iGB Highlights Valdés, Cooper, and Smith in Most Influential Women 2026 Profiles

iGaming Business has detailed three additional recipients of its Most Influential Women 2026 awards. Cecilia Valdés, Chelsie Cooper, and Paris Smith each describe distinct paths that converge on regulatory clarity, technological alignment, and visible leadership in gaming.

Cecilia Valdés took the helm of the Chilean Association of Gaming Casinos (ACCJ) in 2022. A communicator and public affairs specialist with more than 20 years of experience as a journalist and historian, she arrived without a lifelong background in gambling. Valdés told iGB she is proud the work in Chile receives international recognition. She measures influence by the ability to drive change, build consensus, and contribute to industry development.

Valdés calls her 2022 appointment a turning point. She has concentrated on elevating the ACCJ's voice with government, regulators, legislators, police, and local authorities while expanding international engagement. A bill to regulate online gambling that has stalled since its introduction in 2022 remains central to her agenda. She argues Chile needs clear rules to address technological and regulatory changes, correct competitive imbalances, sustain licensed casinos, and confront illegal gaming in both land-based and online forms. Valdés also stresses the sector's role in generating jobs, investment, tourism, and revenues for regional development.

She links diversity to better decisions in a fast-changing industry. For more than five years Valdés has mentored women through WoomUp. Her advice to aspiring leaders centers on pursuing real impact rather than recognition, learning to adapt, and building networks of trust.

Industry Needs and Personal Trajectories

Chelsie Cooper, founder and CEO of Approvely.com, describes a 15-year career built brick by brick from early exposure to fintech and payments. Her first operator customer operated in the US daily fantasy sports market and helped reveal gaps between innovative operators and slower suppliers. Cooper states the gaming industry adopts new games, approaches, and AI while many suppliers have not caught up. Approvely aims to close that gap. She reports a product launch is due early next year alongside plans for geographic expansion.

Cooper says gaming and fintech are not where they should be on diversity and inclusion but notes leaders who encourage new thinking. She values networks of women CEOs for practical knowledge and recommends targeted events to increase visibility for those focused on building.

Paris Smith, an independent consultant who spent 17 years leading Pinnacle, says she is honoured and humbled by the recognition. She treats the award as a chance to highlight female talent rather than personal achievement. Smith credits mentors who advanced her for demonstrated strength, expertise, and diplomacy. She views recognition schemes primarily as tools for awareness that women are making moves in the sector.

Smith names LeoVegas and Betsson as companies that have produced notable female leaders. Her current work focuses on connecting entrepreneurs with partners and investors to move innovation forward. She holds investments anticipating exits and finds completion of those deals exciting. Her counsel is direct: be yourself, do not be afraid, get out of the comfort zone, and show strengths, vulnerability, and determination.

The profiles collectively surface recurring themes the source itself records: regulatory modernization in Latin America, supplier responsiveness to operator innovation, and deliberate visibility for women already delivering results.