Rising Stars: Meet Julimeah Dela Cruz of Inglewood, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julimeah Dela Cruz

Hi Julimeah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was drawn to marketing because it’s all about understanding people—figuring out how to reach an audience in a way that truly connects with them. I loved how creative and free you can be while still staying on-brand, and I knew I wanted to explore the different avenues within it. When I started at Hollywood Park Casino, I quickly realized there’s so much more to this industry than just gaming. Being hands-on with sports and entertainment events, working closely with media, and seeing Inglewood evolve with SoFi Stadium and the Intuit Dome right next door has been an incredible experience.

Coming from Orange County, working in Inglewood was a big change. The energy here is unmatched, and the mix of locals, sports fans, and travelers creates such a unique atmosphere. I love meeting new people, seeing familiar faces, and being part of the city’s transformation into a major entertainment hub.

One of the moments that made me realize I was in the right place was our launch event for Le Portier with Shannon Sharpe. That, along with hosting ticket giveaway events with major radio stations, was a full-circle moment for me. I grew up listening to these stations, and suddenly, I was working alongside the hosts and teams behind them. I’ve also had the chance to meet and work with various athletes, and what really made me love what I do was seeing the excitement from fans and guests. Being able to create those moments for them—whether it’s meeting their favorite athlete, winning tickets to a show, or just having an unforgettable night—made me realize how much impact we can have.

My role has given me a deep appreciation for media and PR and how it ties into the bigger picture. It’s not just about marketing a casino—it’s about positioning it as part of the entertainment experience in Inglewood. Every event, every campaign, and every collaboration is an opportunity to showcase how Hollywood Park Casino is more than just a gaming destination—it’s where the excitement continues.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has been exciting, but of course, every role comes with its challenges. One of the biggest has been making sure people see Hollywood Park Casino as more than just a gaming destination. With SoFi Stadium and the Intuit Dome right next door, we’re in the heart of the action, and our goal is to showcase how we complement the entire entertainment experience. Whether it’s grabbing a bite before a game, celebrating after a concert, or just enjoying the atmosphere, there’s so much to offer.

Another challenge was stepping into media and PR and realizing just how much strategy goes into it—between media costs, contracts, and messaging, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes. But that’s also what makes it exciting. I love finding creative ways to connect with different audiences and ensuring that every campaign or event highlights what makes Hollywood Park Casino stand out.

At the end of the day, these challenges are just opportunities to innovate and grow. Seeing people walk in, take in the energy, and leave with a great experience is what makes it all worth it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my role as a Media & PR Coordinator at Hollywood Park Casino, I work closely with our marketing and events team to bring visibility to the brand through media partnerships, promotions, and activations. A big part of what we do is finding creative ways to connect with our audience—whether that’s through ticket giveaways, collaborating with radio stations, or creating experiences that make guests feel like they’re part of the action. Our goal is to showcase Hollywood Park Casino as more than just a gaming destination—it’s part of the entertainment scene in Inglewood.

What I love about this role is the collaboration. Every campaign, event, and promotion is a team effort, and I’ve learned so much from working alongside experienced professionals in marketing, media, and operations. I’ve also gained insight into the behind-the-scenes aspects of media, from navigating contracts to understanding how messaging needs to be adapted across different platforms.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how we, as a team, have positioned Hollywood Park Casino as a go-to spot for fans and visitors. Being next to SoFi Stadium and the Intuit Dome gives us an incredible opportunity to engage with sports and entertainment lovers, and it’s exciting to be part of the group that helps bring that vision to life. Seeing guests walk in, have a great experience, and leave with lasting memories is what makes this job so rewarding.

At the end of the day, I love what I do because it’s about people—connecting them with experiences, building excitement, and making sure they walk away with something memorable. I’m grateful to work with a great team that shares the same passion, and I’m excited to keep growing and evolving in this space.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
A lot of my inspiration comes from simply being immersed in sports and entertainment content. I spend a lot of time on social media, watching reels and following trends to see how brands and events engage with their audiences. Social media is constantly evolving, so staying up to date helps me understand what resonates with people and how we can apply those insights to Hollywood Park Casino.

Outside of work, I naturally view things through a marketing lens. Whenever I attend events—whether it’s a game, concert, or activation—I pay attention to how brands interact with their audience, the little details that make an experience memorable, and how that could translate to what we do at the casino. It’s exciting to take inspiration from different industries and think about how we can elevate our own approach.

At the end of the day, marketing is everywhere, and I love seeing how creative storytelling, branding, and engagement strategies play out in real time. That’s what keeps me inspired and always thinking of new ideas.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://playhpc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecalifornia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playhpc/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julimeah/
• Twitter: https://x.com/PlayHPC
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HollywoodParkCasino
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hollywood-park-casino-inglewood
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/playhpc/

Image Credits
Jimmy Reyes