The path to leadership can follow many different roads and women in business know that better than most. Successfully navigating their schedules, families and responsibilities, women are the originally trailblazers of work/life balance. This year’s class of Women to Watch have showcased this ability throughout their careers. They are decision makers in the Silver State; they’re also difference makers and are leaving a blueprint for the next generation of female leaders in Nevada. These executive women are forging ahead in their careers, shaping Nevada’s business landscape and leaving a legacy in their wake.
The Women to Watch were chosen by a committee of judges who reviewed their histories, legacies, leadership and careers. Each of this year’s honorees have shared insights on the following pages. Congratulations to all the Women to Watch. Nevada Business Magazine and City National Bank are proud to recognize your accomplishments and contributions to the “Battle Born” state.
Diana Bennett
Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder
Paragon Gaming
Diana Bennett is a second-generation casino operator and helped start Paragon Gaming, a developer of gaming-based properties. Under her leadership, Paragon has expanded in Nevada and beyond. She’s also a philanthropist and advocate for lifting others up. Diana has led charitable efforts through Paragon and supported many Nevada organizations such as Three Square Food Bank, Shade Tree, Communities in Schools Nevada, Child Focus and the Children’s Heart Foundation, among others.
Primary Industry: Gaming
Principal Location: Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship: 1965
What do you love about Nevada?
This state and the people here have given me a lot and I am forever grateful for them. Nevada is where my friends and family live and work. I have found that Nevadans care deeply for their community and the success of the people living here.
What Lessons do you Wish you had Learned Early in your Career?
I wish that along the way I had given more credit to the experiences and knowledge I had accumulated. This would have allowed me to enter projects and positions with more confidence and make the most of each opportunity I was given and worked hard for.
How does the “Circle of Service” Benefit Women in your Organization?
“Circle of Service” raises awareness of how to effectively interact with both customers and with one another, especially those underrepresented individuals in the industry, such as women. This means interacting with guests or patrons with respect, compassion and equity.
What Factors Impact a Woman’s Ability to Lead Others?
Women are historically known to doubt their abilities or to feel undermined by those with more experience. Societal pressures, commitments to families and systemic competition can lead women to take a back seat in their desired and deserved roles.
If you could Meet a Woman from Any Time in History, Who Would it Be?
Abigail Adams, who founded women’s rights during the writing of the US Bill of Rights. She ran the family farm while her husband, President John Adams was working for America’s independence, while always reminding him of the importance and respect due for the rights of women.
What Advice do you Have or the Next Generation of Female Leaders?
It is equally important to work hard while standing up for yourself and not feeling discouraged and pressured by a desired balance between work and home life.
What do you Want your Legacy to be?
My greatest legacy is my family. They are giving of themselves, work hard to be reputable members of society and are amazing parents and children. I could not ask for more from them.
What are the Benefits of Having Women in Leadership?
Having women in leadership often brings a strong leader paired with the ability to combine operations with compassion. I have seen many women make well-rounded leaders, as I hope I have become as well.
Elissa Cadish
Justice
Supreme Court of Nevada
Justice Elissa Cadish, who serves on the Supreme Court of Nevada, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and received her law degree from the University of Virginia Law School in 1989. In her private practice she focused on commercial litigation and employment law. In July of 2007, Justice Cadish was appointed by Governor Jim Gibbons to the Eighth Judicial District Court and has taught at numerous seminars and participated in presentations on her specialties for the Inn of Court.
Primary Industry: Government/Law
Principal Location: Carson City
Nevada Citizenship: August 1989
What do you love about Nevada?
I love that it is still a small state where it is easy to get to know our leaders. I have been on Southwest flights with the Governor, US Senators, legislators and prominent journalists.
What are you Most Proud of Having Achieved in your Career?
I was able to have a successful career while also being married and raising children. It was not easy to balance career and family, and I certainly didn’t do it perfectly, but I’m proud that I was able to persevere and show that it can be done.
Are there any Unique Challenges for a Woman Justice?
