Women’s History Month allows us to reflect on all the contributions women have made to the world, but more importantly, how they struggled to make a difference. We still have a way to go when it comes to achieving even more equity in the corporate arena. As of 2020, 87% of global mid-market companies have at least one woman in a senior management role. Imagine the weight of responsibility women face while doing their best to lead despite the challenges faced in a male-dominated environment. But still we persist.
Throughout the years, INTRALOT Inc. has made strides placing women in senior level and leadership roles throughout the company and is excited about its commitment to investing in women leaders. Many of today’s women leading within the company have come under the invitation of INTRALOT Inc., CEO, Byron Boothe. As an industry veteran, Byron has always been a forward-thinking visionary who knows how to bring the right people to the table —when investing in innovation.
Meet the Female Creative Force of INTRALOT Inc.
Rebecca Dirden Swindle, Vice President Strategic Development
Rebecca began her journey in the Lottery industry while serving as the Director of the Florida Lottery. Since then, her career has blossomed as she has built a reputation as a strong, solid leader who has a vision and brings it to life in the most impactful ways. Rebecca is responsible for leading the overarching strategic vision for INTRALOT. She is relied upon to look for opportunities and partnerships that will enable INTRALOT to continue its pivot to B2C, and to serve a content-driven and experience-seeking audience. Rebecca says that being a woman in this industry means being in a constant state of overcoming and achieving. “The skills that I’ve developed during my years as a business executive start at mental toughness and flow through thick skin that is rarely punctured or pinched by the illusion of those who still operate as if women and what we bring to the table do not matter. I’m more ready now than I have ever been to take on any challenge and to mentor other women how to do the same, with grace, dignity, consistency and emotional intelligence.”
Kim Williams, Vice President Marketing
Kim rejoined INTRALOT in 2020 to become part of the company’s new B2C marketing movement. With the launch of Sports Betting and iLottery, Kim has been able to leverage many years of advertising agency experience to apply new principles to the way the company leverages a “consumer first” mentality, grounded in insights, analytics and digital marketing practices. Kim says, “I’m thankful to be part of a company that allows me to bring my experiences to the table, but also challenges me to create solutions that will have an effect on not only the lottery industry, but the world. Women leaders are special because we must find ways to remain true to who we are, while balancing the toughness required to sustain a career in the corporate world. We have a responsibility to mentor others to help them learn, grow and build careers that will continue to illustrate the brilliance women leaders bring to the table.”
Darla Oropeza, Sr. Manager Digital Marketing
Darla returned to INTRALOT in 2020 to help engineer digital marketing for the new products and services INTRALOT is offering. With an entrepreneurial and design background, her expertise lies in marketing strategy, creative digital and content marketing, lead generation and growing target markets, as well as successfully conceptualizing and implementing innovative marketing initiatives in both new and traditional media channels. Currently, Darla is engaged with INTRALOT’s B2C efforts, including brand development and management, conceptualization and implementation of integrated marketing plans and budgets to ensure brand consistency, meeting of measurable KPIs, and maximizing ROI across our digital media channels. Darla encourages, “Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and stay focused on your goals. Success comes with consistency, positivity, and truly believing that there is no challenge too great to overcome.”
Kylie Reagan, Sr. Product Marketing Manager
Kylie is a product marketing and technology maven who makes her mark on INTRALOT and the industry through a solid work ethic and serving as a go-to person for so many. In Kylie’s current role overseeing INTRALOT’s Lottery and iLottery businesses, she is known for working closely with technology development teams to provide relevant input into product design, while understanding the needs for a product to make it marketable. Kylie says, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” Sheryl Sandberg said these wise words and they hold true to me as a woman, especially a woman in a leadership role. I have been lucky enough to have an incredible group of mentors, including those within this very column, to help guide me through many moments so far in my career thus far. If you are a woman in a leadership role, my advice is to help those around you, build them up, encourage them to ask the questions they feel insecure about posing, guide them to a point where they no longer are your pupils but your equals.”—Written by Kim Williams, Vice President, Marketing, INTRALOT USA