
Sierra Weyer, Director of Enterprise Analytics, Sycuan Casino Resort
Julia Weygandt, Director, Advisor, Consultant, Public Speaker, Zelda Global Limited
Ashley Unga, Senior Director of Customer Success, Gaming Analytics
