IGT Celebrates Excellence: Global Gaming Women Awards Recognize Two Leaders for Their Impact

In a brilliant showcase of leadership and commitment, IGT has announced that two of its prominent leaders have been acknowledged by Global Gaming Women (GGW) for their significant contributions to the gaming industry and the communities they serve. This recognition not only underscores the impressive accomplishments of these individuals but also highlights the importance of empowering women in the gaming sector.

Acknowledgment of Achievements

On September 22, 2025, it was revealed that Karin Bernkopf, IGT's Vice President of U.S. Gaming Marketing and Global Creative Services, has been awarded the prestigious "Patty Becker Pay it Forward Award." In addition, Michelle Schenk, IGT's Director of Global Communications, earned a place among the "10 Women Rising in Gaming," an award given in collaboration with the CDC Gaming. These accolades represent GGW's mission to elevate and celebrate women who are driving change within the gaming community.

Lauren Bates, President of Global Gaming Women, expressed excitement about recognizing both leaders, stating, "The recipients of each award epitomize GGW's values and are instrumental in advancing our vision of fostering women in the gaming industry. We anticipate celebrating all honorees at special events planned for October."

Commitment to Leadership and Mentorship

Karin Bernkopf stands out as a seasoned leader with more than two decades of experience in gaming marketing. Her deep understanding of the industry has played a crucial role in launching successful marketing campaigns and branding initiatives for IGT. Beyond her professional achievements, Bernkopf is a passionate advocate for mentoring individuals in the industry. As the Chair of GGW's Mentorship Committee, she is actively involved in initiatives like the One Up One Down mentorship program, which focuses on career development for women in gaming. Moreover, she champions the GGW's Lean-In Circles, dedicated spaces for women to connect, learn, and grow.

Before her tenure at IGT, Bernkopf enhanced her expertise at Caesars Entertainment and Walgreens, where she honed her skills in marketing and branding.

On the other hand, Michelle Schenk brings a robust portfolio of experience that spans both the operator and supplier domains of the gaming industry. Known as a consummate communications expert, Schenk has executed powerful public relations campaigns that have significantly boosted IGT’s brand presence in leading media outlets, yielding millions of impressions. Recently, she has also intensified her involvement with GGW, emphasizing her dedication to fostering women in the gaming space. Her prior work at Caesars Entertainment and a Las Vegas-based marketing agency has further enriched her understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in this competitive field.

Looking Ahead

Nick Khin, CEO of IGT Gaming, congratulated both Bernkopf and Schenk, expressing pride in their accomplishments. He stated, "These accolades are a testament to Karin and Michelle's remarkable commitment to leadership within IGT and in their communities, paving the way for future gaming leaders."

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the recognition of these leaders reinforces the necessity of inclusive practices and leadership development among women in this space. The upcoming 15th Annual Kick Up Your Heels event, planned for October 8, 2025, at Wynn Las Vegas, will provide a platform to honor these remarkable achievements further.

To learn more about Global Gaming Women and get involved, visit GGW.org. For updates and insights about IGT, head to IGT.com and follow them on LinkedIn.

About IGT

IGT is a prominent global provider of integrated gaming, digital, and financial technology solutions. The company's offerings encompass gaming machines, game content, and systems, including iGaming and sports betting solutions. Headquartered in Las Vegas, IGT is reshaping the experience across land-based and digital environments to drive innovation, value, and effectiveness for gaming operators worldwide.