Rebbecca Scales
By Rebbecca Scales, The Real Poker Girls Media
The Women’s Poker Association (WPA), the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women in the game of poker, has announced a new leadership team with the appointment of AJ Rudolph as President and Christina Black as Vice President. With renewed energy and a passionate board behind them, the WPA is ready to deepen its impact, expand outreach, and continue empowering women at every level of the game.
A Brief History of WPA
The Women’s Poker Association was officially established in 2018 as a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to celebrating and elevating women in poker. Since its founding, the WPA has grown into a global community of players, advocates, and industry partners united by a shared mission: to make poker more inclusive, visible, and accessible for women.
Through advocacy, education, and strategic programming, the WPA helps bridge the gap between players and the broader poker industry, fostering opportunity, recognition, and a sense of belonging at the tables.
Meet the New Leadership
Newly elected President AJ Rudolph brings five years of board experience to the role, including the past three as Vice President of North America. A longtime advocate for women in poker, Rudolph is known for her hands-on efforts to build community, mentor players, and create inclusive spaces.
“I’m honored to be voted in as President of the Women’s Poker Association,” Rudolph said. “I’ve loved this game for decades and have been teaching my female friends how to play for almost as long. I look forward to empowering the women in this male-dominated field to connect with each other, compete, and shoot for the moon.”
“Some of my goals for the next three years include finding more ways for our community to engage with each other, bringing more women to the game, and making sure we are able to support the growing number of women’s events through our fundraising efforts.”
Joining her as Vice President is Christina Black, a dedicated community leader with a vision rooted in education and representation.
“Poker has played a meaningful role in my life, and I’ve always been passionate about sharing the game with other women and men, but especially women,” Black said. “In this new role, I’m committed to building community, increasing visibility for women in poker, and helping create more opportunities for learning, leadership, and competitive growth in both tournaments and live cash game play.”
Black also continues to champion WPA’s Raise It Up Program, which promotes respectful behavior at the tables and encourages a culture of inclusion and accountability.
“Together, we’ll work to create a more inclusive and supportive environment where women feel empowered to compete and succeed.”
Meet the North America Board
Rudolph and Black are joined by an inspiring team of women who serve on the WPA’s North America Board. Each board member brings unique expertise and passion to the organization’s mission—advancing programs, uplifting players, and building a more inclusive future for poker.
AJ Rudolph – President
AJ has been a dedicated poker player and advocate for nearly 20 years. With a professional background in tech and deep roots in the community, she now leads WPA’s national efforts to empower and elevate women in the game.
Christina Black – Vice President, North America
A longtime poker player originally from Boise and now based in Las Vegas, Christina brings both competitive spirit and community passion to her role. She’s committed to supporting women in the game and proudly serves as WPA’s Vice President for North America.
Gina LoGalbo – Secretary
Gina is a recreational NLHE enthusiast, Marine Corps veteran, and municipal attorney based in Illinois. She brings a community-driven spirit to the board and is passionate about helping more women discover and enjoy the game.
Joyce Alexander – Treasurer
Based in Boise, Idaho, Joyce is a proud wife, mom, and grandmother who balances full-time work with her passion for poker. She plays often, always looks to improve, and loves encouraging more women to get involved in the game she loves.
Rita Sherrill – West Regional Advocate Leader
Based in Arizona, Rita is a longtime advocate for women in poker and a respected leader in the community, known for her commitment to creating more inclusive spaces at the table.
Suzanne Malavet – East Regional Advocate Leader
Suzanne is a seasoned poker player and passionate WPA advocate from the East Coast. With a standout 4th-place finish in the 2023 WSOP Ladies Event, she brings both experience and enthusiasm to her role championing the growth of women’s poker.
Patrizia Trammell – Global Social Media Manager
Patrizia helps shape WPA’s digital presence and storytelling across platforms, amplifying the voices of women breaking barriers in poker.
