Joan Botts has more than a quarter in the gaming industry. Paragon Casino Resorts’ Vice President of Marketing in Marksville, Louisiana, has no regrets about her career path.
“I fell in love with the business immediately,” Botts said. “The casino/resort/hospitality world is full of excitement and challenges that have provided me with incredible career opportunities and personal growth at the same time. The casino business has been my life and my passion since 1995.”
Paragon Casino Resorts, owned by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, recently recognized Botts, Vice President of Hospitality Emma Ford and Vice President of Human Resources & Guest Services Kimberly Haigh in honor of Women’s History Month.
Ford, who is the first Black Vice President at Paragon, notes that her role means that hard work has paid dividends.
“I have a daughter and granddaughters, as well as many women and girls in my family who I deeply admire,” Ford said. “It is my hope that the world will continue evolving into a place where they can thrive. Professionally, I hope that my accomplishments act as a beacon of hope for other women, especially minorities.”
Haigh has spent 25 years of her professional career in the gaming industry. She notes that during that time, roles for women have notably improved.
“Early in my casino career women were typically relegated to roles in HR and hospitality,” Haigh said. “As the statistics show, women now comprise a substantial portion of the gaming workforce and not just in stereotypical roles but as CEOs, CFOs and gaming executives. I think the casino industry will continue to evolve and offer new opportunities for women who dare to challenge the status quo.”
For Botts, Women History Month is important in that it recognizes her roles a mother, a wife, a daughter and sister.
“This month is certainly important in remembering and recognizing those who came before us, the trailblazers,” Botts said. “Professionally, we should all strive to set examples for the generations to come. As a working mom, female executive and a 26-year breast cancer survivor, it is possible to have and do it all.”
“I hope that we all remain appreciative of our ancestors who have paved the way for us,” Ford said.” Let us also keep uplifting each other. No man, or woman, is an island.”
Haigh notes that she started out as a risk manager and was able to investigate other departments. She was especially keen to learn about human resources. Paragon, Haigh says, has allowed her to pursue her interest.
“After being fully immersed in HR, I soon realized how much I enjoyed it,” Haigh said. “Twenty years later, it was easy for me to decide to continue my career at Paragon because I was instantly captivated by the charm of a tiny town and the southern hospitality.”
