Celebrating Day-One Team Member Dianna Scina

During the month of July, each week leading up to our 35th Anniversary, we will feature one of our day-one team members. Today, we celebrate the 35-year career of Dianna Scina, Director of Experiential Marketing:

Dianna Scina still has vivid memories of when she was first hired at San Manuel. After all, the bingo hall was still being built.

“I remember sitting in the building when the tables were still being bolted into the floor, the ceiling hadn’t been put in. There were about 100 employees talking about how San Manuel was going to be the biggest bingo hall and that we had a great opportunity for something that was new to the community,” she said.

Before being hired by San Manuel, Dianna was working as a dental assistant for Indian Health Service, which was located on the reservation. From the dental office, she was able to watch the bingo hall be built next door, and she eventually decided to apply for a part-time job to have a second source of income.

Dianna’s first title at San Manuel was Bingo Floor Clerk where she would assist guests when they needed to purchase bingo cards or exchange their cards, and on occasion, she would pay a big winner.

At the time, Dianna was also studying Social Sciences at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) with the goal of one day becoming a teacher. However, as the bingo hall grew and opportunities grew with it, Dianna decided to take advantage of the growth opportunities presented at San Manuel. After graduating from CSUSB, she put her teaching plans on hold as she became more excited about all the new things San Manuel was developing.

As the opportunities came her way, Dianna continued to be promoted eventually landing her into her current title of Director of Experiential Marketing where she is responsible for the development and implementation of Entertainment, Events, and Sponsorships.

When asked about favorite memories from her 35-year career, Dianna was quick to mention a key moment for the Tribe.

“The most memorable moment was when the Tribe purchased the Arrowhead Springs Hotel. Knowing that they were purchasing ancestral land and being able to provide events at the space is always going to be emotional for me,” she said.

The Arrowhead Springs Hotel is a landmark that rests against the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. The building was once a destination for Hollywood stars and was also owned by Campus Crusade for Christ for many years and now it is back with the tribe.

As part of Dianna’s personal growth, she has been able to take advantage of the tuition reimbursement program and educational discounts that San Manuel offers as part of a benefits package. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 1996 and just completed her master’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Redlands.

When asked about the future, Dianna smiled as she mentioned a list of things she is looking forward to.

“I’m excited for the community as we’re bringing more jobs to the area. I’m excited for the employees to learn new skill sets and have opportunities for career advancement. And I’m excited for our guests who will encounter new gaming and a best-in-class entertainment experience.”