COACHELLA, CA – Augustine Casino recently announced its 2022 Team Member and Leader of the Year. Josefina Frias De Castro, a Beverage Server, and Angelo Wilson, a Slot Shift Manager, were honored at the tribe’s annual Service Awards Dinner.
The casino honors a team member and leader annually who have demonstrated dedication, phenomenal service, teamwork, excellent communication skills and have embraced the Augustine vision for the betterment of the tribe, casino, guests and fellow team members.
Frias De Castro, Team Member of the Year, began her career at Augustine in 2005 as an employee dining room attendant. In 2013, she moved into her current position, earning Team Member of the Quarter recognition in 2016 and a 2017 Oasis Award for Hospitality from the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau. George Quintana, Director of F&B, said it was an easy decision to nominate her.
“Josefina is a favorite of our regular guests and VIPs because she has cultivated many long-term relationships with these patrons who enjoy catching up with her and talking about the day’s events while gaming on the casino floor,” said Quintana.
Wilson transferred from Public Safety to Slots in February of 2016. Wilson’s persistence in his career in the slot department earned him a promotion to lead slot attendant in 2018. In 2020, he was promoted to his current position.
“His selflessness, dedication to the team, and growth within the last year have earned him this recognition as Leader of the Year,” said Liz Wilberts, Slot Director.
“Josefina and Angelo are committed to providing the highest level of service to our guests,” said Jef Bauer, CEO. “This recognition is a testament to their work ethic and it is a pleasure to work alongside them each day.”
During the event, the tribe recognized its 20-year team members, honoring each with a custom-made dreamcatcher lapel pin. The pins feature a center turquoise and a diamond in the middle of three dangling feathers.
“We are humbled by this incredible group of team members who have dedicated their careers to the tribe,” said Chairperson Amanda Vance. “We look forward to gifting more pins each year and are excited to add additional diamonds to commemorate their service at year 25 and 30.”
The 20-year honorees include: Alejandro Silva, Amelia Ambriz Venegas, Eleida Bolanos, Ernesto Morgan-Bernal, Exequiel Arellano, Juanita Oaks, Marcela Rodriguez, Maria Banuelos, Mary Valencia, Max Castro, Michael Gomez, Rick Castillo, Sandra Rodriguez, Sergio Rojas and Yolanda Pozas.
