IAAPA values and celebrates the strength, resilience, and achievements of women around the world. In the spirit of that commitment, IAAPA is proud to highlight the accomplishments of the IAAPA Women’s Task Force. Since its launch in 2024, the task force has built a strong foundation and delivered meaningful results in 2025. The group of dedicated female leaders work together with a shared purpose—to elevate women across the attractions industry through connection, education, and representation. Task force members include:
- Geneieve Norris-Brown (Chair), chief operating officer and general manager of Seabreeze Amusement Park, whose passion for leadership development and industry advocacy anchors the group’s mission.
- Gina Claassen, ICAE, vice president of operations at Herschend
- Heather Barnes, MA, founder and CEO of Improv @ Work LLC and faculty member at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management
- Lauren Crosby, fourth-generation owner and director of entertainment and events at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
- Marah Rodriguez, ICAE, regional vice president of sales at Mobaro
- MJ Brewer, vice president of American Specialty Insurance & Risk Services, Inc.
- Sharon Parker, director of marketing and sales at Universal Kids Resort.
In 2025, The IAAPA Women’s Task Force hosted two successful live chats, including “Listen, Learn & Engage with Women on the IAAPA Global Board of Directors,” which featured members of the IAAPA Board and created an open forum for dialogue and insight.
Another session, “Breaking Barriers: How an Empowered Woman Found Her Multiphasic Success in the Attractions Industry and Beyond,” featured Jane Cooper, former president and COO of Herschend Family Entertainment, who offered a candid and inspiring look at leadership, resilience, and career evolution.
At IAAPA Expo 2025, the Women in the Industry Networking Lunch scored exceptionally well, placing in the top 25% of all Expo education offerings. Attendance grew from 244 attendees in 2024 to 301 in 2025, marking a 23% year-over-year increase.
The work of the IAAPA Women’s Task Force not only honors the progress made, but it also paves the way for continued growth, leadership, and opportunity for women across our industry.
