Educating Leaders
From a small network, GGW has grown into a global powerhouse, supporting women on the path to professional success
As co-chair of the Global Gaming Women (GGW) Education Committee alongside Nicole Metral, I have the privilege of helping guide one of the most mission‑driven areas of our organization.
Education is the foundation of GGW’s work. It’s how we equip women across the global gaming industry with the skills, confidence and community they need to grow, lead and thrive. Our committee’s role is to ensure that these opportunities continue to evolve, expand and reach women at every stage of their careers.
Over the past decade, GGW has transformed from a small network into a global community representing tribal gaming, commercial operations, international markets, sports betting, iGaming, hospitality, technology and many adjacent sectors. The Education Committee’s work reflects that growth. Our programs are intentionally designed to meet women where they are—whether they’re emerging leaders, mid‑career professionals or senior executives seeking continued development, our educational offerings are designed to be diverse in nature.
Our programs are intentionally structured to provide flexible entry points, allowing members to grow their skills, expand their networks and build confidence as they advance through the industry.
GGW’s Education & Training Opportunities include four distinct pathways:
• Emerging Talent. Designed for women early in their leadership journey. This track focuses on foundational leadership skills, confidence‑building, and practical tools for future advancement.
• Established Leader. Built for mid‑level leaders. This pathway strengthens managerial capabilities, enhances communication and decision‑making and prepares members to lead teams and operational areas with confidence.
• Strategic Leadership. Created for senior leaders responsible for shaping strategy, culture and organizational outcomes. Members refine strategic thinking, emotional intelligence and advanced coaching skills to expand their influence and prepare for executive‑level scope.
• Executive Rising. Developed for top-tier leaders, this pathway emphasizes high‑level strategy, cross‑industry insight and peer collaboration. It also encourages members to “pay it forward” through mentorship and community leadership.
In addition to our in-person conferences, GGW actively engages with members to better understand what matters most to them. We have thoughtfully designed virtual offerings that align with their evolving professional and personal needs.
Every pathway is designed with intention to build leadership capacity, strengthen networks and create clear, meaningful routes for advancement across the global gaming industry.
Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to influence the future of the gaming industry. Through our programs, we help women:
• Build leadership skills that translate into real career growth
• Gain exposure to new perspectives, markets and leadership styles
• Develop confidence in their ability to lead and influence
• Connect with peers, mentors and industry champions
• Access opportunities that may otherwise feel out of reach
Our committee’s work directly supports GGW’s mission to support, inspire and influence women in gaming. Education is not just about learning—it’s about empowerment, visibility and creating a community where women can see what is possible for themselves.
Serving as co-chair of the Education Committee is deeply meaningful to me. I’ve seen firsthand how transformative GGW’s programs can be—not only in developing leadership skills, but in building confidence, expanding networks and creating a sense of belonging in an industry that can sometimes feel siloed.
What I enjoy most is watching members grow throughout their journey. Seeing someone enter a program unsure of their voice and leave with clarity, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose is incredibly rewarding. Our committee is made up of passionate, dedicated volunteers who care deeply about creating these opportunities, and I’m especially grateful to co-chair this work with Nicole, whose leadership and commitment to advancing women in gaming continue to shape the committee’s direction and impact.
Looking Ahead
As GGW celebrates its 10th anniversary, the work of the Education Committee feels more important than ever. A decade of impact is something to celebrate—thousands of professionals empowered through education, mentorship and connection—but it’s also a reminder of how much opportunity lies ahead. Our goal for the next decade is to continue expanding access, strengthening our programs and reaching even more women across the global gaming industry.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, all GGW education programming is offered free of charge to members through scholarships, ensuring access and opportunity at every career stage.
The 2026 calendar has already featured a robust slate of programs, including Foundations Conferences in Las Vegas and Windsor, Ontario, multiple Leadership Conferences across the U.S. and internationally, and a series of virtual workshops focused on communication, leadership presence and change navigation. These programs have brought together hundreds of women and allies committed to advancing leadership in gaming.
With the first half of the year complete, GGW’s education programming continues with a strong lineup of confirmed events for the remainder of 2026:
• July: Leadership Conference, Las Vegas, North America
• August: Foundations Conference, Harvey, LA, North America
• September: Virtual Workshop: Compelling Storytelling
• October: The Strategic Ascent, Durant, OK, North America
• November: Foundations Conference, Hollywood, FL, North America
• November: Virtual Workshop: Your Brand
• December: Leadership Conference, Europe
Additional workshops, registration links, and program details can always be found on the GGW Events Calendar at globalgamingwomen.org. Here’s to another decade of GGW growth and impact!
