Women’s Leadership Conference Spurs Career Growth At Gila River Resort And Casino

August 22, 2025

Jeston Morris

Community Newsperson

Chandler, Ariz. — Gila River Resort & Casino hosted the fourth annual Glow-Grow-Game Women’s Leadership Conference at Wild Horse Pass Resort & Casino from Aug. 5–8.

According to Kamie Best, talent development manager, the Glow-Grow-Game Women’s Leadership Conference aims to promote growth within the female management team through shared experiences and learning opportunities from industry leaders in casino gaming and local organizations across Arizona.

Since the inaugural conference in 2022, a total of 82 women have participated. Tribal member participation stands at 41%, Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) member participation at 33%, and Other Tribal Households (OTH) at 8%.

Over the past three years, 16 women have been promoted as a result of training received through the conference. In 2025, the program introduced a Peer Connector initiative, pairing alumni with new participants for mentorship and support.

Blake Katsnelson, chief operating officer at Gila River Resorts & Casinos, delivered the welcome remarks.

“It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you all to the fourth annual Glow-Grow-Game Women’s Leadership Conference,” Katsnelson said. “This event has become an annual tradition for our enterprise, and every year it continues to grow in depth, reach and impact.”

“We’ve celebrated 16 role promotions tied directly to this program—16 women who took the skills, confidence and learning they gained here and applied them to achieve their next level of leadership. It’s a sign of intentional growth and meaningful representation,” he added.

Lt. Gov. Regina Antone delivered the keynote address.

“I wanted to personally welcome you to this Glow-Grow-Game Women’s Leadership Conference,” Antone said. “You were all nominated for this conference, and congratulations on being selected to attend. Everyone deserves a chance to advance in a leadership and management role within the Gila River Resort & Casino enterprises. I love that fact that each year new participants are selected to attend.”

“You are a leader. Your family sees you as a leader. Your community members see you as a leader. Your employer sees you as a leader. I truly thank all of you for the job that you do on a daily basis. So again, congratulations to all of you—I wish you a wonderful conference training,” she said.

Robin Villareal, chief information officer, shared the origin story of the conference.

“I attended the Global Gaming Women’s Conference. I applied for the conference and scholarship, and I was selected,” Villareal said. “When I came back, I was so excited that I asked Mr. Kenneth Manuel, our CEO, if we could bring something similar to Gila River Resort & Casino.”

“I felt the imposter syndrome. If I felt that way, other women probably feel the same when they apply for a job or ask for a promotion. What can we do to give them a step up in self-confidence, public speaking and delegation?” she said.

“We’ve had 82 women come through the Glow-Grow-Game Women’s Leadership Conference. There’s been a lot of growth among the attendees, and many have moved up in their positions. We’re very proud of them,” Villareal added.

Norma Perez, assistant director of food and beverage, reflected on her experience.

“Three years ago, I had the honor of attending this conference. I’ve been able to share my story with women who may not see themselves as worthy or don’t have the necessary work experience,” Perez said. “I learned about emotional intelligence during the training. It plays a crucial role in management and leadership, including the hiring process.”

“The conference teaches you to get out of your comfort zone and speak up. The first year I came back as a participant, the second year as a speaker at the table, and the third year as an opening speaker. This conference has allowed me to help others,” she said.

Participants shared testimonials about their experiences:

“I took so much away from the conference that it’s hard to put it into just one thing. If I could, it would be the confidence I needed to make a big change in my life—to believe in myself and just take a chance. I now know that I’ll be okay.”

“My biggest takeaway was knowing I’m not alone. The women at the conference showed me that we’re all human, we’re learning, and each of us faces different challenges. With support from one another, we’re going to make each other stronger.”

“Gila River supports, cares and encourages growth for its team members. There are many other women leaders in our organization who deal with the same struggles, and we were able to come together to celebrate our success and connect to help each other grow.”