Jen Shahade: Championing Women in Poker and Beyond
Jen Shahade: A trailblazer in the poker world.
In her remarkable 15-year journey in the poker industry, Jen Shahade has made significant strides for women in the game, creating ripples that are felt far beyond her own accomplishments at the table. From spearheading initiatives to make poker more accessible and inclusive to sharing her unique experiences through writing, Shahade stands out as a role model. As a nominee for the Women in Poker Hall of Fame Class of 2024, her work has garnered recognition and appreciation among peers and newcomers alike.
Nomination for the Women in Poker Hall of Fame
Recently nominated for the Women in Poker Hall of Fame, Shahade finds herself among esteemed company, including prominent figures like Kristen Foxen and Liv Boeree. In a conversation with PokerNews, she described her nomination as an exhilarating surprise, especially when fellow competitor Jamie Kerstetter reached out to share the news. “It’s sensational because I’m always looking to showcase the positive side of poker, and I think that every woman on the list is really exemplary of that,” she stated.
This honor feels particularly poignant to Shahade, who has witnessed firsthand the often-overlooked beauty of poker—not just as a game, but as a community. "We are always struggling to be seen for what we love about poker," she reflected.
From Passion to Profession
Shahade’s love for games began in childhood. Growing up in a family that encouraged strategic thinking and competition, she felt a natural affinity for poker. Initially drawn to online poker, she quickly fell in love with the live experience. However, financial constraints limited her ability to frequent major events, a struggle she empathizes with many women facing similar hurdles in entering the game.
“A seat at the table sometimes requires money,” she noted, astutely observing the wider implications of financial disparities within the poker community. This understanding fuels her passion for creating a more inclusive environment for women in the game.
Leading Initiatives for Women in Poker
Shahade has been instrumental in advocating for women in poker through several initiatives. Before the infamous "Black Friday" in 2011, she participated in PokerStars’ Women initiative, which opened doors for her to discover major live tournaments across the globe. More recently, she has taken a vital role as an ambassador for PokerStars, leading women’s boot camps in collaboration with Poker Power, where she mentors aspiring female players.
The boot camps have proven transformative, with participants, including Chess Master Sabrina Chevannes, finding a path towards serious poker engagement. “So many of the women who have played in those are still really serious about poker and they are going on tours to different EPTs. It’s really exciting to watch,” Shahade remarked, highlighting her joy in witnessing their growth.
PokerStars Women’s Bootcamp in Cyprus: Cultivating the next generation of female poker players.
Notable Contributions Beyond Poker
Shahade’s influence extends beyond the poker table. She has also made a mark in the chess community, advocating for women and facing considerable challenges. Her resignation from the U.S. Chess Federation following personal disputes underscores her commitment to feminism and justice, especially in male-dominated fields. This courageous act speaks volumes about her dedication not just as a player, but as an advocate for women across all strategic board games.
The Future: Toward Greater Inclusiveness
Looking ahead, Shahade is optimistic about the future of women in poker. The upcoming Ladies Event at the NAPT Las Vegas festival, featuring a guaranteed $30,000 prize pool, exemplifies growing recognition for female players. Additionally, the inaugural PokerStars Women’s Winter Festival in London, set to include a £1,100 buy-in High Roller event, marks another significant milestone. "I’m sure that’s going to be a trend now as well," Shahade confidently declared.
Shahade is heartened to see a shift toward normalization – as exemplary female players increasingly take their rightful place at the table without their gender being a focal point. “I really liked that,” she noted regarding recent poker highlights that feature talented women without overt emphasis on their gender, an encouraging sign for the future.
A Personal Touch
Her advocacy is rooted in personal experiences, as demonstrated by her poignant essays on topics such as secondary infertility, discussed in The Wall Street Journal. Shahade’s most cherished recognition, receiving the Global Poker Award for Best Media Content, stems from these writings which intertwine her personal and professional lives. “I felt like that was really meaningful to me,” she shared, emphasizing how poker has taught her invaluable lessons far beyond mere gameplay.
Conclusion
Jen Shahade is not just a respected poker and chess player; she is a multifaceted advocate for women in gambling and strategic games, tirelessly working to build communities, support newcomers, and break down barriers. As the voting for the Women in Poker Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is underway until October 30, Shahade’s legacy continues to inspire countless others to take a seat at the table and share their stories.
As we celebrate the achievements and ambitions of women in poker like Jen Shahade, the future looks bright for a more equitable and inclusive gaming community. To learn more about Shahade and the other nominees, check out PokerNews’ coverage.
1
20
20
