Erin Lydon, a prominent finance executive, will participate in the WSOP ladies’ event. While her business achievements are widely recognized, her impact on women’s rights may be less known in the community.

In 2019, Erin delivered a TED Talk addressing the issue of equal pay and advocating for women to receive their deserved compensation. Her courage in speaking out on such a crucial issue is inspiring and a beacon of hope for women. In 2022, she joined a startup organization called Poker Power, which aims to empower women using poker by helping them gain confidence in taking risks, improve their negotiation skills, and break professional barriers.

When Erin joined Poker Power, she openly admitted she was not a poker player. Instead of relying on her previous accomplishments and running the business from afar, Mrs. Lydon humbly chose to immerse herself in the game and learn from her staff. Her unwavering dedication to learning poker, a game she was not familiar with, profoundly impacted the organization’s success. She gained her team’s respect and fueled the organization’s growth by allowing her to connect with customers’ journeys on a deeper, more personal level.

Erin has been quoted as saying that if she could give her TED Talk again, she would add one thing: “Play poker.” She quickly realized that the skills she gained from learning the game mirrored what had made her successful in business, and teaching women these skills could be a profound barrier that women face professionally due to their sex.

Despite her significant accomplishments, Erin has faced gender inequalities. For instance, in a male-dominated industry, she had to hide her pregnancy to avoid potentially hindering her career. Her story resonates with women from all walks of life. Drawing strength from her experiences, Erin fearlessly stood before executives and emphatically asserted that women deserve a seat at the table, advocating for change. She also never missed an opportunity to empower her all-female team, lovingly referring to them as her “A Team.”

While Erin has since moved on from Poker Power, she spearheaded a movement for something greater. The foundation she laid for gender equality and women’s leadership will benefit future generations. The world truly needs more women like Erin—individuals unafraid to stand up for what is right, who understand that surrounding themselves with strong women only enhances their brilliance, and who are always open to learning. If you have the privilege of playing alongside this extraordinary woman today, give her a nod, for she is the epitome of authenticity and empowerment.