Penn Entertainment has recently relaunched a program aimed at empowering its female employees to succeed in their careers. The PENN Women Program, spearheaded by a committee of female executives and leaders, is focused on providing women with the tools necessary to advance within the company. Michele Collins, assistant general manager at Hollywood Casinos Grantville, expressed that the program is designed to equip women with a tool kit to help them progress to the next level in their careers. Moreover, the program offers support for navigating work-life balance, adapting management styles, and providing a platform for women to be seen and heard.
Currently, 30 women are participating at the Grantville location, with a total of 100 women involved across the Pennsylvania locations and 800 companywide. Collins highlighted the importance of offering opportunities for women to advance within an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated. The program, originally launched in 2018 as Women Leading at PENN, was temporarily halted due to the pandemic but has since been revived with a renewed focus.
In developing the curriculum for the program, Collins pitched the idea of renaming it PENN Women to be more inclusive of all female employees at every level within the organization. Each property has designated champions responsible for implementing the program and tailoring it to meet the needs of the participants. The program consists of various workshops, book clubs, networking events, and mentorship programs, with the goal of empowering women to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.
Collins emphasized the importance of work-life balance in the fast-paced entertainment industry, noting that the program can help individuals manage their schedules effectively while still prioritizing family commitments. The program also aims to provide managers with a better understanding of the challenges faced by front-line workers, enabling them to be more flexible in accommodating diverse needs.
With a vision of building confidence and enabling women to progress in their careers, the PENN Women Program offers a range of resources, including a mentorship program and a web portal with tools for skill development. Collins shared her own experience of witnessing a significant increase in the representation of women in management roles within the industry over the past decade.
The program’s immersive and interactive approach, including activities like vision board making and book clubs, aims to engage participants fully in their personal and professional development. As the program continues to evolve, the focus remains on empowering women to take the next step in their careers with confidence and support.
Read More Entertainment News
