2008 GREAT WOMEN OF GAMING
Rising Star
Catina L. Moore
Senior Manager of Operations
WMS
When Catina L. Moore entered the manufacturing field after her college studies at DeVry Institute of Technology, she had no idea she’d end up in gaming. In fact, she wasn’t even aware there was a gaming industry. Years later, this Rising Star is making her impact on others and the industry at WMS Gaming.
Moore came to WMS in 2003 after deciding to take a leap of faith to find a job more suited to her own personal goals, which led her to what she calls one of the most fascinating jobs she’s ever held. “I’ve been with a couple companies in my past and what I found was that they were more product-focused and less focused on their most valuable assets—the people,” Moore commented. “Coming to WMS definitely changed my view on corporate America and opened my eyes to endless possibilities in a fascinating industry; I realized that you yield your greatest return when you invest in the people behind the product.”
Some of WMS’ best games, such as Monopoly, Powerball and Wizard of Oz, can be attributed to Moore’s dedicated work, knowledge and expertise in product launches. “Such success did not come easy, but it helps to have a secret weapon behind the scenes, and ours is Catina Moore,” Mark Trego, director of operational planning at WMS, said about her.
Moore’s hard work was rewarded when she was named Employee of the Month in March 2006, followed by Employee of the Year for Fiscal 2006, which Rob Bone, vice president of marketing for WMS, referred to as “the company’s single greatest honor.”
However, it is mentoring that Moore takes most pride in. She was selected to serve as vice president of the Women’s Networking Group at WMS. “The network helps to pull together resources, information, education, mentoring,” she explained. “WNG targets to help every woman at WMS recognize their true value and it aims to bring increased awareness and leverage diversity within the organization, while allowing you to network with your peers. It creates an opportunity that usually is here but is not always recognized.”
In addition to her role with WNG, she also participates in a peer volunteer program. Aimed at welcoming new hires, she creates an environment that is comfortable for them to ask questions, meet and interact with people and become oriented with the company. “Without having a mentor, I don’t understand how you can see the full you or the big picture,” she said. “Every place I’ve worked at, I’ve always managed to have a mentor who can help me see things differently. It’s wise to have someone there who can help you both personally and professionally, to be a listening ear, provide constructive criticism and keep you abreast of opportunities and be an advocate for the work that you do.”
As far as challenges, Moore said her biggest professional hurdle was simply being an African American woman in the corporate workplace. “That has been huge for me,” she noted. “It was one of those things where everything I knew culturally in my life, not necessarily had to be set aside, but I had to learn how to merge the two worlds.” She said she overcame it by taking the time to really learn other people, value their experiences and understand where they are coming from so she, in return, ensures communication in a way that she can be heard and valued as well.
Moore credits her ability to remain spiritually grounded as her biggest accomplishment. “Because I am a working wife and mother, having a balance is extremely important. Taking on that role can be stressful, but it also can be very rewarding. At the end of the day, my spiritual well-being is the driving force that tells me I can do it all over again. I’m most proud of that because without it, I don’t think I can accomplish all the things I have accomplished,” she said.
When she’s not busy at work, Moore still finds the time to serve as a mentor in other capacities. She is involved in her church where she leads a teen ministry and a dance ministry. She aims to inspire the youth to stay spiritually grounded and reach their highest potential. In addition, she is a supporter of Hope Worldwide.
Her words of advice for aspiring women: “Turn excuse and failure into hope and possibility,” she stated. “As we achieve our goals and dreams, we should always look to help others. I have found that I am at my best when in the service of other individuals.”
Moore has clearly made a difference in her short time in the industry and has a bright future. Bone said about her, “I cannot think of a better ombudsman or representative for the Great Women of Gaming and how people can influence so much change.”
Copyright 2010, Great Women of Gaming. All rights reserved.
