2008 GREAT WOMEN OF GAMING
Rising Star
Treena Parvello
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise
Treena Parvello has passion for the Tohono O’odham Nation, both as a member and as part of her professional life. She’s been working for the Gaming Enterprise for 11 years, starting as a marketing coordinator. Several promotions later, she’s sitting comfortably in her role as director of marketing and public relations.
Following her undergraduate education at the University of Arizona (UA), she first worked for the nation as an education assistant specialist in the higher education program. Soon after, she happened upon the marketing position at the tribal casino in Tucson. She then went back to UA to work on earning her master’s degree in business administration, which she completed in 2002.
“I am very proud of the fact that my tribe has provided the opportunity to not only provide me a graduate education, but also to provide me with the opportunity of employment,” Parvello said. “I have been fortunate in my life, and I want to let young people know that it is OK to have dreams and to pursue your dreams. Native people have lived hard lives, and yet we are very proud, strong and resilient people who have so much to offer.”
The Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise operates three gaming facilities in southern Arizona—the Desert Diamond Casino, Desert Diamond Casino Hotel and Golden Ha:sañ Casino. At just 35, Parvello manages more than a dozen people and oversees approximately 40 more. “As a true leader, she finds strength in her team and encourages them to be successful as individuals, as a group and as an enterprise,” Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris Jr. noted about her.
Balance, Parvello admits, has been challenging. “I can get caught up in the day-to-day and lose touch with my values and what is most important,” she said. “This industry necessitates time and commitment and it is easy to lose yourself. As I mature, my patience and perspective have also grown, and I have overcome barriers and am still learning.”
Parvello acknowledges the path that has been paved for her. “I have been very fortunate to have individuals who have walked before me and paved the way for me, and I only hope that I can serve as a positive role model to other young women and young native children,” she said. “This industry has so many strong, experienced and knowledgeable role models who are willing to share their knowledge with others. I am thankful for the opportunities gaming presents and the positive impact it has on more than just individuals; Indian gaming impacts families and communities by providing jobs and donations to schools, social services, scholarships and so much more.”
Outside of the office, Parvello has served on several committees. She was the youngest commissioner for the Metropolitan Tucson Urban Native American Affairs, which she was part of during college, and co-chaired the Tohono O’odham Nation Gang Prevention Task Force and the Joint American Indian Retention and Recruitment Committee. She also has volunteered with the House of Neighborly Service, a Native American youth program in Tucson.
“Advice is something that I like to emit by being a role model, however I can vouch for being motivated, passionate and driven in your career journey and yet I advise to be true to who you are and always remember balance,” Parvello said. “I was told not to let my career take over my personal life because you can’t get it back. That is very good advice and I want to pass it on.”
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