Theresa Tirado
Mary Jane Mills
Ann Granville
Nearly half of all leadership roles across MGM Resorts are held by women, including nearly 40% at Empire City Casino, higher than industry average
Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts (“Empire City”) is committed to providing opportunities for employees to grow within the company, including women, where nearly 40% of Empire City’s leadership team are women. Empire City has been focused on providing opportunities for growth, mentorship, and community support, key values employees often elevate as reasons why working at MGM Resorts is meaningful to them.
According to a 2021 report, women held approximately 25% of senior managerial roles in the gambling sector. Empire City is proud to have strong, inspirational women in leadership roles well above the casino industry average.
From food and beverage to operations, women are enjoying long tenures and opportunities to support their communities and paving the way for up-and-coming employees at Empire City.
Overall, 46.5% of leadership roles across MGM Resorts are held by women. MGM Resorts has won various awards for its efforts to diversify the workplace, including America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023 presented by Newsweek and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council’s America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises among countless others.
Several female members of Empire City’s leadership team, who have gained invaluable experience rising through the ranks during their tenures, include:
Odaliz Rodriguez, a resident of the Bronx, serves as Cage Shift Manager and has been with Empire City Casino for over 15 years. She oversees the financial operations of the casino’s cage department which handles all casino financial transactions. Rodriguez leads, develops and coaches her team members, providing feedback along the way. Rodriguez enjoys participating in employee appreciation events to recognize the hard work and dedication of her colleagues. She believes community support and empowerment are important and always looks for ways to make a difference, including through the company’s philanthropic initiatives.
“My journey at MGM Resorts has been one of dedication, growth, and perseverance,” said Rodriguez. “Over time, I worked my way up, gaining valuable experience in leadership and operations. I don’t take growth for granted. Every step of the way, I have embraced opportunities to improve, not just for myself, but for the people around me. I have always believed in the power of women supporting women, and I make it a priority to empower those around me. Training and mentoring others is something I truly enjoy, and I love seeing more women step into leadership roles. I strive to be a role model for my sisters and other women in my community, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, we can break barriers and achieve success. My goal is to create a supportive environment where women feel confident stepping into leadership positions and making their mark.”
Ann Granville, a resident of Mount Vernon, serves as Food & Beverage Floor Manager and has been with Empire City Casino for over 12 years. She now oversees the day-to-day operations for the front-of-house, food and beverage department, including The Pub and Chophouse. Granville is a member of the Social Impact & Sustainability (SIS) Council at Empire City, volunteering with programs across Westchester and the Bronx that have a positive impact in communities.
When asked how she inspires other women, Granville references this quote: “Always stay true to yourself and never let people distract you from your goal. Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.”
Mary Jane Mills, a resident of Yonkers, NY, serves asVGM Shift Manager and has been with Empire City Casino for over 18 years. Mills manages the casino floor, working with attendants, dispatchers, cash boxes and other departments. She enjoys volunteering with her colleagues on the Empire City Social Impact & Sustainability Council, participating in the annual Hudson River clean up, walking in community parades, and participating in fundraising events to support the company foundation. Mills credits the company’s mentorship program for allowing her to support the career growth of her female colleagues.
“Being a part of the mentorship program has given me the opportunity to offer guidance to women in my field,” said Mills. “I also feel fortunate to work for a company that prioritizes community service. It’s a privilege to have been able to support women’s shelters and women-owned businesses.”
Theresa Tirado, a resident of Yonkers, serves as Slot Operations Shift Manager and has been with Empire City Casino for over 18 years. She began her career as a cocktail waitress and bartender in New York City before joining Empire City and working in the Food and Beverage department in a variety of roles. Tirado was recently promoted to Shift Manager in the Slot Department, where she assists in overseeing day-to-day operations. Tirado is also a part of the SIS Council, where she volunteers with Feeding Westchester and Catholic Charities of New York to combat food insecurity, among other initiatives.
“MGM Resorts provides many opportunities to grow our careers into management and I’m thrilled to have a position that allows me to support the team and empower others,” said Tirado. “I believe women should support and empower each other.”
For more information, visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200.
