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Alexx Zawada took her first job at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino when she was 18, working as a hostess. As an enrolled member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, she chose the job with more than just a paycheck in mind. “I wanted to represent my tribe and my culture,” Zawada says. After graduating from college in 2012, she decided to launch her professional career at Potawatomi, taking a position in its marketing department. Over eight years, she rose quickly from that job, eventually being named the director of marketing last May. She now leads the department, promoting Potawatomi across the city, state and country. “As a Native American woman in a leadership role, I find it rewarding that I can express my culture in the marketing that we put out into the community,” Zawada says.
“Don’t be afraid to learn and do things you’ve never done before.”
-Alexx Zawada
Q&A
How did you first come to work for Potawatomi Hotel and Casino?
I actually started working at the casino when I was 18 as a hostess while I was in college. It drew me because I’m a tribal member. I’m an enrolled member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. I wanted to work for an organization that also supports my culture. I left for a short period to do an internship somewhere else. When I left, I realized how supportive Potawatomi was, and how it gave me the chance to represent my tribe, so I came back here to start my professional career. I started as a corporate sponsorship coordinator. I had a great woman leader above me – the director of marketing, Courtney Birmingham. She pushed me out of my comfort zone. I was never the most assertive; I was really quiet. She taught me to open up and grow into new positions. This past May, when Courtney left, I moved into her position as director of marketing. As a Native American woman in a leadership role, I find it most rewarding that I can express my culture within our marketing that we put into the community.
What advice do you have for a woman who wants to achieve a leadership position like you have?
Give it your all. Don’t be afraid to learn and do things you’ve never done before. Networking is the biggest thing I’ve learned. Get yourself out there and make your name known.
