Prairie Band Casino & Resort Named 2025 Employer of Excellence
This year’s Employer of Excellence, Prairie Band Casino & Resort, shines a light on a company that leads with integrity, inspires through action, and creates spaces where everyone can thrive.
More than a leader in hospitality and entertainment, Prairie Band Casino & Resort is a beacon of purpose and vision. As a tribally owned enterprise of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, its legacy is rooted in community, leadership, and service. Values that are not just spoken, but lived every day.
What sets Prairie Band Casino & Resort apart is not just what they do, but how they do it. Their team shows up for each other, and for the broader community. Whether investing in mentorship opportunities, empowering women in leadership, or supporting programs focused on youth and families, their commitment to equity and empowerment is unwavering. They foster a workplace where people feel valued, where growth is encouraged, and where decisions are grounded in integrity.
At YWCA Northeast Kansas, we believe that change happens when mission meets action. Prairie Band Casino & Resort embodies that belief. It is with deep admiration and gratitude that we name Prairie Band Casino & Resort our 2025 Employer of Excellence.
A Conversation with Ruth Harjo, Director of Human Resources
What makes Prairie Band Casino & Resort a unique place to work?
“People. Whether it’s our guests, team members, or other community members. We strive to make the human connection that makes us unique. Our Vision Statement is ‘Crafting the most memorable and rewarding entertainment destination in the Midwest.’ The amenities we have added in the past few years have made us unique.”
How do your team members support and empower each other?
“Our team members support and empower each other by staying engaged. We motivate and inform our team of upcoming promotions with drawings. We encourage internal recognition where team members can nominate other team members to be recognized as Team Members of the Month and Year. We plan engaging team member events throughout the year. We continually provide our team with announcements about upcoming new amenities and features.”
What role does your cultural heritage play in shaping your workplace values?
“As an enrolled Prairie Band Potawatomi member, I love that we have such wonderful tribal involvement at all levels; with our Tribal Council, Gaming Commission, Board of Directors, Directors, Managers, Supervisors and Team Members. Yearly, we recognize the 4th Friday in September as a holiday, Native American Day. During that time, we share our culture with our team members through a celebration and education.”
How do you invest in leadership and mentorship—especially for women and Native professionals?
“We encourage our Native professionals through mentorship and the development of their skills and talent. We invest in our Native leadership to continuously challenge and develop. We empower our leadership to be the steward of their leadership journey. Our female supervisor promotion-from-within rate is 71% and our female manager promotion-from-within rate is 78%.”
What does this recognition as Employer of Excellence mean to you and your team?
“It’s an honor to be recognized by such a wonderful award. It gives us a sense of great pride.”
A Conversation with Lan Danielson, Assistant Financial Controller & YWCA Northeast Kansas Board Member
You wear many hats—leader at Prairie Band Casino & Resort, YWCA Board Member, and now a 2025 Woman of Excellence honoree. How do these roles connect and shape each other in your life?
“All those roles really connect through purpose. At the casino, I get to lead with values and create opportunities for my team. With the YWCA, I help support work that eliminates barriers for women and addresses equity head-on. And being recognized as a Woman of Excellence is just a reflection of both, because I wouldn’t be here without the lessons I’ve learned from those two organizations and the people who’ve supported me along the way.”
Prairie Band Casino & Resort is often praised for living its values. What does that look like in practice, especially when it comes to equity, empowerment, and community impact?
“For us, values aren’t just statements on the wall, they’re daily actions. We invest in training and career development, so team members see real pathways to growth. We prioritize giving back through community partnerships and support for local causes. And equity means making sure every person, regardless of their background, feels seen, valued, and able to succeed here.”
From your perspective, how does the organization support and elevate women in leadership—particularly Native women?
“Representation matters. Prairie Band Casino & Resort has always been intentional about creating leadership opportunities through tribal preference, and I’m proud to be one example of that. We provide mentorship, leadership development, and a culture that genuinely encourages women to step into those roles. That’s not just good for business, it strengthens our community and honors our heritage.”
Prairie Band Casino & Resort and YWCA share common ground in their missions. How do you see the casino’s culture aligning with the YWCA’s vision of eliminating racism and empowering women?
“The alignment is natural. Both organizations believe in breaking down barriers and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. At the casino, we’re intentional about inclusivity, cultural respect, and equity in opportunity. That commitment mirrors the YWCA’s mission and I think when organizations like ours model that, it creates a ripple effect beyond just the workplace.”
This year, both you and the organization are being recognized—you as a Woman of Excellence and Prairie Band Casino & Resort as an Employer of Excellence. What does that dual recognition mean to you personally?
“It feels incredibly humbling. To be recognized individually is an honor, but for the casino to also be recognized shows that this isn’t just about me, it’s about a culture that is recognized by others. It means our team’s hard work and value-driven approach are being noticed, and that makes me proud on both a personal and professional level.”
When people look at Prairie Band Casino & Resort as a workplace rooted in purpose and community, what do you hope they take away from its example?
“I hope they see that business and community aren’t separate. You can create a successful company that also uplifts people, honors culture, and leads with values. If people can see that success and purpose can go hand in hand, then we’ve done our job.”
At YWCA Northeast Kansas, we are proud to honor Prairie Band Casino & Resort as our 2025 Employer of Excellence. An organization that shows what it means to live values boldly, powerfully, and now.