speakers

Serena Paris is a model, actress, and content creator dedicated to promoting self-love, self-growth, and mental health awareness. Through her platform, she’s helped raise over $50,000 for charity and continues to inspire others to make a difference. Whether she’s dropping into Fortnite, bringing characters to life through creative cosplays, or connecting with her community, Serena’s mission is to spread positivity and authenticity in everything she does.

Shaun Sheppard is an indie founder and long-time multiplayer game developer across various studio settings. He worked on netcode for Party Animals, served as Lead Engineer for Smolbound, and was Technical Director on a warehouse-scale, tetherless VR platform with full-body mocap used by international government agencies. Shaun authored the GONet multiplayer netcode library and was the lead dev of DAJIMO, an FPS demo for GONet. He’s shipped multiple entertainment and simulation titles.

Sinclaire Hoyt is a dynamic force in the world of esports and gaming, making significant strides as a student at Spelman College. With a passion for both technology and social impact, Sinclaire has dedicated herself to bridging the gap between black girls and the gaming industry. Currently pursuing a degree at Spelman College, Sinclaire has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in her efforts to create more inclusivity within the gaming community. As the founder and president of the Spelman Esports program, she has actively worked to challenge stereotypes and foster a more diverse and welcoming environment for black girls in the gaming world. Sinclaire's commitment to education and empowerment is evident in her advocacy for STEAM programs tailored to young black girls, encouraging them to explore opportunities in gaming and technology. She has organized workshops and seminars providing invaluable resources and guidance to aspiring black female gamers. Beyond her activism, Sinclaire has leveraged her skills in game design and development to create projects that resonate with underrepresented communities. Her innovative game designs not only entertain but also address social issues, aiming to spark meaningful conversations and promote positive change. In addition to her academic pursuits, Sinclaire has collaborated with industry leaders and organizations to amplify the voices of black girls in gaming. Through her engaging talks and presentations, she shares insights on the importance of diversity in the gaming industry, challenging the status quo and inspiring others to follow suit. Sinclaire Hoyt is undoubtedly a rising star in the esports and gaming industry, using her platform as a Spelman College student to make lasting contributions towards a more inclusive and equitable future for black girls in gaming. With her unwavering dedication and visionary approach, Sinclaire is poised to continue shaping the landscape of esports and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

I’m Skyler Scarlett, an entrepreneur, gamer, and proud girl dad. I started GameClass to turn the world’s most popular video games into meaningful learning tools, inspired by how much my daughter loves to play, explore, and ask questions. Before this, I built and sold a wellness startup and pitched (twice!) on Shark Tank. I’ve also spoken at Berkeley, Columbia, and Yale about building with purpose and chasing ideas that make a difference. Always open to bold ideas and real impact.

Strategic business leader with direct experience in building businesses from early stage to successful exit. Worked directly with the C-suite in developing strategic plans, executing business plans and financial analysis. Consistently demonstrating strong analytical skills, creative problem solving and adaptability focused on driving enterprise value. Currently focused in areas of eSports, commercial real estate and digital marketing.

Sophie Quidone is a junior at Syracuse University studying Esports Communication & Management. She holds multiple leadership roles on campus, including President of the Gaming & Esports Club, and Student Ambassador for Gen.G, connecting students to esports industry opportunities. Across these roles, she's focused on building accessible, welcoming spaces in esports for students at every level.

I have a passion for Electric transportations and Esports. 20+ years of experience in the motorcycle and bicycle industry in Europe and North America in leadership roles. Managing Director of Init Sports Management. Init Sports focus on developing athletes and brands in the Motorsports industry with particular attention to the Electric Off-road motorcycle market and the Ebike industry. Init Sports recently launched Init Esports Agency to develop the Esports arena in the motorsports industry. Mentor of young women interested in the world of motorcycling.

Stephen is also the Chief Executive Officer at ESIC, bringing the spectrum of his knowledge of forensics, technology and growth strategy for the benefit of the commission and it’s members. Stephen is also an experienced forensic accountant with accompanying legal qualifications. He founded Corporate Advantage Group in 2016 and has successfully completed several multi-million dollar forensic engagements. Aside from his forensic expert practice, Stephen owns and operates a range of businesses in a variety of industries including tech, education, esports, and construction. His understanding of business growth strategies and business automation technology has allowed him to successfully create, scale and maintain several brands. As a by-product of this success, Stephen regularly consults to external businesses on growth strategy, technological automation, and business process outsourcing.

Partnerships and marketing in the sports and esports world. Working with teams from the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL along with professional esports organizations.

Educator with over 25 years experience. Leader in the area of Game Based Learning and teaching Game Design and Development. EdTech influencer and community builder. Producer of Minefaire, a massive minecraft fan experience.

Steve works at Kennesaw State University as the Associate Director of Sport Programs and oversees Esports, Intramurals, Club Sports, and Adaptive Recreation. His heart originally captured, like so many others, by the Pokémon franchise, he is now proud to consider Esports part of his portfolio and looks forward to helping to grow the collegiate space.

