Food & Beverage Supervisor, Fire Rock Navajo Casino

Virginia E. Perry is thankful for the past 15 years at Navajo Nation Gaming.

“We are all a family here,” she said. “I believe anyone can do 15 years, just believe in yourself, and challenge yourself each day. I can say I did my best in everything that was given to me and in return I appreciated that the company took care of me and my family.”

Perry grew up in Church Rock, New Mexico. Her clan is Bitter Water for Towering House.

Her first job as a teen was at Burger King. She took some college courses and ended up working as a manager at Giant, where a previous employee encouraged her to apply at Navajo Gaming in the food and beverage department.

Many people helped her along the way during her 15 years at Navajo Gaming.

Perry said her first manager, Brian Begay, encouraged her to explore her options and learn how to grow with the company.

Gina Francisco was patient and understanding while they learned from each other about the food industry.

Margaret Cleaver was very tough with how things were done, which Perry liked, plus she was understanding and believed that Perry could grow with the company.

Darren, a bartender, spent time teaching Perry about alcohol mixing, bartending tools, and servicing.

Her advice to others starting out:

“Be yourself, smile and if you are having a bad day, just remember everyone around is just like your family at home, so treat everyone with respect and be patient,” Perry said.