I am blessed to have great relationships with my colleagues on the court, but I feel that, as a woman, I have to work harder and better to receive the respect of attorneys and the community in general.
If you could Meet a Woman from Any Time in History, who would it Be?
I would have loved to meet Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was tough as nails and overcame so many obstacles to achieve her career success while also having a successful marriage and raising her children.
Do you Enjoy Sharing your Knowledge of the Legal Industry with Others?
Yes, I especially love to talk to law students and recent graduates about career options, the importance of professionalism and the rule of law. This is a way for me to pay it forward.
What are the Benefits of Having Women in Leadership?
I think it’s important to be role models for girls and young women to see the achievements that are possible if they put their minds to it.
What Lesson do you Wish you had Learned Early On in your Career?
I wish I had learned to be more of a self-promoter to share my successes and achievements rather than quietly working hard and hoping people would notice. I also wish I had learned to be better at networking and marketing as a younger lawyer. I learned these skills later in the context of running a campaign for judicial office.
How do you Encourage Women to not Give up?
I talk about the challenges I have overcome and tell them it is not easy to keep going, but you can do so and be successful. I also encourage them to decide what their priorities are and focus on reaching them.
Cassie Catania-Hsu
Managing Director
CBRE
A resident of Las Vegas for over 30 years, Cassie Catania-Hsu is the managing director and market leader for CBRE Las Vegas. She is responsible for overseeing all of the commercial real estate firm’s advisory lines of business for the Valley and has over a decade of experience in local real estate. Cassie previously held a leadership role at Sun Commercial Real Estate and joined CBRE in 2015, receiving a promotion to managing director within her first year.
Primary Industry: Commercial Real Estate
Principal Location: Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship: August 1991
What do you love about Nevada?
I love so many things about Nevada, but mostly I love our tight-knit community. When it comes to banding together for a shared cause, interest or just civic pride, we have other states beat by a mile. I also love the gorgeous mountain views, the ever-present sunny days and the beautiful sunsets. As of the last several years, I love the Vegas Golden Knights and that southern Nevada has become the destination for pro-sports it should have been all along.
What Motivated you to Step Up and Become a Leader?
From a young age, I learned quickly I had to speak up for what I wanted. I was embraced for doing so while others around me let fear stop them. As the oldest of five siblings in a large Italian family, I was made a leader at a young age, and it shaped me into the person and leader I am today.
What Lesson do you Wish you had Learned Early On in your Career?
Now that I’m getting further in my career, I’m learning that sometimes it’s better to sleep on something before responding. I have learned to give myself time before responding if my emotions are high. I also wish I knew sooner that listening to understand is different from listening to respond.
How can Women Develop Leadership Skills?
Find your passions and then run headfirst into them with excitement and determination. Take every opportunity you get to learn and grow. Say “yes” more often than “no.” And ask for a seat at the table so you have the opportunity to listen and learn from those around you.
Have you Ever Felt Intimidated by your Goals?
If our goals don’t intimidate us, they’re probably not big enough. I don’t let fear or circumstances stop me from pursuing my goals. I face all obstacles head-on. I try to break down my goals, create a path to success and then take it one step at a time.
If you could Meet a Woman from Any Time in History, who would it Be?
I wish I could meet Lucille Ball. She was a comedy pioneer and changed the role of the American housewife in the postwar era, and I’ve always admired her for that. She was funny, quirky and pushed the limits to be who she wanted to be despite pressure to conform.
What Advice do you have for the Next Generation of Female Leaders?
My advice is to embrace who you are. Embrace your strengths and weaknesses and play to them. Be courageous with your ideas and find your voice. Find a tribe that is encouraging and supportive and stick with them.
Ashley Frey
Co-Founder and Chief Storyteller
Frey Ranch Distillery
In 2006, Ashley established Frey Ranch Distillery with her husband Colby. She has a background in public relations and marketing and was able to leverage that to help the company grow over the years. She also has a hand in the day-to-day operations of the distillery and is closely involved in ensuring the ranch runs smoothly and continues to succeed. Ashley loves her work and especially enjoys that no two days are alike.
