Director Global Games, Aristocrat
A strategic sales and marketing leader with over 19 years' experience in the gaming industry, Lauren O’Brien has a background in marketing, product promotion as well as event management and sales. She is the Global Games Director at Aristocrat while serving as a Board member and Vice President of Engagement for Global Gaming Women. She is also the creator and co-host of the GGW Fair Game Podcast. Lauren lives in Las Vegas with her husband and daughter.
Woman of Inspiration in Events/Hospitality
Jan Jones Blackhurst
Executive Director, UNLV Black Fire Leadership Initiative/ Board of Directors, Caesars Entertainment
Jan Jones Blackhurst is a long-time political and business leader who spent most of the 1990s as the first woman mayor of Las Vegas. She then joined Caesars Entertainment, where she and her teams developed the industry’s first Responsible Gaming practices, advancing environmental stewardship and advocating for important social issues. Jan speaks extensively at many universities and helped establish the International Gaming Institution Center of Excellence at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. After leading Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Policy at Caesars for two decades, she joined the Company’s Board of Directors in 2019 where she chairs the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. She also became Chief Executive in Residence at the UNLV International Gaming Institute, where she was a key player in the “Expanding the Leaderverse” initiative and became Executive Director, UNLV Black Fire Leadership Initiative. In May 2022, Jan is also on the Board of Directors of Esports Entertainment Group, and joined the Hospitality Group of World Choice Investments. Committed to education, Jan is Chairwoman for the Public Education Foundation; she has earned numerous awards and accolades while serving on several boards, including the Las Vegas Stadium Authority, Vegas Chamber and the Nevada Resort Association. In 2014, she was one of the first women to be inducted into the American Gaming Association (AGA) Gaming Hall of Fame. Jan holds a bachelor's degree in English from Stanford University.
Woman of Inspiration to Watch
Stephanie Barrett
CEO and Founder, Her Competitive Advantage (HCA)
Stephanie Barrett is the Global Vice President of Decision Support at Aristocrat Gaming, a multi-billion-dollar tech organization. She is also the founder and CEO of Her Competitive Advantage (HCA), a groundbreaking platform that is rewriting the playbook on how top female talent is discovered, developed, and hired. A former collegiate athlete herself, Stephanie is fiercely dedicated to empowering current and former collegiate female athletes, breaking down systemic barriers, and bringing fresh, diverse leadership to organizations ready to invest in their future. Her visionary approach to diversity and inclusion is not just reshaping industries—it’s creating transformative change for future generations. Above all, Stephanie’s true pride is her family. Alongside her husband, she is raising three children who inspire her to lead with purpose and passion every single day.
Women of Inspiration of the Year
Las Vegas Aces Organization
The Las Vegas Aces are a powerhouse in the WNBA, celebrated for their back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. This dynamic team captivates fans with electrifying gameplay and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Under the visionary ownership of Mark Davis, a passionate advocate for women’s sports, the Aces have fostered a winning culture, enhanced by a stunning, first-of-its-kind headquarters in Henderson, designed exclusively for a women’s team. The roster features Olympic gold medalists A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Kelsey Plum, combining exceptional skill, speed, and strategy to dominate the court. Their success is further propelled by the “team behind the team,” an all-star front office dedicated to building the premier franchise in women’s sports. Competing at the state-of-the-art Michelob Ultra Arena, the Aces benefit from a devoted fan base that ignites the excitement of every game, inspiring the next generation of athletes and elevating the sport of women’s basketball.
WISE LV Women of Inspiration 2024 Finalist
WISE Las Vegas would like to recognize additional Women of Inspiration who have made a significant impact to our community and industry of sports and events.
Woman of Inspiration in Sports
Dr. Nancy Lough Professor, UNLV
Dr. Nancy Lough is a nationally recognized expert on sport marketing, corporate sponsorship, leadership development, and creating gender parity within sport organizations specializing in research with a focus on the economic value of women’s sport and marketing sport to women. She is the author of the Handbook of the Business of Women’s Sport and the Handbook of Sport Marketing Research, along with numerous scholarly publications. Dr. Lough is Co-Founder of the Sport Innovation Institute at UNLV and in 2024 created the Sport LEAP Executive Advancement program. In 2021 she launched the Intercollegiate and Professional Sport Management master’s degree program at UNLV. Dr. Lough was the first woman to serve as President of the Sport Marketing Association (SMA) and first to serve a second term. In 2021 Dr. Lough was recognized as the namesake of the Lough Award by the Sport Marketing Association, given to recognize outstanding work in diversity, equity, and inclusion in sport. From 2010-2012 she served as Editor for Sport Marketing Quarterly and continues to serve on the editorial board. She holds rank as a full professor in the College of Education. Prior to UNLV, Dr. Lough served as a sport management faculty member at the University of New Mexico, Iowa State University, and Kent State University. Dr. Lough’s extensive sport experience includes competing as a scholarship student athlete, serving as a collegiate coach in Texas and California, an Associate Athletic Director in Colorado, and Director of an NCAA National Championship. As an expert in sport business, she has been featured in media outlets such as CNN, SiriusXM, New York Times, USA Today, LA Times, Wall Street Journal, and more. Dr. Lough serves on UNLV’s Intercollegiate Athletics Council and as an advisory board member for the PGA Golf Management program.
