MGM Resorts’ Empire City Casino in New York celebrated Women’s History Month and highlighted some of its key achievements in fostering a culture of equality and respect.
The Casino Has Been Ahead of the Curve in Terms of Equal Opportunities
Bronx Times, which broke the news on the matter, emphasized that MGM Resorts’ property has always been one of the forerunners in terms of championing equal opportunities for both men and women. It cited a 2021 report, which showed that women in gaming held approximately a quarter of all senior managerial roles. Empire City Casino’s leadership team, however, boasts a much more diverse team, with almost half of its leaders being women.
These include the following:
- Danette Jordon-Woods (human resources executive director)
- Theresa Tirado (slot operations shift manager)
- Althea Esty (income control supervisor)
- Karen Delago (director of surveillance)
In celebration of March, which is recognized as Women’s History Month, MGM highlighted these amazing women’s stories.
Empire City Provided These Women with Opportunities to Grow
Jordon-Woods joined Empire City Casino in 2006, initially serving as an employment and training manager. After the property was acquired by MGM Resorts in 2019, she played a key role in the transition. Speaking about her experience, Jordon-Woods said that she believes Empire City Casino is a venue that “creates meaningful pathways for women” and its employees as a whole.
Tirado, on the other hand, has been a part of the Empire City team since 2007, initially working in the food and beverage department, before making major strides and transitioning to the slot department. She echoed Jordon-Woods’ words, highlighting the many opportunities for growth MGM Resorts provides to its staff.
Esty moved to the US when she was a teenager. Her career in gaming kicked off in 2004 when she became a horseman’s bookkeeper at Yonkers Raceway. After advancing through the ranks, she joined the accounting department and now bears major responsibility for overseeing Empire City Casino’s income. Speaking about her career, Esty said that her advancement was supported by various company initiatives, such as mentorship and career development efforts.
Last but not least is Delago, who joined the Empire City Casino’s team almost 15 years ago, initially serving as a surveillance operator. While she didn’t change her department, her incredible approach led her to become director of surveillance, providing her with responsibility for the venue’s security. She commented on the matter, saying that Empire City has created a culture where “people feel empowered to succeed.”
