Women United Speaker Series: Powerfully Unapologetic

Chief Financial Officer
Americas, Light & Wonder

Shannon Demus has over 14 years of gaming experience, encompassing both the supplier and operator sides of the industry. In her current role as CFO Americas – Gaming, Shannon is responsible for the profitability, overall performance, and strategic trajectory of the North America and Latin America gaming business. Prior to joining L&W, Shannon held numerous financial roles at Aristocrat Technologies and MGM Resorts International.

Immersed in the gaming industry from a young age, Shannon’s upbringing across various locales—France, Monaco, London, Morocco, and ultimately Las Vegas—fostered a profound familiarity with diverse casino landscapes, cementing her career aspirations within the casino/gaming industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from USC and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from UCLA. Shannon currently resides in Las Vegas with her husband, their 2 young children, and their 2 German Shepherds. When she is not chasing her children or crunching numbers in Excel, Shannon is most likely rescuing animals or re-decorating her house.

Senior Director, People Business Partner
UFC

Alja van Wilsem has over 15 years of strategic Human Resources leadership experience driving organizational transformation and talent strategies in high-growth, fast-paced environments. She is currently the Senior Director, People Business Partner for UFC, where she leads HR strategy for more than 700 employees across 11 countries. In her role, she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the People function, including employee relations, employee engagement, talent, and performance management. She partners closely with TKO’s HR centers of excellence to support talent acquisition, total rewards, leadership development across the organization.

Before joining UFC in 2020, Alja held senior HR and organization effectiveness roles with MGM Resorts International and Bellagio, leading talent, organizational development, and employee relations strategies in large, complex organizations. A native of the Netherlands, she holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in European Studies from the University of Amsterdam and was recognized as a Global Gaming Business Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree.

Kate White is a native Las Vegas community leader and former gaming industry technology executive who now focuses her time on nonprofit leadership, volunteerism, and community engagement. Drawing on more than two decades of experience leading teams across the nation, executing multi-million-dollar projects, and building strategic partnerships, she now works with organizations across Southern Nevada to support families, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact.

Through her board service, advocacy efforts, and community partnerships, Kate is committed to bringing people together around shared goals and helping organizations grow their reach and effectiveness. Known for her hands-on approach and willingness to roll up her sleeves, she believes meaningful change happens when leaders actively engage alongside the communities they serve. She regularly speaks on leadership, collaboration, community impact, and building meaningful connections that create positive change.