speakers

Adrieanne Moliere is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and has been working with Diverse learners for over 8 years. Adrieanne is the Esports Coordinator for the Louisiana k-12 charter school University View Academy. She co-hosts the esports club where she facilitates competitive, scholastic, and inclusive esports experiences. In her pursuit to develop opportunities for students with disabilities, Adrieanne allows students to incorporate vital executive functioning or life skills into games like Minecraft, Rocket League and League of Legends. As a NASEF fellow she developed content to support students with disabilities and their families to have fun while learning.

Akil O’Connor is a Director at Scholastic Esports Research Center and a Primary School teacher. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Education. His Esports career in Trinidad and Tobago began in 2003 by being a core member of his Secondary School gaming clan named Federal Intellectual Assassins (F.I.A.) In 2007, he was a part of the Java Internet Café Gaming Team, which was one of the first sponsored Esports teams in Trinidad and Tobago and went on to become the Call of Duty: United Offensive National champions of the same year. From 2009 to 2013, Akil would be part of the Non-Profit Organization ‘Trinigamers’ where he eventually became the Junior Director responsible for Sponsorship relations, Marketing and Website Management. In 2015 to 2016, he took on the role of Esports Team Manager for Delirium Entertainment Center managing 8 Esports athletes, in 3 games. From 2016 to 2019, Akil would be a founding member of Paradigm Electronic Gaming which offered Esports consultancy services along with Event Planning and Organizational Development while working alongside various Esports organizers and events in Trinidad and Tobago. In 2021, Akil was selected to represent his country by the U.S. State Embassy Port of Spain at the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on Video Games for Steam and Entrepreneurship, where he was given the title of ‘Esports Expert’ for his Esports knowledge. Through the IVLP experience, Akil would be introduced to Scholastic Esports, where he is currently introducing various Scholastic Esports programs to Primary and Secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago.

Semi-retired now but previously co-founder and Vice President at Tripwire Interactive, that was launched in 2005, after winning Nvidia's "$1,000,000 Make Something Unreal"​ contest. We produced our first title (Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45) in 2006, followed by Killing Floor in 2009. Then Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad in 2011 (PC Gamer's Multiplayer Game of the Year) and Rising Storm in 2013 (PC Gamer's Multiplayer Game of the Year, again). Killing Floor 2 released into Steam Early Access in April 2015, announced for PS4 as well. With Killing Floor, we started publishing our own titles, followed by publishing ACE Team's Zeno Clash in 2010, with the latest MSU winner - The Ball - following on - and more to come. Tripwire Interactive was aquired by Embrace Group in August 2022.

I have a background in public education, as a former urban high school mathematics and computer science teacher. I also helped form our school’s video game club and esports teams during my last years of teaching. Then I found my new role at Harrisburg University as the Director of Secondary Services, where I get to continue advocating for dual enrollment and college in the high school student opportunities. I also assist in STEM learning programs and workforce development for high school teens.

President of Murder Hornet, where creative violence solves everything. I lead with purpose and clarity - advocating for ideas that punch above their weight, helping build brands that leave a dent. Looking to rebuild the system.

Alex Jebailey is internationally renowned as America’s most active promoter of fighting games. As the owner and director of CEO Gaming he has built a small rescue event into a multi-event convention organization responsible for some of America’s largest competitive gaming conventions. Jebailey is also known for his work with DreamHack, ESL Gaming, All Elite Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling, The Pokémon Company, Nintendo, Capcom USA, Red Bull, Warner Bros, Microsoft, ESL, Iron Galaxy Studios, Gaming Generations, and an ever growing list of international gaming tournaments and conventions. Experienced Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the entertainment industry. Strong professional skilled in Management, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Online Marketing, and Digital Media.

An entrepreneur with a focus on collaboration and partnerships in esports, entertainment, and sports industries.

Esports Program Director at Shenandoah University. Competition Council member for the National Association of Collegiate Esports. Passionate for the growth of collegiate esports.

Amy Harris is a mom in her twelfth year of teaching CTE Computer Science, and has been the adult in the room for Hart Career Center’s esports program since its inception in 2015. She is also the board vice-president/treasurer and Smash TO for the Missouri Scholastic Esports Federation, a NASEF Community Leader, and a member of the NAECAD National Advisory Board. Prior to teaching, she worked as an IT Director and Web Developer.