Sue Bohle has a long history in the game world. She founded her own PR agency in 1979, after 10 years with two national public relations firms. The Bohle Company initially focused on tech clients. She was Microsoft’s first public relations agency. She helped Bill Gates launch MS-DOS, launched Epson America and built Packard Bell into the No. 1 manufacturer of the PC. But In 1983, Sue was invited to pitch Atari. At the time, any PR for game companies was done in-house. The Bohle Company became the first PR firm serving videogame clients. Over the next two decades her agency helped ID make Doom the top selling first person shooter; launched products like NEC America’s TurboGraphix-16 ; Trip Hawkins’ 3DO system and Alienware. The Bohle Company also helped grow IGN into the largest online gamer site, helped make GDC the industry’s leading developer gathering and pushed Penny Arcade to expand into a series of gamer events around the world. During this period the agency also launched The Matrix for Warner Brothers and promoted many Sega, Paramount and DreamWorks games. In the early 2000’s, Sue started the Serious Play Conference, to leverage the power of “play” in training and education. Serious Play Conference helps instructional designers and teachers create games to teach k-12 And higher ed students and to train workers and professionals in government, the military healthcare and business. She has long been a promoter of education. In the early 90’s, she championed the development of a standardized curriculum for a game development major in higher ed.

Michelle Statham is a 57 year old grandmother with three children and two grandchildren. She's been playing video games since the release of Pong & Atari and nearly every gaming platform since. She began streaming full time in 2020 as TacticalGramma and quickly developed worldwide popularity with over a million followers on social media.She hosts content on platforms such as TikTok, Twitch, Twitter, and Instagram and is a partnered content creator on Facebook Gaming. She's a unique influencer in the gaming industry being older than most and female with a passion for first person shooter (FPS) games like Call of Duty. She has created an uplifting and positive social media community where people of all ages and backgrounds are welcomed. TacticalGramma has become an on-line grandmother to people all over the world handing out virtual hugs and positive advice that impacts many who look to her for comfort.

Tammy is a veteran teacher in Suwannee County, Florida. She currently teaches computer science and broadcasting at Suwannee Middle School. After school, she is the head coach of the SMS Esports Club, which she helped found in 2019. Since that time, she has worked to connect other middle school esports programs to allow middle school students a safe environment in which to explore the amazing industry of esports. Her school was the first middle school to have a live student broadcast team (called shoutcasters). Her passion and drive to bring Florida esports together is evident in her dedication to the Sunshine State Esports League. In addition to her esports endeavors, she also supports educators through a variety of social media platforms including Twitter chats and Facebook groups.

erial FinTech entrepreneur ● Dares to imagine, and implement, the transformational possibilities of emerging technology ● Successful at managing the risk portfolio of institutions exceeding $1.2 trillion in assets during one of the most tumultuous financial markets in history ● Track record of building and growing successful businesses ● Subject matter expert & key opinion leader in the following disciplines: -M&A, Investments & New Products Development -FinTech Integration, Development, UI, and UX -Financial Services Innovation & Business Development -Product Strategy, Executive & Board Reporting -OpRisk/Regulatory/Compliance Program Design -Cybersecurity Program Design & Implementation

TC Ogletree is an associate in Arnall Golden Gregory LLP’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice and a member of the Emerging Technologies and Entertainment & Sports industry teams. He is interested in the intersection between copyright and AI and enjoys writing articles about how the development of AI affects creative industries.

I am an Assistant Professor of Game Design and Development at Kennesaw State University where my work focuses on how digital platforms are designed, governed, and managed, with a particular interest in games, online play spaces, and creative digital industries. I study how rules, codes of conduct, and moderation systems influence interaction, trust, and community in online environments, and how organizations adapt to regulatory and operational challenges in these spaces. I have a PhD in Informatics form the University of California, Irvine and began my career as a lecturer in the Information Systems department at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. At Wits University I designed and taught technical courses in programming, systems design, and process modeling, often using project-based learning with real-world partners. My early research work at Wits University involved exploring how game-based learning can be used to teach process management, systems thinking, and programing related skills. During my PhD at UC Irvine, I extended this work by teaching courses related to design, programming and software engineering, while developing research on governance, compliance, and innovation in digital play platforms. My broader goal is to connect research on games and digital platforms with information systems practice, showing how these environments provide lessons for governance, compliance, and responsible innovation in today’s digital economy.

I've spent over a decade in professional Esports and have learned a ton from my time on the field. A strong understanding of my craft and a dedication to improvement and education allows me to bring the best of myself to every broadcast. Beyond on-air, having the opportunity to work with many talented people in many different roles gives me unique perspective that equips me to both plan for the future and also find quick solutions to emergent problems.

Tim Lindsey is a Professor of Interactive Design and Game Development at SCAD Atlanta, where he teaches code and game technology. He has been making games for nearly 30 years, starting in environment art and moving into level design and design direction. He worked on The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion at Bethesda Softworks, and at CCP Games, Hi-Rez Studios, and Blue Mammoth Games. He is a partner at Xaviant, the indie studio behind The Culling. Tim has a degree in industrial design from Auburn.

I believe that I can always be a positive influence on others, which I feel I do everyday in my personal and professional life. My primary goal is to help others reach their dreams through Esports, production, commentary, community, game development, sales, marketing, videography, photography, and more within the video game space. When you create a business you hire employees. When you create an industry you give purpose and change lives.

TJ Stephens is a young but accomplished leader and speaker on the topic of esports. As a sophomore at The University of Georgia, TJ leads a program of 2,000 student club members, while also working with brands and schools around the state to promote scholastic esports. He also works with Ghost Gaming as an Ambassador and he coaches Ghost Gaming Academy students to help position the state of Georgia as a leader in esports.