Shondra DeLoach-Perea, a prominent figure in the global gaming industry and currently Vice President of Field Services, Call Centers, and Technology Operations at International Game Technology (IGT), has been honored with the prestigious 2024 “Patty Becker Pay it Forward Award” from Global Gaming Women (GGW). This annual award celebrates women who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the gaming industry, particularly through their efforts to uplift and empower other women, and who have actively supported GGW’s initiatives.
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Industry Leadership
DeLoach-Perea’s remarkable career in the gaming industry spans more than 25 years, covering various facets of the sector such as technology, compliance, operations, and manufacturing. She first joined IGT in 2008 and has since played a pivotal role in overseeing a global team spread across multiple continents. Her leadership at IGT encompasses critical operational and technological functions, making her a key executive in the company’s growth and innovation.
A Champion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Beyond her impressive professional accomplishments, DeLoach-Perea is a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. She has been instrumental in driving employee engagement programs at IGT, including the company’s Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council and the Women’s Inclusion Network. Through her leadership, DeLoach-Perea has worked tirelessly to foster an inclusive work environment that empowers women and encourages their professional growth.
In receiving the Patty Becker Pay it Forward Award, DeLoach-Perea joins a select group of women leaders in gaming who have been recognized for their dedication to creating a culture of inclusiveness and their efforts to mentor the next generation of women leaders in the industry.
Endorsement from Industry Leaders
Several key industry figures have expressed their admiration for DeLoach-Perea’s achievements and contributions. IGT CEO Vince Sadusky lauded her leadership, stating, “IGT congratulates Shondra DeLoach-Perea on receiving Global Gaming Women’s Patty Becker Pay it Forward Award. This outstanding recognition reflects Shondra’s exemplary leadership at IGT and beyond, and her unwavering commitment to advancing women in gaming, elevating DEI programs across the sector, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.”
Lauren Bates, President of Global Gaming Women, echoed these sentiments: “Global Gaming Women is thrilled to recognize Shondra DeLoach-Perea as a recipient of the Patty Becker Pay it Forward Award. The award recipients are individuals in the gaming industry who embody GGW’s vision of creating a culture of inclusiveness and diversity that empowers women to succeed. We look forward to celebrating Shondra’s contributions at our annual ‘Kick Up Your Heels’ event.”
Contributions to Global Gaming Women (GGW) Initiatives
DeLoach-Perea’s relationship with Global Gaming Women has been central to her ongoing advocacy for gender equality in the gaming sector. As an organization, GGW is dedicated to fostering growth opportunities for women at all stages of their careers in gaming, offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and leadership development programs.
By participating in GGW’s initiatives, DeLoach-Perea has not only advanced her own career but has also created pathways for other women in gaming to succeed. Her mentorship efforts have helped guide countless women in the industry, encouraging them to take on leadership roles and contribute to the ongoing evolution of gaming as an inclusive and innovative sector.
Driving IGT’s Vision of Inclusion and Empowerment
IGT, a global leader in gaming technology, has long been committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and DeLoach-Perea’s work in this area aligns with the company’s broader mission. Through her involvement in the Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, she has spearheaded programs that address systemic barriers to diversity and provide a platform for underrepresented voices within the organization.
Her role in the Women’s Inclusion Network has been equally impactful, offering women at IGT opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and networking. This initiative aims to create a supportive environment where women can thrive, make meaningful contributions to the company, and advance to higher leadership roles.
Recognition and Future Impact
The recognition of Shondra DeLoach-Perea with the Patty Becker Pay it Forward Award not only highlights her significant contributions to IGT and the gaming industry but also underscores the importance of advancing DEI programs within corporate environments. As industries worldwide continue to place greater emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, leaders like DeLoach-Perea are at the forefront of driving change, setting a powerful example for others to follow.
Her commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce will likely continue to influence the gaming industry, inspiring more women to pursue leadership roles and making the sector more equitable and dynamic for future generations.
The Future of Women in Gaming Leadership
DeLoach-Perea’s award reflects a broader trend within the gaming industry, where there is an increasing recognition of the need for gender diversity at the leadership level. While gaming has historically been a male-dominated industry, organizations like Global Gaming Women are working to change that narrative by promoting the achievements of women like DeLoach-Perea and providing support structures for other women to rise through the ranks.
Through initiatives such as the Patty Becker Pay it Forward Award, GGW is not only recognizing the accomplishments of individual women but also driving a broader cultural shift towards inclusiveness in the gaming sector. DeLoach-Perea’s success serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for others in the industry to prioritize diversity and create spaces where all employees can succeed, regardless of gender.
Industry Response to DeLoach-Perea’s Award
DeLoach-Perea’s recognition has been widely celebrated across the gaming industry, with colleagues, peers, and industry experts applauding her achievements. Her ability to balance a demanding executive role with her ongoing commitment to mentoring women and advocating for diversity makes her a role model for many within and outside of the gaming world.
The announcement of her award also comes at a time when there is a growing focus on corporate social responsibility, particularly in areas related to gender equity and inclusion. As more companies look to implement meaningful DEI strategies, the leadership and vision of individuals like DeLoach-Perea will be critical in ensuring these initiatives succeed.
A Glimpse at IGT’s Leadership Transition
In related news, it was recently announced that Nick Khin has been appointed as IGT’s new President of Global Gaming. Khin, who has been with the company for over a decade, steps into his new role at a pivotal moment as the company continues to expand its global footprint and innovate in the gaming technology space. His appointment marks a strategic shift for IGT, as the company seeks to strengthen its position in the competitive gaming market.
While Khin’s appointment is significant, DeLoach-Perea’s recognition highlights the increasing importance of gender diversity within the company’s leadership team. As IGT continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the company balances its focus on technological innovation with its commitment to fostering a more inclusive workplace under the leadership of individuals like DeLoach-Perea and Khin.