Andrew Greenberg, executive director of the Georgia Game Developers Association, has been making his living as a game developer since 1990. A fellow with the Mythic Imagination Institute, Andrew is also organizer of the Southern Interactive Entertainment and Games Expo (SIEGE). He chairs the DeKalb Entertainment Commission and serves on the board of the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office. Best known for designing computer games and roleplaying games, Andrew co-created the “Fading Suns” roleplaying and computer games and was the original developer of White Wolf’s “Vampire: The Masquerade.” He has also worked on products with other roleplaying game companies, including “Star Trek Next Generation” and “Deep Space Nine.” His computer game credits include Dracula Unleashed, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Emperor of the Fading Suns, Warhammer 40K: Final Liberation, Merchant Prince II, Mall Tycoon, Dungeon Crawlers, Dungeon Lords, The Virtual World of Kaneva, Railroad Tycoon Mobile and the Global Agenda MMO. More info can be found at www.andrewgreenberg.com

Angie Batth is a Marketing Specialist at NASEF working to bring Scholastic Esports to students all across the globe. Angie has worked with NASEF for over 3 years, but also has staffed esports tournaments, hosted panels, worked at the UCI Esports Arena, and managed a Collegiate Overwatch team. Angie has a strong background in the realm of esports and social media marketing.

Annie Eaton is an immersive content producer, specializing in engaging and interactive virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. She currently serves as the CEO of Futurus, an Atlanta-based software development company. As a Georgia Tech graduate, she stays involved in the Atlanta technology community, managing XR Atlanta, a community organization that now boasts over 1,500 members. Annie is also involved with Women in XR Atlanta, Women in Technology (WIT), and The Academy of International Extended Reality (AIXR). She has been recognized by various organizations for her work in tech, including Women in Technology (Woman of the Year Award), Women in IT (Rising Star Award), and Technology Association of Georgia (Young Professionals’ Technologist of the Year Award). Her projects have won recognition from Fast Company in their Innovation by Design award series. Annie has vast public speaking experience, having been invited as a speaker for conferences, podcasts, educational institutions, and corporate events to share her love and knowledge of immersive technology.

Ansley Partosa is an enthusiastic advocate for esports and education. She uses her experience in digital marketing and social media management as NASEF’s Marketing Specialist to reach a wide audience in the scholastic esports community. Through her work in the Greater Gaming Society of San Antonio, TX she has hosted various esports tournaments, charity esports tournaments, and community gaming events.

Asante Bradford is a dedicated professional working for the Georgia Center of Innovation (COI), the forefront of business transformation and growth for the State of Georgia. With a strong background in Creative Media, Asante brings technical industry expertise to foster research collaborations and form strategic business partnerships, enabling the entertainment industries in Georgia to connect, compete, and thrive. A pioneering figure in digital entertainment and technology, Asante has dedicated his career to advancing Georgia's position as a hub for innovation. As the Digital Entertainment Project Manager at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Bradford has been instrumental in attracting and nurturing cutting-edge projects in gaming, film, and interactive media, helping to shape the state's technological landscape. In addition, Asante plays a crucial role in educating potential prospects about the Georgia Entertainment Industry Incentives Act, providing valuable information to support and promote the growth of the Georgia entertainment industry. If you have any questions or would like to explore opportunities in the digital entertainment sector in Georgia, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, let's create a thriving future for the entertainment industry in our state!

Ashlea Porri currently is the Recreation Supervisor with Forsyth County Parks and Recreation at the Old Atlanta Recreation Center which currently houses one of the few Esports Arenas within the parks and recreation agencies in Georgia. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and sits on the Marketing and Visibility Committee as a Recreation Programming representative with the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA). Ashlea holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management from Kennesaw State University. Before starting with Forsyth County, she worked in the private club industry for 8 years at the Atlanta Athletic Club running fitness and aquatics programs and was a competitive swim coach for 6 years. Her roots are truly in recreation as she worked through high school and college for Cobb County and with KSU’s recreation department.