Lindy LaRocque
Head Coach, The Lady Rebels, UNLV
Lindy LaRocque has quickly proven to be one of the most impactful head coaches in college sports having crafted a championship-winning team in just her second season at UNLV. In 2023-24, La Rocque became the first head coach in Lady Rebels history to reach the 100-win mark in just four seasons leading the team to be the first in Mountain West history to win both the regular season and tournament championship in three straight seasons. Lindy was named Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year in both 2021 and 2023. Raised in Las Vegas, La Rocque was a decorated student-athlete at Durango High School, where she became the school's (boys and girls) all-time leading scorer with 2,678 points and holds many other program records. La Rocque played at Stanford from 2008-12, later joining the Stanford coaching team in 2019-20. She holds a bachelor's degree from Stanford in science, technology and society and a master's degree in adult and higher education from Oklahoma.
Woman of Inspiration in Sports & Events
Samantha Grimes
Co-Founder + Partner, Saint Public Relations
Samantha Grimes is an experienced communications professional and trusted advisor who has had the privilege of representing some of the most celebrated brands in luxury hospitality, sports and entertainment. Throughout her career, Grimes has collaborated with marketers, operators and executives across diverse industries to advance brand equity and elevate the public profile of various companies, executives, venues events. Through dynamic storytelling, disruptive integrated marketing campaigns, and strategic press placements, Grimes has contributed to the success of award-winning gaming properties, hundreds of live events as well as the launch of more than 40 first-to-market dining, nightlife, gaming, retail, and entertainment concepts in Las Vegas. Currently, Grimes serves as co-founder and partner of Saint Public Relations, a newly founded strategic PR firm based in Las Vegas. In her previous tenure as the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer for the Las Vegas Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee, Grimes led PR,
communications, marketing and advertising for Las Vegas’ first-ever Super Bowl in Feb. 2024. Her resume also includes a variety of in-house and agency roles with The Cosmopolitan of Laas Vegas, SLS Hotels/sbe hospitality and TAO Group. Grimes originally hails from northern Alaska and is a proud alumna of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as well as a board member for Leaders In Training (LIT) Las Vegas.
Silvia Bellot
Vice President of Sporting and Race Operations, Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. and FIA Academy Race Director
Silvia Bellot serves as the Vice President of Sporting and Race Operations at Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. and brings over a decade of experience in motorsport marshalling and race operations to the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX, where she oversees all on-track and sporting-related activities for the race. Bellot notably serves a dual role as the FIA Academy Race Director for the F1 Academy, a female-only single-seater racing championship founded by Formula 1. In this role, Bellot oversees the control of practice and the race, adherence to the timetable, and all on track and safety procedures, ensuring they are in accordance with the sporting regulations to guarantee safety and sporting fairness of the Championship.
Hailing from Barcelona, Spain, Bellot holds a degree in Human and Medical Biology from the University of Barcelona, along with a degree in Fashion Design from the University of the Arts London. Inspired by her father’s involvement in motorsport, she began marshaling when she was just 16. Bellot made her first appearance as an FIA Formula 1 steward in 2011 and just a year later was recognized as an FIA Outstanding Official for exceptional contributions in motorsport. Her stewarding expertise includes several international championships, such as the WRC, WTCC, Formula E, Formula 2, Formula 3, F3 World Cup, GP2, GP3, DTM, Euro Formula and World Series. In 2018, Bellot took on the role of Team Manager for the Carlin Motorsport IndyCar Series team. In 2020 she became the first ever FIA female Race Director, overseeing the FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 Championships. Bellot joined Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. in November 2022 as the Senior Director of Sporting and Race Operations, where she managed on-track related efforts and activities for the inaugural race. After a successful inaugural year, Bellot was promoted and currently oversees all sporting and race operations for the Grand Prix, relations with the sport’s governing body, the FIA, track marshals, track set up and repairs, on-track safety and adherence to the sporting regulations. Bellot is an Ambassador of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, on which she represents the female volunteers and officials, furthering gender inclusivity across all levels of the sport.
Woman of Inspiration Connecting Gaming and Sports
Fiona Power
Senior Director, Partner Relations, FanDuel
Fiona Power, recognized as one of CDC Gaming Report’s "10 Women Rising in Gaming," has over six years of leadership and innovation experience in the U.S. gaming industry. As Senior Director of Partner Relations at FanDuel, she manages a large portfolio of partnerships, including corporate and tribal gaming, tracks and sports teams. Fiona’s international gaming career began in 2007 in Europe, and in 2018, she moved to the US to lead FanDuel’s commercial strategy for its retail sports betting business. She was instrumental in launching FanDuel’s first 10 sportsbooks, establishing the company as the retail gaming leader, including, what quickly became and remains, one of the largest sportsbooks in the nation at the Meadowlands. A passionate advocate for women in the industry, Fiona serves on the Sponsorship Committee of Global Gaming Women (GGW) and mentors’ women across FanDuel and the wider industry. In addition, she hosts networking events, such as one held in New York with GGW earlier this year, fostering connections among over 60 women in gaming. Before FanDuel, Fiona worked in finance and operations at Paddy Power Betfair, prior to its renaming as Flutter, gaining deep industry insights. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting
and finance from Dublin City University and is a Chartered Accountant, certified by Chartered Accountants Ireland during her time at KPMG Dublin.
