Reframing Representation in Video Games Speakers
CHRIS ALGOO, Co-founder, Game Devs of Color Expo
Chris Algoo is a web developer, game creator, and event organizer who centers compassion and care in their work and organizing.
They’re a co-organizer of Game Devs of Color, a non-profit that recently held its eighth annual conference, the Game Devs of Color Expo. They’ve also produced a number of other conferences and events over the years. Their work has been shown in exhibitions around the world, including the V&A Museum in London.
BRYNA DABBY SMITH, Co-founder & CEO, Brass Lion Entertainment
Bryna Dabby Smith is a Co-Founder and CEO at Brass Lion Entertainment, an interactive entertainment studio focused on creating original fictional universes that center on Black, Brown and other traditionally marginalized characters, cultures and stories. They are currently working on an unannounced AAA Action-RPG title with an anime aesthetic. Their fully remote team has 65 individuals across both the US and Canada, and is growing through 2023. She has worked on major video game titles over the past 20+ years, including The Bourne Conspiracy, Def Jam Vendetta and Sleeping Dogs.
MADELINE DI NONNO, President & CEO, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
Madeline Di Nonno is the President and CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, the leading research driven advocacy organization working within the entertainment and media industry to create gender balance, foster inclusion and reduce negative stereotyping in family entertainment media.
Di Nonno leads the Institute’s strategic direction, fundraising, D&I programs, research, financial and operational activities. Di Nonno brings a track record of successful executive leadership in the entertainment, non-profit, digital and consumer packaged goods industries. Di Nonno is an Executive Producer on the Emmy nominated, People’s Choice and Gracie award winning television series Mission Unstoppable and the Gracie award winning feature film documentary This Changes Everything. Previously, Di Nonno has served in Executive leadership positions for fAnchor Bay Entertainment/Starz Media. Nielsen Entertainment, Hallmark Channel, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and ABC Television Network.
JOANIE KRAUT, CEO, Women in Games International
Joanie Kraut is the CEO of Women in Games International (WIGI), a nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate resources that advance economic equality and diversity in the global video game, tabletop, and esports industries. She also serves on the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media Gaming Advisory Council, ESI Clutch Advisory Board, Wonder Woman Tech Advisory Board, and California State University Advisory Board for Big Data and Esports programming.
Joanie has operated in tech and gaming within different verticals throughout her career. She has served as an advisor and consultant for studios, startups, and nonprofits in the gaming space. Her expertise resides in business development, financial strategy, and DEI initiatives.
Joanie was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women of the Future in Emerging Tech in 2023, the Most Influential CEO of 2022 by CEO Monthly, and one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Los Angeles by Women We Admire. She was named a 2020 Top 100 Global Leaders in Finance and was recognized as a 2019 CalCPA Women to Watch in Finance & Accounting, Experienced Leader Award for her significant contributions to the profession and her community.
SUSANNA POLLACK, President, Games for Change
Susanna Pollack is the President of Games for Change, the leading global advocate for the power of games and immersive media as drivers of social impact. As a social entrepreneur and cross-sector leader, Susanna has over 25 years of experience advancing ambitious social impact goals through traditional and interactive media.
At Games for Change, Susanna leads a global nonprofit and community dedicated to using games to tackle real-world challenges, from humanitarian conflicts to climate change and education. Susanna has initiated dozens of G4C’s world-class events, public arcades, design challenges, and youth programs in partnership with clients like American Express, Verizon, AARP, United Nations, Epic Games, Carnegie Foundation, Autodesk, and Ad Council. As an Executive Producer, she spearheads G4C’s impact media projects, connecting award-winning creators with mission-oriented organizations.
MAURA REGAN, President, Licensing International
Maura Regan joined Licensing International in December 2016 and assumed the role of President in July 2018, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in the global brand licensing and media industries. Licensing International is the premier association for the global brand licensing industry, and Maura is responsible for leading the organization in fostering the expansion of licensing around the world and creating greater awareness of the benefits of licensing to the business community at large.
As the former Head of Global Consumer Products at Sesame Workshop, the home of Sesame Street, Maura drove the non-profit organization’s strategic commercial initiatives with a focus on delivering significant unrestricted revenue to support its overarching philanthropic goals. Prior to Sesame Workshop, where she enjoyed an exhilarating 17-year tenure, Maura held executive positions with MTV Networks, Scholastic Entertainment, and The Jim Henson Company.
CLAIRE RIPSTEEN, Head of Fortnite Studios & Gaming, Rocket League, & Fall Guys Partnerships, Epic Games
Claire Ripsteen is Head of Entertainment Partnerships at Epic Games. She is responsible for managing Epic’s presence in the entertainment partnerships space, including their activations into Epic’s first party game properties: Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League. Prior to joining Epic in 2021, Claire spent nearly six years as Vice President of Marketing Partnerships at Marvel Studios within The Walt Disney Company, where she performed a dual role managing the franchise’s international partnerships business and negotiating global deals for Marvel Studios’ theatrical and streaming titles.
Before joining TWDC, Claire held partnerships and marketing positions for over eight years at Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, and Focus Features.
DOUG ROSEN, SVP, Games & Emerging Media, Paramount
Doug Rosen is Senior Vice President, Games & Emerging Media at Paramount Global. In this role he oversees Paramount’s global games business and is responsible for the commercialization of emerging technologies including AR, VR and the metaverse. This includes business development, creative development, marketing and production of games and experiences on all platforms including mobile, console, PC and Roblox.
Previosuly, Rosen was was Senior Vice President, Business Development and Digital Products at Nickelodeon responsible for driving the growth of Nickelodeon’s core and emerging businesses through new revenue lines and partnerships.
Prior to Paramount, Rosen was Vice President, Strategy & Partnerships at NBC Universal responsible for growth and digital relationships for NBCU’s TVE and nascent digital videos initiatives. Before NBCU Rosen was the Director of Digital Products at HBO overseeing strategy, product management, development and marketing for HBO’s digital subscriber platforms including HBO and Cinemax On Demand and the companies HD, 3D and second screen/interactive initiatives.
Before joining HBO, Rosen spent over seven years within the film industry, including positions as Director of Development for the Chesterfield Writer’s Film Project and in Business Development with the Walt Disney Company.