The event aims to celebrate the inspirational women who are in the intersection between gaming and sports and will specifically honor five women whose achievements are being marked. 

Those women being celebrated are:

• Woman in Sports: Qiava Martinez, Chief Sales Officer of the Las Vegas Raiders
• Woman in Gaming & Sports: Melanie Gross, SVP & Head of Product at Golden Hearts Games 
• Woman in Gaming: Colleen Birch, Chief Operating Officer of Fontainebleau Las Vegas
• Woman to Watch: Erin Lydon, President of PokerPower
• Inspirational Woman of 2022: Nikki Fargas, President of the Las Vegas Aces

“There couldn’t be a better time to celebrate the intersection of gaming and sports and the impact these industries are making on the City of Las Vegas,” said Bronwen Gregg, President of WISE Las Vegas and membership Co-Chair of GGW. 

“While both industries have traditionally been male-dominated, women are now making an impression more than ever. We can’t wait to honor and recognize that influence at Las Vegas’ first ‘Women of Inspiration’ event the day after International Women’s Day.”

Women of Inspiration will feature a catered cocktail reception followed by the recognition of the honorees. The ceremony will have live entertainment and enhanced production and will be hosted by Emcee Stormy Buonantony, a host at VCiN and ESPN.

Following the ceremony, guests will have a networking reception on the field of the stadium as well as a stadium tour and a field goal kick activation. 

Cassie Stratford, President of Global Gaming Women, added: “We are excited to partner with Wise Las Vegas to launch the “Women of Inspiration” annual celebration. The interconnectivity between sports and gaming has been a catalyst for growth and innovation in the gaming industry, particularly with the expansion of sports betting throughout the US and sports-related events in Las Vegas.

“The opportunity to gather to celebrate and be inspired by women that have been so instrumental to the successful and responsible maturation of our industry aligns perfectly with Global Gaming Women’s mission of supporting and encouraging women’s professional advancement in all sectors of our industry.”

By Charlie Horner