Bridgette Adkins – Player of the Year Program Manager
A multi-time WPA Player of the Year, Bridgette is a dedicated tournament player and strong advocate for women’s visibility at the tables. She supports WPA’s mission by helping recognize and celebrate female achievement across the poker community.
Juli Keene – Fundraising Program Manager
Juli is also known as a co-host of The Queens of Poker Podcast, where she highlights women in poker and brings community conversations to the table
These women represent the heart of the WPA’s national movement—each one helping create pathways for women to thrive in poker.
What the WPA Stands For
The WPA is a global, all-volunteer nonprofit community dedicated to celebrating and elevating women in poker. Its mission is to heighten the exposure of current female players while encouraging new women to join this exciting and competitive game.
WPA actively advocates for women, striving to connect players and the industry through meaningful conversation, education, and visibility. At the heart of its work are four core programs:
Advocates Program – A national network of volunteers who represent WPA’s mission at local cardrooms, tournaments, and community events. Advocates are the “face of the WPA” on the ground — passionate players who help introduce new women to the game, share WPA resources, and strengthen the bridge between players and the industry.
Player of the Year Program – A point-based leaderboard that highlights and celebrates women achieving consistent success in live tournaments throughout the year. It offers visibility and recognition to rising stars and seasoned pros alike, helping shine a spotlight on female performance in a male-dominated game.
Final Table Celebration Program – A signature WPA initiative that acknowledges women who reach final tables by providing commemorative chips, photo opportunities, and social media shoutouts. It’s a simple yet powerful way to recognize and uplift female achievement in real time.
Raise It Up Program – A behavior-based initiative that promotes respect, inclusivity, and professionalism at the tables. Whether you’re a player, dealer, or spectator, Raise It Up encourages all members of the poker community to help create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, especially women.
These programs aim to inspire more women to participate in poker, support one another, and thrive at both recreational and professional levels—building a future where women are empowered, visible, and valued in every part of the game.
Why Join the WPA?
WPA membership is free, inclusive, and open to anyone who believes in its mission, regardless of gender. Becoming a member gives you access to:
- Poker meetups and community events
- Educational resources and mentorship opportunities
- WPA-exclusive promotions and visibility campaigns
- A supportive nationwide network of poker players and allies
Whether you’re just learning to play or already active in the tournament scene, there’s a place for you in the WPA.
How to Get Involved
Joining the WPA community is quick and easy:
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Just visit this sign-up page
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Fill out your name and email
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You’ll start receiving WPA updates, community news, and opportunities to connect
You can also join the WPA’s official Facebook group, where members share stories, ask questions, and support each other in a fun, welcoming space:
Members are invited to get involved in ways that feel meaningful to them—whether that’s joining advocacy efforts, engaging with the WPA community online or in person, or simply connecting with others who share a love for the game.
Looking Ahead
As the WPA enters this new chapter of leadership, its mission remains strong: to promote, elevate, and unite women in poker. With programs that create visibility, inspire confidence, and build lasting community, the WPA is helping shape a future where more women feel confident taking their seats at the table.
As the game grows, so does the need for representation, advocacy, and connection. The WPA offers a space for women to come together, be seen, and thrive in the world of poker.
Enlist in the #RPGArmy
Ready to go beyond the felt? Enlist in the #RPGArmy and join a movement powered by bold women, fearless content, and unapologetic poker energy. Signing up means you’ll be first to know about upcoming events, giveaways, coaching drops, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to The Real Poker Girls Media universe.
This isn’t just a list—it’s a front row seat to the revolution.
About Women’s Poker News
Women Poker News isn’t just about who wins the hand—it’s about who gets to be seen. WPN was created to spotlight the real stories behind the felt: the grit, the growth, and the journey women take to own their place at the table.
It’s the media platform poker didn’t know it needed—until now. We don’t just track chip counts—we introduce characters, amplify voices, and show the full picture of what it means to be a woman in this game. From rising amateurs to seasoned crushers, WPN brings context, culture, and community back to poker coverage.
Because behind every final table… is a story worth telling.