Primary Industry: Agriculture and Distilling
Principal Location: Fallon
Nevada Citizenship: Born & Raised
What do you love about Nevada?
I love the wide-open spaces Nevada has to offer and the ability to experience desert heat and mountain snow (sometimes in the same day). I love that the culture in Nevada encourages innovation and small business success.
What Surprises you Most about your Career Path?
I never thought I’d live and work on a farm! Now that I do, I love the lifestyle. I have always loved American whiskey. So, the ability to showcase the grains we grow on our farm and use them to create a highquality bourbon is a dream come true.
What Types of Challenges have you had Establishing a Distillery in Nevada?
[We were] the first distillery in Nevada [and] able to pave the way to create state laws with legislators. We spent many days and nights in Carson City working with our state lawmakers to create the Nevada Craft & Estate Distillery laws.
What are the Pros of Working with your Husband?
I get to be with my life partner all day! He’s my favorite person and challenges me to be a better leader and entrepreneur every day. After nearly 12 years of marriage, I feel like we still learn from and inspire each other. I couldn’t imagine building this brand with anyone else.
How do you Balance Career, Life and Passions?
We live on the farm, just steps from the fields where we grow our grains and the distillery where we make our whiskey. Most days are a dream, especially when we are hosting customers or leading retailers through a single barrel pick. It’s also an amazing opportunity to raise children on the farm and to share the generational knowledge of the last 185 years of family farmers. Being able to combine my career with my life and passions is a blessing that I’m thankful for.
What are the Ways you Stay Grounded and Take Care of Yourself?
Getting a change of scenery always refreshes my spirit. Whether it’s a weekend in Lake Tahoe or visiting our favorite restaurants in Las Vegas and enjoying a Frey Ranch cocktail, small breaks from farm life recharge my soul.
What Factors Impact a Woman’s Ability to Lead Others?
I’m an old-fashioned Nevadan, and I think leadership is a team effort. There are times when I have to take the lead in a meeting or on a project, and other times when I need to let someone else on my team shine. It’s all about getting the job done and inspiring those around you to love what they’re doing.
Maria Jose Gatti
Executive Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement
MGM Resorts
Maria Jose Gatti pulls double duty in her position at MGM Resorts. In addition to serving as executive director of philanthropy and community engagement, she is also the president of the MGM Resorts Foundation. Maria’s responsibilities span from overseeing MGM’s volunteer and giving programs, to managing the foundation’s grant programs. She is a champion for the southern Nevada community and participates in many local organizations dedicated to creating opportunities and supporting those in need.
Primary Industry: Hospitality
Principal Location: Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship: August 1989
What do you love about Nevada?
I love the people/community, the beautiful desert and our amazing mountain range. I just simply love my state.
How Important is it to be Plugged into your Community?
I strongly believe that if we are going to call a city home, then it is our obligation to contribute and support our community. In other words, home is community.
What are the Benefits of Having Women in Leadership?
Women in leadership have changed the way business is done. We have different perspectives [and] viewpoints that come from our unique ability to wanting to take care of others. In some instances, we are less transactional and value relationships.
How Important is it to Have a Mentor and What is the Best way to Find One?
Mentors are vital in our growth. The hard thing is [finding] that person you admire and respect. In my experience, I just asked people that I admired because they shared similar values and had amazing careers.
How can Women Support Other Women in a Professional Setting?
[We can support one another] by sharing experiences and opening doors. We need to advocate for each other.
How do you Prioritize Community Needs?
We start with the basics: food, addressing hunger at all levels; education, access to quality programs K- post-secondary; and workforce. Then you build relationships with local partners and help move the needle not only by providing cash donations, but by becoming a true partner and combining cash resources with volunteers.
If you could Meet a Woman from Any Time in History, who would it Be?
Mother Theresa of Calcutta – I admire her work, commitment and solidarity to those that needed it the most. She really understood the importance of giving back.
Who Inspired you to be a Leader?
