20 Questions With Dara Cohen, Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, American Gaming Association

Dara Cohen is the senior director of strategic communications and media relations for the American Gaming Association. She’s also a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member! In this member spotlight, we asked Dara a series of questions about both her professional role and personal life, including the woman who inspires her, her leadership style, her advice for the next generation of female leaders, and much more.

1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
   I’m currently going through a thriller phase … something I can quickly get immersed in, with just enough suspense to keep me guessing along the way. I recently really enjoyed reading “The Teacher” by Freida McFadden. I was so hooked I practically read it in one sitting.
2. What do you love most about the travel and hospitality industry?
   I love how dynamic and fast-paced the gaming and hospitality industry can be. We’re constantly evolving to create new and innovative experiences for consumers, and that’s super exciting!
3. What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
   I’ve been to four Super Bowls!
4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
   Balancing diverse personalities with daily operational needs, with the goal of aligning to accomplish shared strategic and overarching goals. Patience and empathy are key.
5. What personal skill or attribute do you believe is most responsible for your success?
   My adaptability. I don’t take the word “no” easily. I’m always looking for ways to embrace change or turn challenges into opportunities.
6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
   My mother is and will always be the most inspiring person in my life. As a female leader in a separate male-driven industry, she’s shown such resilience and strength throughout her career … breaking barriers while staying true to her values. She has always pushed me to embrace challenges and aim high. Her personal and professional accomplishments continue to inspire me every day.
7. What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?
   In my world, I’m quite invested in responsible gaming and the importance of consumer safety. I also am continually interested in the evolution of technology and how innovation will continue to impact and provide opportunities for our industry at large.
8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
   Humility and curiosity. I recognize that is two things, but for me they go hand in hand. Showing a willingness to learn and grow, and to challenge the status quo, is so essential in today’s fast-paced world.
9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
   That it’s OK to be uncomfortable in the unknown. This past year I took a huge leap in my career, leaving a company I had been with for almost 10 years. And not because I wasn’t having fun anymore or growing. It was time to step outside my comfort zone and embrace a new challenge. And I’ve survived. Hopefully I’m on my way to flourishing. Ha!
10. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
    Take space for you. It’s so easy to get caught up in the crazy at both work and in our personal lives; don’t forget to create moments for pause and self-care because you need that too.
11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Integrity, humility and empathy. I want to foster a culture that’s full of trust and respect, and where everyone feels empowered to contribute but also learn from each other.
12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    The key to my heart is a great dirty martini paired with potato skins.
13. Do you prefer to work in the office, at home, or hybrid? Why?
    I really enjoy a hybrid model. I can put my head down and focus from my home a few days a week, and then come together with my team in the office to collaborate.
14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?
    I absolutely loved traveling to Japan. Such an incredible country filled with a blend of traditional and modern culture, as well as a rich history. Japan is unlike any other place I’ve visited.
15. What is the top item on your bucket list?
    An African safari adventure
16. What do you do to recharge?
    When I need to recharge, I prefer to spend time at home with my husband and dog. Doing so helps me unplug, clear my mind and stay grounded.
17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    I recently earned my Executive MBA while balancing my career and personal life. That was a significant accomplishment.
18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. There’s nothing wrong with looking for ways to create opportunities that currently do not exist.
19. What gets you up in the morning?
    The opportunity to continue to learn and grow as a person. Also the opportunity to have some fun and enjoy my day … we don’t talk about having fun enough.
20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    I love this community of smart, courageous, like-minded women who work tirelessly towards advancing and growing the travel and hospitality industry. It’s inspiring to be part of this group.