speakers

Ezra Jenkins Is a passionate gamer with a strong focus on mental health, through Maroon Tiger Gaming, he wishes to provide students with professional development, competitive and casual activations, and valuable industry experiences. In the future he plans to provide these opportunities for ecosystems outside of Morehouse.

I'm Ezra, and I'm an animator and compositor from Atlanta, Georgia. I've worked with a number of corporations, organizations, and individual clients from a variety of industries, including Crayola, Marriott, the Discovery Channel, Eclipse Gaming Systems, ASIFA-South, RE:IMAGINE, The Center for Puppetry Arts, Emory’s Science Gallery Atlanta, and more. I’m always looking for the next challenge! The body of my work is in designing nuanced and effective ways to communicate unique ideas for nuanced audiences. I pride myself in being a forward-thinking designer and communicator; my goal is to explore the best ways to frame complex information to be easily understandable, appealing, and engaging to any given person. I’m also a storyteller at heart, and I have a passion for elevating any given creative project into an art piece that leaves a lasting personal impression.

The current CEO of TT Esports is Liu Yifei (Frank Liu) , who also serves as Vice President of Quwan Technology Group. He holds an EMBA from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, serves as Vice President of the Guangdong Esports Association, and has been recognized as a high-level talent in both Guangzhou and Hong Kong. With over a decade of extensive experience in the esports industry, Mr. Liu has become one of the most influential figures in China’s esports scene. He was honored with the 2021 Esports Professional of the Year award by Weibo. He is a specially appointed esports expert for the Department of Physical Education at Peking University, a postgraduate industry mentor at Sun Yat-sen University, and deputy chief editor of Introduction to Esports Commentary, a foundational textbook for training the next generation of esports professionals. As the co-founder of TT Esports, Mr. Liu has led the club to win more than 50 domestic and international titles, including runner-up at the 2025 Esports World Cup (Honor of Kings), national championships in PUBG Mobile, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and Honor of Kings, as well as contributing to two gold medals for the Chinese national team at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. Throughout his career, Mr. Liu twice won the Shanghai Championship in the League of Legends National Competition as a player, and later, as a coach, led his team to a top-four finish in the national finals. These early experiences have shaped his leadership philosophy: success in esports depends not only on competitive victories, but also on building culture, vision, and developing talent to lead the industry into the future.

Bio: Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn (Ph.D., Stanford University) is a Professor at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Georgia. She is the founding director of the Center for Advanced Computer-Human Ecosystems (CACHE; https://www.ugavr.com) and most recently served as co-editor-in-chief of Media Psychology. She has spent two decades investigating how immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, wearables, sensors, and AI embodied agents can transform traditional rules of communication and social interactions. Under Dr. Ahn's leadership, the CACHE center has gained global recognition as a research powerhouse and thought leader in human-computer and human-machine interactions, producing timely and critical knowledge on how virtual experiences in extended and blended realities shape the way that people think, feel, and behave. Her work has received over $12 million in funding from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency, and published in numerous top-tier outlets in the fields of communication, health, and engineering.

All things marketing, digital and innovation for the Atlanta Braves.

Leading the go-to-market layer around our games in Fortnite/UEFN, supporting developers from iteration to market readiness and through launch, updates, and ongoing player engagement.

I spend my time between the cinema, gaming and Esports industries. I'm the founder and President of Women in Exhibition (cinema exhibitors, studios, and support vendor companies) and I am Sr Account manager for Esports and Cinema venue solutions with LG Electronics. All that sexy signage and displays you see everywhere- yeah that’s us! (If you need someone to moderate a panel at your conference contact me, I enjoy moderating) When you work with me.... you will experience the following!! • Achieve maximum sales profitability, growth, and account penetration within the market segment by effectively selling solutions and services. • Personally contact and secure new business accounts/customers. • Secure orders from existing and prospective customers, mainly through a relationship-based approach. • Establish, develop, and maintain business relationships with current customers and prospective customers in the cinema market to generate new business. • Make telephone calls, emails, and in-person visits. • Research sources for developing prospective customers and for information to determine their potential. • Together with other team members, work to develop clear and effective written proposals/quotations for current and prospective customers. When there's a problem -work hard to expedite the resolution of customer problems and complaints. • Coordinate sales effort with marketing, sales management, accounting, logistics, and technical service groups, project manager, marketing, and service team. • Analyze the territory/market’s potential and determines the value of existing and prospective customers value to the organization. • Plan and organize personal sales strategy by maximizing the Return on Time Investment for the market segment. • Keep abreast of market conditions, competitive activities, and trends through reading pertinent literature including social media sites. • Participate in trade shows and conventions (work with the marketing department to determine budget and direction)

I’m a senior at Cannon School, originally from Birmingham, England, now living in North Carolina, and an aspiring journalist and caster for both esports and traditional sports. Over the past few years, I’ve developed my skills in broadcasting, communications, and storytelling while covering events, analyzing games, and engaging with competitive gaming communities. I’ve also spent four years involved in esports competitions and sports events, putting my casting and commentary skills to use. These experiences have helped me build confidence and professionalism on and off the screen, and I’m excited to continue growing in the fast-paced world of sports and esports media. After graduation, I’m interested in pursuing a career in sports or esports media and journalism with an alternative in communications, and I’m excited to continue growing in this fast-paced, dynamic industry.