My mother, she is the best woman I know. She is kind, firm, forgiving and sees the good in people around her. She is also someone that never goes against her values and ethics. A good leader has a strong moral compass and understands how to get the best out of people by always respecting their believe system, even when you don’t agree.
What Lesson do you Wish you had Learned Early on in your Career?
Don’t be afraid to give your opinion even when you are the only woman, and woman of color, in the room. Trust your instincts they will guide you well.
Trudy Larson
Emeritus Professor and Dean
School of Public Health, University of Nevada Reno
Trudy Larson spent 35 years caring for people with HIV/AIDS and advocating on their behalf. She has a passion for improving health for others. Having served at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR) since 1984, Trudy recently retired from the School of Public Health. Nevertheless, she remains active in the community and sits on several boards including Northern Nevada HOPES and the Nevada Public Health Foundation, among others. She was also appointed to and serves on the state’s medical advisory team for COVID.
Primary Industry: Education
Principal Location: Reno
Nevada Citizenship: Born in Reno & Relocated Back in 1983
What do you love about Nevada?
I love the wide-open spaces and mountains. They match the independent spirit of Nevadans and encourage making dreams come true.
What are you Most Proud of Having Accomplished?
I was one of the founders of Northern Nevada HOPES when it served as a comprehensive HIV clinic in Reno. It has grown [and] now serves the community’s most vulnerable populations. As founding dean of the School of Public Health at UNR, I’m very proud of the accomplishments of our students and faculty and national accreditation.
What Advice do you Have for Next Generation of Female Leaders?
Always be professional in your communication. You never know what might happen in your future, and you don’t want to have enemies. Don’t be afraid to take risks when the prospect of a new pathway or position gets you excited. Do your homework and be prepared.
If you could Meet a Woman from Any Time in History, who would it Be?
Eleanor Roosevelt has always fascinated me. As spouse to a President, she chose to advance causes and speak out. I want to ask her questions about how and why she did that and what were her obstacles?
What Changes have you Seen at UNR over the Course of your Career?
I started as an assistant professor in 1984. The growth in the number and diversity of students and faculty, the advancement of research, the increased complexity of university operation and the increase in buildings at the university transformed it from a small collegial campus to a top-notch R1 [Research] institution. What a change!
What are the Benefits of Having Women in Leadership?
Women bring a different point of view to leadership. We all have opinions, experiences and biases, and these factor into decision making. A diversity of views in leadership has been shown to result in greater productivity.
What Advice do you Have for Someone Desiring Longevity in a Professional Role?
I was fortunate to be presented with new opportunities every few years. It kept me interested, engaged and learning. Find new ways to enhance your role to keep you engaged and passionate. Volunteer to work on committees or tasks to help grow your network.
Karen Purcell, PE
Principal
PK Electrical, Inc.
Karen Purcell is the principal of PK Electrical, Inc., an electrical engineering firm she founded. She is also an engineer, entrepreneur and author. Prior to opening the firm, Karen worked as an electrical design manager specializing in project types including education and healthcare facilities, international airports and various city, county and state municipalities. She draws on her experiences to inspire young women to enter STEM fields and founded STEMspire, a nonprofit to provide further support.
Primary Industry: Engineering
Principal Location: Reno
Nevada Citizenship: February 1990
What do you love about Nevada?
Nevada is a great place to own and operate a business. The local support of small businesses has been a key contributor to the success of PK Electrical. Also, in two words: Lake Tahoe.
How Important is it for Women to Enter STEM Fields?
Attracting and retaining more women in STEM careers will help tremendously to improve diversity, maximize creativity and boost competitiveness. Women bring a different perspective to the workplace and can help breed creativity in STEM fields that can only expand as broadly as the minds that work within them.
How do you Encourage Women to go into STEM Industries?
One of my major life goals is to expose young women to the many fascinating STEM careers. In 2012, I authored Unlocking Your Brilliance: Smart Strategies for Women to Thrive in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to inspire young females to pursue a STEM career.
What are the Benefits of Having Women in Leadership?
