Online Symposium
This online symposium "Game On: Empowering Women in Esports" brings together the voices of industry leaders, academics, and experts to explore the unique experiences of women shaping the future of esports. Join the conversation and contribute to a more inclusive esports community!
Date: Wednesday 26th February 2025
Time: 1pm - 4.45pm GMT
Microsoft Teams Link:
SYMPOSIUM AGENDA (Download your copy here)
GMT 1.00PM – 1.15PM | WELCOME
1.15PM – 2.00PM | KEYNOTE SPEAKER 1: CYBER SECURITY AND MISOGYNY
CHLOE WALSH - PREVENTING AND COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM LEAD, SHOUT OUT UK
Our first keynote speaker, Chloe Wash, will address the crucial intersection of cyber security and misogyny. As the Lead for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at Shout Out UK, Chloe will share her expertise on how to tackle online threats and create safer spaces in gaming and esports.
2.00PM – 2.30PM | PANEL DISCUSSION: THE BARRIERS AND FACILITATING FACTORS EXPERIENCED BY WOMEN DURING THEIR ESPORTS LEADERSHIP CAREERS
PANELLISTS:
CHRISTINA “FURY” MCADAMS - CREATOR AND CO FOUNDER OF IRON PRIDE FGC
KYLIE KENDRICK - SENIOR TECHNICAL SPECIALIST FOR ESPORTS, DURHAM UNIVERSITY
KUI PROMLUMPUK - CO FOUNDER OF GAMLYTICS
LUCY ZHU - ESPORTS LECTURER, UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON
This panel highlights the successful journeys of women who have navigated and overcome barriers in their esports leadership careers. Expert panellists will share their experiences, shedding light on the factors that have enabled their success and how they've paved the way for future leaders in the industry.
2.30PM – 3.00PM | PANEL DISCUSSION: THE CHALLENGES TO, AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF, EDI IN THE ESPORTS COMMUNITY
PANELLISTS:
ELLIS CELIA - ESPORTS LECTURER, UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON
YUN PENG - ASSISTANT RESEARCH FELLOW, UNIVERSITY OF ELECTRONIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF CHINA
SOFIA FREIRE HENRIQUES DA SILVA - DURHAM UNIVERSITY GRADUATE
This panel delves into the challenges to, and the advancement of, EDI within the esports community. Panellists will discuss key barriers, share their experiences, and explore strategies for fostering greater inclusion and diversity in the industry.
3PM – 3.15PM | BREAK
3.15PM – 3.45PM | KEYNOTE SPEAKER 2: FOLLOWING YOUR PASSION
JESS DAVIS - FOUNDER AND CEO OF GAMEHER / DIRECTOR OF YOUTH BASKETBALL OPERATIONS, CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Our second keynote speaker, Jess Davies, Founder and CEO of GameHER, will share her inspiring journey of following her passion in the esports industry. With her extensive experience as the Director of Youth Basketball Operations for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jess will discuss the importance of pursuing your dreams, overcoming challenges, and empowering others to do the same in both esports.
3.45PM – 4.15PM | PANEL DISCUSSION: ENHANCING EDI IN ESPORTS EDUCATION THROUGH TEACHING PRACTICES AND CURRICULUM DESIGN
PANELLISTS:
ELENORE LI - MARKETING AND EVENT COORDINATOR, ESPORTS CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
OLIVIA MULLINS - BSC ESPORTS COURSE REP, UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON
SHOUBNA NAIKA-TAYLOR - LECTURER AND ESPORTS COURSE COORDINATOR, NWSLC
STACIE GRAY - SENIOR LECTURER, UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON
In this panel, experts discuss enhancing EDI in esports education through innovative teaching practices and curriculum design. Panelists will discuss how universities can integrate inclusive strategies, empower diverse voices, and ensure that esports education is accessible and inclusive for all students.
4.15PM – 4.20PM | STUDENT COMPETITION GAMECHANGER AND GIRLS CAN GAME AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT
We are excited to announce the winners of the Girls Can Game Schools Poster Competition and the Game Changer Higher Education Video Competition! These talented students have showcased incredible creativity and passion for esports, and we applaud their outstanding contributions to promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry. Congratulations to all the winners!
4:20PM – 4:45 PM | NETWORKING SESSION: VIRTUAL ‘COFFEE CHAT’
HOSTED VIA THE NFEE (ESPORTS_NFEE_99081) ON DISCORD