CEO and Commissioner of NECC Esports. Striving to enhance the student-athlete experience on a daily basis

James is the Director of his company, Fraser Esports, the first company in the world to run the esports online BTEC, whilst his company is providing esports education and consultancy around the world. James is also Head of Education at Hundo, a platform that connects students with virtual work experience opportunities and employers in any and all industries. He has been working in esports education for many years and mainstream education for over 20, and as a National Trainer for Pearson, the creator of the first-ever BTEC in esports, and BDM and QM Samurai founder at Queen Mary's College, Basingstoke. James has won multiple awards for his innovation and leadership in education, including the National Award for the BTEC esports qualification, the Ed Tech Innovator Award from the SCFA, and the NASEF Scholastic Fellow. He is also a global speaker, author, mentor, and ambassador for esports and education, collaborating with prestigious organisations such as Microsoft, Fnatic, NASEF, Gameplan, and Yoyotech. James's mission is to link students with the best work experience opportunities and employers, and to prepare them for the ever-changing workforce and provide support to those in education wanting to discover how esports can help all students.

NASEF: James Wood is the Scholastic Tournament Administrator for NASEF, the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations, where he oversees all elements of competitive NASEF esports titles. He is currently in charge of the NASEF x CIF Esports Initiative where he is working on facilitating the competitive and educational elements involved in the CIF Competitions as well as the NASEF Fall Open Cometitions. James is one of NASEF's Community Leaders, having completed the NASEF Scholastic Fellow and NASEF Scholastic Mentor program. James was also a middle school mathematics teacher and high school math teacher for 10 years. He has ran a gamified classroom with classroom items, experience, guilds and currency, and also has taught a variety of elective courses, including courses on Esports Production and Broadcasting, Video Production, 3D Computer Design, and Introductory 3D Printing. James has written a curriculum focused on CTE elements in esports, as well as a full course on Video Production and Broadcasting as a middle school elective course. James Wood is the founding member and organizer of the Western Region Middle School Esports Conference, a collection of middle school teachers that offer scholastic esports programs to middle schools in the pacific and mountain time zones free of charge. WRMSEC currently has teachers from California, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Montana, and Washington that have been participating in middle school esports conferences. In his (admittedly limited) free time, James enjoys playing board games with his wife and their two children, attending their never ending sporting events, playing MTG with his friends, or occasionally losing horribly in LoL ranked. Lately he has been enjoying Tears of the Kingdom and a family Minecraft server with his wife and children.

Rehabilitation Engineer focusing on developing assistive technologies for individuals with physical disabilities through novel designs, additive manufacturing, and the utilization and retooling of technology and systems from industries outside of the clinical environment.

Jaycee Hermida Holmes, C'2016, serves as director of Spelman Innovation and the Arthur M. Blank Innovation Lab, and as assistant professor in the Department of Art and Visual Culture at Spelman College. She is also a co-founder of CodeHouse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that prepares students of color for the technology industry. To date, CodeHouse has awarded over $3 million in scholarships to Historically Black College and University students, providing them with a foundation in computer science and resources to secure internships and full-time offers in tech. At Spelman, Holmes serves as the director of Spelman's Arthur M. Blank Innovation Lab, the campus makerspace and innovation hub that serves as a center for creative inquiry and hands-on experimentation. Through her leadership at both CodeHouse and Spelman College, she develops initiatives and curricula focused on broadening participation in emerging technologies, game development, and computer science using makerspace pedagogy and project-based curriculum. Her work has been recognized by the inaugural Obama Foundation Leadership Program, the Afrotech Future 50 in the Changemakers category, and Forbes 30 Under 30. Holmes remains passionate about ensuring all voices are represented at the product development table.

I am an enthusiastic eSports leader and dedicated educator, (been with East Baton Rouge Parish School System since I graduated High school) I am passionate about guiding students to become the next generation of digital leaders. With a unique blend of competitive gaming and network security, I help create an environment where students not only excel in eSports but also develop critical leadership skills that translate into any field. My journey in eSports has shown me the incredible potential of this space to foster teamwork, strategic thinking, and resilience. I work tirelessly to build programs that nurture these qualities, helping students discover their strengths and grow both personally and professionally. Beyond the gaming arena, I am a steadfast guardian of our digital realms. My experience spans cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and server management. In a world where digital assets are as valuable as physical ones, I take pride in designing robust, secure systems that protect our eSports platforms and educational resources. This dual focus allows me to offer a truly comprehensive experience: eSports Leadership: Coaching, tournament organization, team management Student Development: Leadership workshops, skill-building sessions, mentorship Digital Security: Cybersecurity protocols, network design, server optimization My goal is to create a safe, empowering digital ecosystem where students can pursue their passions, develop their skills, and emerge as confident leaders ready to make their mark in the ever-evolving worlds of technology and competitive gaming. If you're looking to collaborate on initiatives that blend eSports, education, and digital security, or if you're a student eager to level up your skills, let's connect. Together, we can unlock potential and secure the future.