To me, the definition of a leader is someone that analyzes the big picture, takes action, guides and directs a group and is strong enough to stand alone in the decision making process. Women, by nature, are born leaders. We are conditioned at a young age to put others first and take on responsibility. As Harry Truman once said, “Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”
If you could Meet a Woman from Any Time in History, who would it Be?
I wish that I could have met Sally Ride, the first American woman to visit space. She was courageous and a true inspiration to all women, especially those in the STEM fields. She was a trailblazer for women in a field that is still male dominated.
How can Women Support Other Women in a Professional Setting?
Strong, confident women champion other women. Seek out and develop relationships with other females, as both mentors and peers, to help build your own confidence and cultivate a shared mindset of empowerment.
What Advice do you Have for the Next Generation of Female Leaders?
Do not wait for someone else to make a seat for you at the table, or you may be waiting your entire career. Set your sights on your goals, be assertive and unapologetic and demand respect from your male peers.
Karen Rubel
President and CEO
Nathan Adelson Hospice
Karen Rubel joined Nathan Adelson Hospice in 2007 serving as the vice president for development. She has extensive experience in major gifts fundraising and building development programs. Karen is also a strong leader with strategic planning abilities. Before joining Nathan Adelson, Karen worked with the Nevada Community Foundation in Las Vegas and served as director of development within three different colleges at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Today, Karen is the president and chief executive officer for Nathan Adelson Hospice.
Primary Industry: Healthcare
Principal Location: Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship: November 2000
What do you love about Nevada?
I like the spirit of our community. We can pull together and support each other in the worst of times and in good times. For a state that is growing, especially Clark County, we are still a small town, and relationships are important.
How has your Career Path Strengthened your Abilities as a Leader?
A mentor once told me, “Leadership cannot be taught. It can only be learned by doing it.” I have had great opportunities in my career to take on a variety of roles outside my comfort zone. Asking questions and being in a learning mindset all the time has been beneficial.
How can Women Develop Leadership Skills?
There are several ways women can develop leadership skills. Read as much as you can about female leaders present and past. Learn as much as you can about the industry that you work in.
What are the Benefits of Having Women in Leadership?
Many benefits exist in having women in leadership roles. But whether it’s a woman or a man, strong leadership skills coupled with quality traits can create successful and meaningful work environments for all.
What Factors Impact a Woman’s Ability to Lead Others?
Women make phenomenal leaders, but as with any executive or leadership role, factors exist that have an effect on one’s ability to lead others. For instance, having a support system, both internally and externally with other women, peers and workplace executives is vital to reaching and achieving goals. Leaders need the right individuals as part of the “team,” and in the right roles. Additionally, while women have made strides over the years, it takes time to build confidence and beat any misconceptions others may have about women in leadership roles. By tackling this head on and conquering any obstacles, the pathway to leading others becomes a lot clearer and more effective.
What Lesson do you Wish you had Learned Early On in your Career?
Any situation you encounter can be a learning opportunity.
How Important is it to have a Mentor and What is the Best Way to Find One?
Having a mentor or a group of professionals that you can go to for advice or counsel is key. Identify people in your industry or outside your profession that you admire. Reach out to them. I find most executives are happy to share their experiences and like making connections. Tell people that you are looking for a mentor – you never know who might show up!
Kristina Swallow
Director
Nevada Department of Transportation
Kristina Swallow was appointed as director of the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) in January of 2019. She joined the organization with over 25 years of diverse experience in engineering, public policy and community advocacy. A practicing engineer, Kristina has worked in several technical areas including flood control, traffic impact analysis and mitigation, land development, public works and transportation policy. She leverages her experience, communication skills and passion for serving to achieve goals that benefit the community.
Primary Industry: Transportation
Principal Location: Statewide
Nevada Citizenship: June 1994
What do you love about Nevada?
I love the vast wide-open and beautiful spaces throughout the state. You can quickly get to mountains and streams and places of deep quiet and solitude from wherever you are. I also love the people – the diversity represented and valued, the entrepreneurial spirit and grit of the people who have moved here and made Nevada home. We live in a state where it seems anything is possible.
