Global Gaming Women has selected six industry leaders for the 2026 Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award, highlighting their mentorship and advocacy as the organization marks its 10th anniversary
Global Gaming Women has announced the six recipients of the 2026 Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated significant leadership, mentorship, and support for women in the gaming industry. The announcement comes as the organization celebrates its 10th year, underscoring a decade of efforts to advance women’s roles across the global gaming sector.
Honorees Represent Diverse Gaming Roles
The 2026 award recipients include 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; and Maureen Wasloski, Vice President and General Manager at Margaritaville/Boomtown Bossier City, Louisiana. Each honoree was selected for their commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and fostering opportunities for others in the gaming industry.
Record Number of Nominations in 2026
According to Global Gaming Women, this year’s Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award saw a record number of nominations, reflecting a growing recognition of women’s leadership and service within the industry. The selection process considered candidates from a wide range of gaming sectors, including casino operations, legal services, supplier communications, and executive management. The organization’s president and board chair, Siobhan Lane, noted the depth of talent and commitment among nominees as a sign of the industry’s evolving culture.
Annual Event to Celebrate Award Winners
The 2026 Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award winners will be honored at the annual Kick Up Your Heels event, scheduled for September 30 at Intrigue at Wynn Las Vegas. The event, which runs from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., is a ticketed gathering designed to foster networking and raise funds for Global Gaming Women’s mission-driven programs. Kick Up Your Heels has become a central fixture in the organization’s calendar, providing a platform to highlight achievements and support ongoing initiatives for women in gaming.
The Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award is named in honor of Patty Becker, whose legacy in the gaming industry is associated with mentorship, advocacy, and a commitment to helping others succeed. Awards like this play a role in shaping industry culture by recognizing individuals who actively support the advancement of women. In the context of the gaming sector, mentorship and advocacy can influence career development, organizational diversity, and the broader perception of leadership within casinos, suppliers, and related businesses.
