News writer, Interviewer
Rebecca Paul's name is legendary in the world of lottery. As she prepares to retire from her role as president of the World Lottery Association (WLA), she leaves behind a transformative legacy. Known for her groundbreaking leadership, Paul's tenure has redefined what's possible for women in the lottery industry and inspired a new generation of female leaders.
Paul's career spans nearly 40 years and includes roles as CEO of several major state lotteries, including Illinois, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. As president and CEO of the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation, she helped raise over $7.5 billion for educational initiatives in the state.
Her service as the first female president of the WLA has been an inspiring chapter in a career built on breaking barriers.
Reflecting on her six years at the WLA, Paul said:
Serving as president of an organization that represents 81 countries has truly been an honor, and I'm proud to have served in this role.
Under her leadership, the WLA developed a strategic plan, increased North American membership, and evolved its committees to foster growth and empowerment.
In 2016, Paul launched the Women's Initiative in Lottery Leadership (WILL), a program that seeks to elevate women into top roles in the industry. WILL has since grown into a global network, providing mentorship, networking, and resources for women across the lottery sector. WILL's mission is clear: to support talented women in reaching their leadership potential and ensure that lottery management reflects the diverse perspectives necessary for industry growth.
Mentorship as a pathway to leadership
At the heart of WILL's mission is its mentorship program, which was designed to foster professional and personal growth for women in the lottery industry. The program matches emerging female talent with experienced industry leaders—mentors who guide and support them as they advance in their careers.
Open to both men and women mentors, the program is built on the belief that the best leaders are those who invest in the future of their industry. Paul said:
Ultimately, it is the people we mentor and work with who will continue our legacy of success.
The mentor program officially started in July 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee, during the NASPL Professional Development Seminar. Early supporters included lottery executives like Jim Kennedy, Chief Executive of the Lottery Group at Scientific Games, and Jennifer Westbury, Executive Vice President at Pollard Banknote.
WILL's mentorship program quickly expanded. By 2019, regional mentorship programs had been established in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa, allowing WILL to reach more women and create a global network of support. The program's impact is unmistakable as mentees grow into leaders ready to tackle high-level roles in the lottery industry.
Paul said:
Working with others to expand this vital program, designed to bring the best and brightest women to the table, is truly satisfying, and I look forward to the ongoing maturity and expansion of opportunities for the talented women in our industry.
Expanding WILL's global influence
Paul's vision for WILL extends beyond mentorship. To push the agenda of female empowerment on a global scale, she joined forces with Stéphane Pallez, President and CEO of FDJ in France.
Pallez joined the initiative to broaden WILL's reach in Europe. Together with Paul, she organized WILL networking events at major lottery conferences, starting with the EL Congress in Krakow, Poland, in 2017. The European Lottery Association (EL) quickly endorsed the WILL program, establishing a budget for events and even creating a mentoring program within the European lottery community.
For Pallez and Paul, WILL is more than a program—it's a movement to bring diversity, innovation, and inclusivity into the lottery industry.
A legacy of leadership
Rebecca Paul's legacy goes beyond her historic role as the first woman to lead the WLA. Through WILL, she has created a path for the next generation of women to step confidently into leadership roles. Her dedication to mentorship and her commitment to global inclusivity have reshaped the industry. WILL's expanding influence reflects Paul's belief that the best leaders are those who empower others, and her work has inspired lottery executives around the world to prioritize diversity and mentorship.
Looking back on her four-decade career, Paul expressed her gratitude when she said:
Some of my favorite days are those where I'm stopped on the street and thanked by someone whose son or daughter has benefited from a lottery-funded educational scholarship.
As Paul steps down, she passes the torch to those she has mentored, trusting that they will carry her vision forward. WILL's network of mentors and mentees will continue to grow, sustaining Paul's legacy of empowerment, innovation, and leadership.
She said, “Our people are the key to our success, and I take pride in bringing together the best and brightest to fulfill our overall mission.” Through WILL, Rebecca Paul has indeed drawn a new future for women in the lottery industry—one where opportunity and leadership know no bounds.
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