Three more exemplary women who have made significant strides in their respective fields in the iGaming industry have been honored amongst iGB’s Most Influential Women for 2024: They include; Lois Bright, Heidi McNeil Staudenmaier, and Jennifer Innes.
Lois Bright
Lois Bright serves as the Director of Africa & ME at The Conexus Group, and she is the co-founder of Initiate International and the founder of Women in Gaming Africa. Bright’s incredible journey began as a simple LinkedIn group that shared motivational quotes. This group has since expanded into a thriving community of over 500 members and has launched various events throughout Africa.
Bright reflects, “When you’ve worked hard with your head down for a long time and the recognition comes you just feel a sense of elation.” Her vision for Women in Gaming Africa is ambitious; she plans to introduce mentorship and leadership programs aimed at developing more female talents in the gaming industry by 2025. Her commitment to diversity is evident as she tackles the significant challenges faced by women in this competitive landscape.
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“We do see a lot of people leaving the industry in Africa,” she notes, “so we want to show that it’s a good sector for growth, a good sector for women, and a place where women can progress quickly.” Bright’s dedication exemplifies a blend of passion and purpose, igniting hope for the future of women in gaming.
Heidi McNeil Staudenmaier
Heidi McNeil Staudenmaier is a partner at Snell & Wilmer and is revered for her extensive work in gaming law, especially in representing tribal entities. With nearly 40 years in the industry, Staudenmaier’s leadership has reshaped the landscape for women in this traditionally male-dominated sector.
As the first and only female president of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL), she has consistently advocated for greater representation and inclusion. Notably, Staudenmaier played a crucial role in negotiating Arizona’s gaming compacts, leading to the introduction of sports betting in 2021.
“The gaming business has historically been driven by men,” she states, “But now, women are achieving the C-suite, becoming CEOs, and holding important roles across the industry.” Staudenmaier’s commitment to visibility for women in gaming is inspiring, urging a cultural shift that embraces female leadership.
Jennifer Innes
Jennifer Innes, CEO of BettingJobs, underscores the importance of visibility in inspiring the next generation of leaders. She emphasizes the need for women in gaming to see each other succeed, as it fosters a belief that they too can reach similar heights.
Having entered the industry as the first female hire at BettingJobs nearly two decades ago, Innes has witnessed a transformation in how women are treated and represented. With a substantial increase in female placements within her company recently, she views this change as a positive step forward.
Innes is particularly passionate about addressing the gender pay gap and the work-life balance challenges many women face. Her commitment to mentorship is reflected in her philosophy: “If you don’t see it, you can’t be it.” She actively mentors young women in her organization and strives to set a positive example for her children. Lois Bright Heidi McNeil Staudenmaier Jennifer Innes
“It’s important for me to balance having a career with the family,” she shares. “I want my daughter to see that mum is still here, but mum’s also the CEO.”
Source: iGB