Cassie Brickman
CEO, Betting Hero
Cassie Brickman is one of the youngest CEOs in the gaming industry, leading Betting Hero to the forefront as a top affiliate. Under her visionary leadership, Betting Hero has received prestigious accolades, including the 2023 EGR North America Employer of the Year and the 2024 SBC Casino Affiliate of the Year awards. Cassie’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce has set a new standard in the industry, particularly through her efforts to mentor and empower women. Cassie plays an active role in the gaming community through her involvement with Global Gaming Women (GGW), where she serves as a lean in circle moderator for C-level executives and volunteers on the sponsorship and event committees. Her dedication to supporting female entrepreneurs has also led to increased opportunities for women in the gaming sector. Beyond her professional achievements, Cassie is a dedicated community volunteer, contributing her time to her local school and youth sports teams. Her passion for mentoring, fostering diversity, and building meaningful connections has made a lasting impact both within Betting Hero and in the broader gaming and local communities. Prior to joining Betting Hero, Cassie was a lead producer and executive in corporate and experiential production. She earned her B.A. in Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and lives in Iowa with her two sons and husband.
Woman of Inspiration in Hospitality
Elizabeth Blau
Blau + Associates
Elizabeth Blau is a James Beard Award Nominee recognized for her leadership, innovation, and philanthropy over a nearly four-decade career. She is widely credited with transforming Las Vegas into a world-class culinary destination and renowned for shaping the global dining scene by bringing award winning chefs and restauranteurs to international real estate mixed use projects and luxury resort developments. She has held high-profile leadership roles in Restaurant Development for Mirage Resorts, MGM Mirage, and Wynn Las Vegas. In 2002, she founded Blau + Associates, expanding it into one of the leading restaurant development and global consulting companies. Along with her husband Chef Kim Canteenwalla, she operates successful signature restaurants including Honey Salt in Las Vegas and Vancouver, Buddy’s V’s Ristorante on the Las Vegas Strip, a portfolio of acclaimed restaurants at the Parq Vancouver Resort & Casino, and Crown Block Restaurant at the Reunion Tower in Dallas. She is also the author of “Honey Salt: A Culinary Scrapbook,” which was named Best Cookbook of 2018 by Food & Beverage Magazine. Elizabeth holds advisory and board roles for organizations such as École Hôtelière de Lausanne, the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration, trustee emeritus of the Culinary Institute of America and global advisory board member emeritus at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. In 2020, she co-founded the non-profit Women’s Hospitality Initiative to develop and implement programs for women to achieve leadership positions in the restaurant industry.
Shannon McCallum
Vice President of Hotel Operations, Resorts World Las Vegas
As Vice President of Hotel Operations for Resorts World Las Vegas, Shannon McCallum oversees and executes the strategic direction of the hotel. She is responsible for creating and implementing new innovations to enhance the guest experience, developing short- and long-term goals to generate revenue for the property’s three hotel brands – Las Vegas Hilton, Conrad Las Vegas and Crockfords Las Vegas. McCallum brings more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry throughout the U.S. and Canada with some of the industry’s largest and most respected brands. She most recently previously served as Vice President of Operations for both ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa as part of her nearly ten years with MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas. McCallum currently is an Executive Board of Director for the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association and a Global Board of Director for the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals Association. In addition, Shannon sits on the Board of Directors for the Southern Nevada Public Television (Vegas PBS) and an Executive Board of Director at the Nevada Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Earlier this year, Shannon had the pleasure of being a co-chair of the Hotel Housing and Operations Committee, as part of the 2024 Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee and is a prior member of the Forbes Travel Guide Standards Advisory Council that represented Global Gaming properties. In 2015, Shannon was recognized as Hotelier of the Year for the State of Nevada and in January 2024 named in the top 100 hospitality professionals in the USA by Global Hospitality Magazine.
Woman Of Inspiration Woman to Watch
Kristin Holmes
Digital Marketing Manager, Formula 1 ®Las Vegas Grand Prix
Kristin Homes is an accomplished Digital Marketing Manager for the Formula 1 ®Las Vegas Grand Prix, where she leverages her passion for strategic marketing to drive success. With a strong background in web and app development, email marketing and workflow management, Kristin has successfully launched multiple online sports betting and casino apps, enhancing user engagement through innovative loyalty rewards programs. Her recent achievements include playing a pivotal role in planning the inaugural FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX 2023 and launching the event’s official app which garnered over 100,000 downloads during its opening week. Kristin’s contributions were also instrumental in the grand opening marketing team for Circa Resort & Casino.