Allie Evangelista, a native of Brazil, moved to the United States in 1998, fresh out of college with a bachelor’s degree in Travel & Tourism from the University of Caxias do Sul. Despite her degree, she had to start from the beginning in the hospitality industry, and her first job in the US was as a hotel housekeeper. She moved up quickly through various hotel roles.
Even with a degree, Evangelista had to start from the beginning in the hospitality industry, and her first job in the US was as a hotel housekeeper.
Then one day, she entered a casino for the very first time, and everything changed. Allie loved the energy and party-like atmosphere of the casino. The young lady who had never seen a slot machine before, and who didn’t know how many cards were in a deck, joined the gaming industry in 2006 and has never looked back.
From Housekeeping to the Corner Office
Allie quickly moved up from Slot Operations, to Table Games, Casino Operations, Horse Racing, Human Resources, to Vice President/General Manager. Allie says, “I met wonderful leaders who appreciated my work ethic and guided my career to many opportunities over the years.” In January, she joined Hard Rock International as President of the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Bristol, Virginia, which is scheduled to open later this year.
In the meantime, Allie married her husband Fabio, whom she met during her Walt Disney World internship, and earned two masters’ degrees, an MBA and a Masters of HR Management.
I want my story to inspire other women, immigrants, and hard-working professionals that strive for a successful career in the US or anywhere in the world!
Allie is “proud to represent Brazil and the Latin community, professional female leaders, foreigners in a new world. I want my story to inspire other women, immigrants, and hard-working professionals that strive for a successful career in the US or anywhere in the world!”
We know that Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Bristol will be an amazing success and a great place to be because of Allie Evangelista, the Best of The Best: “The key to success is to put your heart in everything you do, always to do the right thing, care about others, and have fun!”
DENNIS P. RIZZO
President/CEO
Bentley Price Associates, Inc.
She is definitely a professional who seems to care deeply about her employees and the casino as a whole. I hope I’m afforded the opportunity to work with her for many years.