As an esports solution specialist, I have the opportunity to bring my passion for education and knowledge of technology to holistically support our partners and schools across the country. Having been a former educator, my desire for improving the education experience, equity, and inclusion has carried over into my career in technology and esports. To quote one of my favorite books on the matter, "Esports serves as an inclusive opportunity to give voice and recognition to students who may not have otherwise chosen a role within the school community." - The Esports Education Playbook In my free time, I am an avid gamer, prop and costume maker, and occasionally make appearances with the 501st to different charities as a StormTrooper. TK42287 reporting for duty! If you are ever interested in learning more about esports in education or just want to nerd out, feel free to message me - I'd love to chat!

I change people through Serious Games. I lead the technical development, design novel AI, create financial models (in-game and in real life), and even design workflows for distributed teams. Why Make Serious Games? We hire scientists to measure our results. Or our clients do so. Or, for our government clients, sometimes the National Institute of Standards and Technology does it for them. Serious Games produce significant immediate change in the players, and have better long term retention But Why Do I Make Them? The Serious Part: I've found a great job where I never stop learning new interesting things. Where experts tutor me on business one day, intelligence analysis the next, and preventative health care the day after. That Games Part: I get to create games. It's hard, but seeing people play them, appreciate them, in the end is awesome.

Immerse yourself in the impactful narrative of Jihan Johnston, a distinguished tech industry professional and educational specialist, proudly affiliated with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Her commitment to fostering positive change through gaming and esports is a testament to her visionary leadership. Hailing from Philadelphia, Jihan earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Saint Augustine's University and pursued a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Driven by a desire to empower adolescents, she pioneers groundbreaking work, leveraging the power of gaming to promote financial and business literacy. Recognized for her expertise, Jihan serves as an advisor member for the Onside Gaming Fund for Women Win and the Warrior GMR foundation. In her role as an educational specialist with the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF), she champions educational opportunities for high school students through esports. As the co-curator of BeatBotics, Jihan's visionary leadership takes center stage, showcasing the transformative impact of digital technology in esports, gaming, metaverse, and AI, particularly within black and brown communities. Her trailblazing spirit and commitment to amplifying the voices of these communities are truly inspiring. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in informatics, with a focus on the rich culture of black HBCU esports, Jihan stands as the first African American female to embark on such academic research. Her groundbreaking work becomes a beacon of inspiration, paving the way for future generations to embrace their passions and make a lasting impact. Jihan Johnston's exceptional journey and unwavering dedication remind us of our power to uplift communities, break barriers, and inspire positive change. She is a true catalyst for transformation, leaving an indelible mark on the world and inspiring others to embrace their unique paths, guiding them to leave a lasting impact on the world.

Lead with an unmatched energy and positive attitude, building working relationships that maximize potential and facilitate achievement of shared objectives. Demonstrate contagious enthusiasm and a willingness to do “whatever it takes” to surpass benchmarks, coaching employees and volunteers to share the same resolve. Leverage human resources background to establish solid, compliant organizations with strong employee relations. Possess SPHR, MBTI, DDI, & Six Sigma certifications.

Jim McKowen is a dynamic educator at Hopatcong High School in Hopatcong, NJ, teaching Math, STEAM, and Computer Science courses. During his time in Hopatcong, he has led the development of STEAM programs for grades 6-8 and is currently spearheading comprehensive Computer Science and Esports initiatives at the high school level. As Vice President of Content for Garden State Esports, Jim helps oversee the creation of curricular programs, forges partnerships, and champions opportunities for students in the esports ecosystem, both locally and in conjunction with the NASEF Scholastic Fellows program. Jim's commitment to innovative education is helping to shape the future of esports education, both in and beyond New Jersey.

John is a native of the sunset coast of Michigan. He has taught students from Kindergarten through College over his 16 year career in education. Currently, he is employed by Berrien RESA as a Technology & Innovation Consultant serving more than 27,000 students by supporting their educational technology growth and innovative projects. He is also a co-founder and leader of the Southwest Michigan Esports League. He can be found on Twitter at @bcgeek.

John Shoemaker is an Educational Strategist, Digital Learning Specialist, Futurist, Consultant, and Educational Technology Specialist for the Department of Educational Technology at the School District of Palm Beach County located in West Palm Beach, Florida. He has a passion for pedagogy and technology integration, especially surrounding emerging technology. Having progressed through multiple roles in education over the past 20 years from classroom teacher to district administrator, he has a wide-ranging skillset that aligns to his passions. His background includes expertise in creating, developing, and implementing learning programs, courses, trainings and workshops, and instructional materials to facilitate participants’ further education and learning. For the past 11 years, he has worked with teachers and administrators through professional development training and workshops, coaching, online courses, and one-on-one mentoring. He prides himself on supplying relevant, high quality professional development. He is the eSports Facilitator for the School District of Palm Beach County, and he is in charge of rolling out eSports to any of the schools that are interested in participating. He has been a gamer all his life and has been working on Scholastic eSports for over 4 years now.

Executive Producer & 30 YR Entertainment Executive with Business Interests in Apparel, Gaming, esports, Film/Content Production...