Name: Donata Cobb
AGE: 43
BUSINESS NAME AND LOCATION: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Maricopa
PERSONAL BACKGROUND HIGHLIGHTS: I am originally from Lithuania — born and raised. Came to the United States (New Jersey) in my early twenties. Lived in New Jersey for about 9 years and then moved to Arizona for an Event Manager’s position at Harrah’s Ak-Chin. Have a wonderful daughter who is 8 — she is currently enrolled in a Dual Language Immersion program at Tarwater Elementary, located right in the heart of the Clemente Ranch subdivision. In addition to my Events, Promotions, Entertainment and Audio/Visual carer at Harrah’s Ak-Chin, I enjoy being the chair of the Lithuanian American Community Arizona Chapter non-profit organization. It brings me closer to my roots and gives me this great cultural balance between USA and Europe!
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND HIGHLIGHTS: I studied Sociology and Psychology, but I realized that this field was not for me. When I was young, I started with some summer jobs at Caesars in Atlantic City, New Jersey until about a few months in, I was offered a full-time job in VIP Services. Slowly but surely, my carer took off: from Casino Host, Player Services positions, to the Hotel VIP Check in operations, to Special Events, Promotion and Entertainment. I have been fortunate enough to work at multiple properties at Caesars Entertainment and I’m very thankful I ended up right here at Harrah’s Ak-Chin!
WHAT I DO: Marketing is a very broad term, but if I had to sum it up — I come up with an idea and then I operationalize it. It’s a great mix: it allows me to be creative and make things happen. Strategizing, creating, designing events, promotions, entertainment is what I do. I also lead a great group of people who ultimately make all those ideas happen!
WHAT I LIKE MOST ABOUT DOING BUSINESS HERE: I love that there is not one day that’s the same! Things are constantly changing, there are new things to figure out and I love when there are challenges be resolved — feels very rewarding. I love the culture, the clear expectations, the busy surroundings and always fun and exciting environment!
PREVIOUS OCCUPATION AND WHY I LEFT: I did some work on the hotel side of our business. Just noticing how much fun and excitement marketing departments have, immediately made me want to transition to that side!
WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT AND WHY: I’m very excited about some fun new things coming to Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in the near future.
FAVORITE COMMUNITY CAUSE AND WHY: I love when Chandler Unified School District involves students, parents and all others living in the community and supports those in need through programs like Giving Tree at the Chandler CARE Center. It’s so heartwarming to see when the entire city gets together for a great cause.
WHEN AND WHY, I STARTED MY BUSINESS/EMPLOYMENT HERE: It was a job promotion! I was very happy to be invited to start working at Harrah’s Ak-Chin. It’s been great.
WHERE I WAS BEFORE I LEFT AND WHY I LEFT: I lived in Maricopa before I moved to Chandler ten years ago. I love the proximity to all the Phoenix Metropolitan area cities and towns and everything they have to offer!
MY FAMILY: I have an 8-year old daughter and a wonderful boyfriend of 5 years. My extended family still lives in Lithuania — I love visiting them 2-4 times each year.
Submitted photo
