Technology is increasingly shaping every aspect of the gaming industry, requiring strong leadership to cultivate the next generation of STEM professionals. This discussion brings together industry leaders, game technology providers, and educators to explore strategies for expanding STEM workforce development, with a focus on Indigenous professionals. By sharing insights on mentorship, career pathways, and skill-building initiatives, panelists will highlight how tribal government gaming can drive and sustain Indigenous technology careers for the future.

Presenter 1. Elisa Shen, BetMGM  elisa.shen@betmgm.com

(786) 270-8667

Elisa is an Associate Vice President with BetMGM with a demonstrated history of driving incremental revenue in the leisure, travel & tourism industry. Elisa has a strong background in VIP relationship marketing, international expansion, and global operations working for such organizations as Royal Caribbean and Caesars Entertainment. Elisa is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Rice University.

Presenter 2. Sequoyah Simermeyer, FanDuel  sequoyah.simermeyer@fanduel.com

(202) 754-2565

As a Vice President at FanDuel, Sequoyah brings his experience in federal Indian law and policy to support the company's strategic growth and expansion in the gaming industry. FanDuel is a leading online sports betting and fantasy sports platform that operates in multiple U.S. states and offers a variety of gaming products and services to millions of customers.
Before joining FanDuel, he served as the Chairman and lead Agency official of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), the federal regulatory body for Indian gaming. 

Presenter 3. Dr. Kathrine Spilde, Endowed Chair | Full Professor @ Sycuan Institute @ SDSU  & Gambling Industry Consultant  katespilde@hotmail.com

760-533-9387

Dr. Spilde brings extensive expertise in: Gambling & Public Policy, American Indian Economic Development, Responsible Gaming and Regulation, Casino Operations Analysis, Social and Economic Impacts of Gaming, Ecommerce and Financial Services, Fintech, Real Estate Policy and Land Use, Program Evaluation

Presenter 4. James Starr, Aristocrat Technology james.starr@aristocrat.com

512-944-4360

James is President VGT An Aristocrat Company since 2005 and celebrating his 20th year with the company. James has held numerous leadership roles and a proud graduate of OSU in his home state of Oklahoma. James is a member of the Cherokee Nation

Moderator: Alicia Mitchell, AISES amitchell@aises.org

602 828 8808

Director of Tribal & Government Relations

Alicia serves as the Director of Tribal and Government Relations. She brings to the team experience gained with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) in advancing Indigenous people in STEM, empowering youth, and fostering collaboration. In her AISES role, she is responsible for working closely with Tribal communities and government partners to identify funding resources and sponsorships, writing proposals, soliciting major gifts, and helping coordinate special events. She is also the staff liaison for the Tribal Nations Advisory Council and the Government Relations Council.
A Cherokee Nation citizen, Alicia hopes to make a generational impact by fostering strong leadership across Indian country.

Target Audience: Casino and Gaming Operations

Learning Objective

1.      How to prepare and plan for future STEM roles and responsibilities evolving within the Tribal Gaming vertical.

2.      What resources are available to support recruitment and workforce development of Indigenous STEM?

3.      Insightful strategies in developing a pipeline of Indigenous STEM talent, those roles critical to ensuring Tribal Government Gaming Enterprises are prepared for tomorrow's technology and people demands.