How Important is it for Women to Enter Traditionally Male-Dominated Fields?
In a word, incredibly. If we want to meet the ever-growing needs of our community, we need to ensure we have a robust workforce and excluding half of them will limit our ability to provide for our communities. Perhaps more importantly, we must have diverse perspectives at the table. If we want our systems to serve everyone, we need to make sure we hear the perspectives of everyone and right now we simply don’t have all of those perspectives at the table.
What Lesson do you Wish you had Learned Early on in your Career?
I’m still learning how to manage expectations, especially my own. I joke that patience is a virtue, but it isn’t one of mine. In reality, patience comes with understanding what can be delivered and by when. I had to learn skills to develop reasonable expectations, namely, to ask questions and to set parameters.
How do you Encourage Women to Not Give Up?
We just put a whiteboard in our office entitled, “Personal Goals”. A couple of the women I work with have written goals such as running a 5K within the next three months. Helping others narrow down their goals, as well as the steps needed to achieve their goals, offers a tangible opportunity to demonstrate to women how not to give up. It is not that difficult to encourage. It is a much larger commitment to walk through their goals with them, providing encouragement but also accountability
What Advice do you have for the Next Generation of Female Leaders?
Don’t be afraid to be different. I think we’ve all learned what a leader is supposed to be, do, look like, etc. I’ve found the best leaders are those that are authentically themselves, and are willing to listen, learn and adapt.
How can you Support Other Women in a Professional Setting?
There’s a lot written about mentoring but one thing I think we all can and should do more of is sponsoring. When we take the next step to include other women in our networks and actively introduce them to people they should know as they navigate their career, that is how we support each other and grow the ranks of women leaders broadly.
Kathi Thomas-Gibson
Director
Office of Community Service, City of Las Vegas
Working with the city of Las Vegas, Kathi Thomas-Gibson has been instrumental in impacting the local homeless population. She has helped provide resources to help in critical areas, such as affordable housing, senior and special needs services. Kathi is also involved in higher education to engage the next generation of the community. She has worked tirelessly to alleviate the burdens of the most vulnerable in the community while contributing to the development of future leaders.
Primary Industry: Government
Principal Location: Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship: March 2006
What do you love about Nevada?
Nevada feels like a land of opportunity; so much feels possible here.
What Surprises you Most about your Career Path?
Opportunities open in almost magical ways [and] the next step always seems clear and meaningful. My career has offered me challenges to grow, but has never felt like a struggle.
What are the Benefits of Having Women in Leadership?
Women bring diverse perspectives and a wonderful mix of compassion and practicality to our work. As leaders we invest in the personal and professional growth of the team around us.
How Important is it to Inspire the Next Generation of Community Leaders?
Supporting emerging leaders is core to my professional being. I really believe we must lift [others] as we climb.
What are you Most Proud of Having Accomplished for Las Vegas?
I have done transformative [work] to expand the conversation around health equity and wellness outcomes. But I am most proud of building a team that is so strong that we accomplish amazing things together.
If you could Meet a Woman from Any Time in History, who would it Be?
I have several pioneers that I would love to talk to at length. Harriet Tubman because she overcame hurdles of slavery and gender bias. Ida B. Wells because she used her voice to speak against societal ills and had an impact at a time when a Black woman was expected to be seen and not heard.
How do you Encourage Women to Not Give Up?
The encouragement I offer is for women to do what is right for themselves and their loved ones. “Giving up” is not a negative thing. Sometimes letting go empowers us to take on more meaningful efforts or to just rest.
Who Inspired You to be a Leader?
My mother, Maurine Thomas. There are no words for what she meant to me. I miss her every day. She was a woman ahead of her time, she was both brilliant and loving. She never got to fulfill her potential and that drives me to maximize opportunities that were never available to her.
How do you Balance Career, Life and Passions?
Seek wholeness instead of balance. Balance is sometimes artificial, and time bound. Wholeness is organic and ensures that you are responding to your authentic needs.