2007 GREAT WOMEN OF GAMING
Proven leader
Debra Nelson
Vice President of Corporate Diversity, Communications and Community Affairs
MGM MIRAGE
In the four years that Debra Nelson has been its vice president of corporate diversity, communications and community affairs, MGM MIRAGE has been named one of the "Top 40 Companies for Diversity" by Black Enterprise magazine and one of the "Top 50 Companies for Diversity" by DiversityInc magazine. The accolades are certainly welcome, but not necessarily surprising given Nelson's history.
Nelson came to MGM MIRAGE from DaimlerChrysler, where she held several positions in diversity management and communications. While at the Chrysler Group, she managed issues of diversity, manufacturing, human resources, employee and labor relations, government affairs, and car and brand communications. Prior to that, she launched the national diversity initiative at Mercedes-Benz USA. She also chaired the minority advisory board at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International.
"To be named among women who are making important contributions in gaming is quite significant in my opinion, and most especially so since the award comes from my peers in the industry," Nelson says. "This recognition says that it is possible for women to achieve positions in gaming whereby they are making meaningful contributions. It is also a platform to inspire a whole new generation of women to contribute and achieve in this industry."
In addition to expanding corporate diversity at MGM MIRAGE, Nelson also plays an active role in bringing her peers together to share ideas about diversity. She is a founding member of the Chief Diversity Officers Roundtable at Cornell University, a roundtable comprised of senior diversity officers representing America's Fortune 500 companies. She is also the founder of the Diversity Professionals Network in Nevada and was the catalyst for Las Vegas' inaugural Women of Color Conference.
Although industry recognition for diversity programs is welcome news, Nelson says the true rewards of her job occur on an interpersonal level. "I enjoy seeing people grow, develop and reach new heights professionally," she says. "At the same time, I am exhilarated when my team is able to contribute in a tangible, quantifiable way to the company's overall business success. If through continuous improvement a person is able to reach his or her highest potential, then this would be a crowning accomplishment for me personally and professionally."
Nelson also serves the community by sitting on several boards, including the William Patterson University Foundation in Wayne, N.J.; the College of Southern Nevada Foundation in Las Vegas; Black Women in Sisterhood for Action in Washington, D.C.; the Boys & Girls Club of Nevada in Las Vegas; Nevada HAND in Las Vegas; the Las Vegas affiliate of the National Urban League; and the Urban Chamber of Commerce in Las Vegas.
Nelson says aspiring professionals heading for leadership roles in the gaming industry should work to cultivate relationships with their peers. "Our business is largely relationship driven," she says. "I recommend that individuals coming into the industry pay attention to existing cultural norms and take the time to build and invest in sustainable relationships."
Given her role as vice president of corporate diversity, it should be no surprise that Nelson has a positive outlook on the potential of women in the gaming industry. "I expect that women will continue to assume increasingly more responsible positions in our industry," she says. "At MGM MIRAGE, women are expanding their roles significantly, from line-level employees to property presidents. This is an exciting time and serves as proof that there is more to look forward to."
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