GGW Announces 2026 Pay It Forward Award Winners
United States.- 14 August 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Global Gaming Women (GGW) has announced the six recipients of the 2026 Patty Becker Pay It Forward Awards, recognising women across the gaming industry for leadership, mentorship, advocacy and their commitment to supporting the professional development of others.
The honourees represent different areas of the global gaming sector and will be formally celebrated during GGW’s Kick Up Your Heels event in Las Vegas on 30 September.
2026 Award Winners
The six recipients are:
- Michelle Baillie, General Manager at SkyCity Hamilton.
- Tracy Bradford, President of Seminole Hard Rock Support Services.
- Melissa Cox, Vice President of Marketing and Customer Relations at Gaming Capital Group.
- Bethan Lloyd, Partner at Wiggin LLP.
- Michelle Schenk, Director of Global Communications at IGT.
- Maureen Wasloski, Vice President/General Manager at Margaritaville/Boomtown Bossier City, Louisiana.
The group represents leadership across casino operations, marketing, corporate services, communications, legal affairs and executive management.
Recognising Female Leadership
The awards are named after Patty Becker and recognise professionals who reflect her legacy of generosity, mentorship and support for other women across the gaming sector.
GGW said the 2026 edition received a record number of nominations, highlighting the growing number of professionals actively helping to create leadership and development opportunities for women.
Statements
Siobhan Lane, President and Board Chair of Global Gaming Women, highlighted the level of participation in this year’s programme.
She said the record number of nominations demonstrates the depth of leadership, service and commitment among women working throughout the gaming industry.
Lane added that the 2026 awards have particular significance as GGW marks its tenth anniversary.
GGW’s 10th Anniversary
The 2026 awards coincide with Global Gaming Women’s 10-year anniversary.
The non-profit organisation is dedicated to supporting, inspiring and advancing the professional development of women across the global gaming industry.
Its programmes include leadership initiatives, networking, education, mentorship and professional development.
Las Vegas Celebration
The six recipients will be honoured during Kick Up Your Heels, GGW’s annual fundraising and networking event.
The 2026 edition will take place on 30 September from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Intrigue at Wynn Las Vegas.
The event is designed to encourage industry connections and conversation while raising funds for GGW’s mission-driven programmes.
Next Steps or Impact
The Patty Becker Pay It Forward Awards continue to provide a platform for recognising female leadership across the international gaming industry.
The 2026 class once again highlights professionals who are not only progressing in senior roles but are also actively contributing to the development of the next generation of women across the sector.
Editó: @fonta