Ashley Adams began working in California arts education over 20 years ago and has spent her professional career supporting high-quality arts instruction for all students. As the Founding Executive Director of the AME Institute non-profit organization, Ashley is committed to supporting AME teachers and administrators through professional learning experiences that are relevant, engaging, meaningful, and transformative. Ashley's career began in the educational departments of the Old Globe Theatre and Pasadena Playhouse, and she later taught high school theatre in the San Dieguito Union High School District in San Diego. She was a founding staff member at Canyon Crest Academy and its first Envision Director. Ashley's consulting work has encompassed strategic planning and curriculum support for various schools and districts throughout California including Rancho Santa Fe, Vista Unified, and Oakland School for the Arts. Ashley holds a BA in English and Theatre from Middlebury College and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education.

Veteran esports producer/director for live events and online broadcast. Working with a multitude of streamers, influences and esports professional players creating a unique and entertaining story-line. Several years of experience dealing with crewing, talent, budgets, pre and post production pieces for small and large quality broadcasts both on live stream and network television. Served as the Showrunner for the inaugural Rogue Company Invitational hosted in our facility this past January along with Executive Produced and Managed the production for the first pro wresting event, "Zicky Dice's Outlandish Paradise" for Twitch. Coordinated and Produced three Live broadcast for Brawlhalla a Ubisoft licensed studio 2 exclusive HP Omen Oasis Championships and 1 World Championship, Executive Produced and Coordinated both a live to tape and post production project along side Warner Media executing four one hour segment shows in a single day with 16 remote feeds all over the United States Produced, Directed, or TD'ed: Brawlhalla Midseason Invitational (10-12); June Microsoft Atlanta HQ Grand Opening (May 3, 2022); Collegiate Esports Commissioner's Cup (May 4-6, 2022); Zicky Dice Trouble in Paradise (April 1, 2022); Cxmmunity Doordash Rocket League Showcase (March 30, 2022); Brawlhalla HP Omen Invitational (February 27-28, 2022); Rogue Company Invitational (January 4-5, 2022); Zicky Dice Outlandish Paradise (January 15, 2022); BR Gaming Nintendo Switch Winter Challenge (December 6, 2021); Brawlhalla Finals (November 13-14, 2021); HSEL Homeroom Fall Season (October-December, 2021) Brawlhalla Invitational (September 18, 2021); Queens Dar Alliance Showcase (June 22, 2021); NACE Spring Championship (April 23-24, 2021); Madden Showcase (January 13, 2021); (HyperX Showdown: Knockout (June 5, 2019); Triple Crown Royale (June 22, 2019); PlayTime with KittyPlays (June 21, 2019); NHL World Gaming Championship (June 18, 2019); Allied Esports R6 Minor for Ubisoft (June 7-9, 2019); DragonBall Legends Showdown (May 21-23, 2019).

Avery Carter is an associate in Arnall Golden Gregory LLP's Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice and a member of the Entertainment & Sports industry team.

I’m a student at Cannon School and a leader in the Cannon School Esports program, as well as a key member of the Collective Esports Company (CEC). Over the past three years, I’ve helped organize tournaments, run events, and work with sponsors through the Business of Esports program. My experience both on stage and behind the scenes has given me a strong foundation in event management, communication, and the business side of the esports industry.

Collaborative and team-oriented game developer with experience in game design, development, programming, graphics, audio and integration, and project management. Experience using modern tools including Unity and Unreal Engine for 2D, 3D, AR, and VR experiences. Tackled many individual and team development projects while playing many different roles as a developer, designer, and producer. Graduated from Kennesaw State University and has completed a Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Design and Development along with a minor in Computer Science and a minor in Software Engineering in 2021.

Bethany Pyles (she/her) (ign: indyburgh) lives in Los Angeles, CA and holds a B.A in anthropology. Bethany is the Collegiate Engagement Lead for the*GameHERs and the Director of Business Development at Gamerabble. She was previsouly the Director of Coaching for the North America Scholastic Esports Federation Bethany and the Head of Coaching for Cloud9's Training Grounds. Bethany also co-developed and facilitated the Esports Teacher Academy with Microsoft using Minecraft Education Edition as well as the NASEF Coaching Course. Bethany is an avid gamer and competes casually in Overwatch, Apex Legends and other FPS titles. She has a passion for play and learning that stems from personal experiences and a rich mentorship from notable researchers and professors at the University of California Irvine and Connected Camps.