Since the first moment I tried Mario World 3, I knew I found a place I wanted to explore.  I’ve hopped from one adventure to another in the expansive virtual worlds of Zelda, GoldenEye, StarCraft, and Diablo. Like many gamers, my love of gaming was changed forever when World of Warcraft (WoW) came along. Throughout my many years of gaming, I’ve made friendships, forged business connections, and gained real-life experience from my trials and triumphs in WoW. The pride I felt from a world-first kill in Tempest Keep and my first season achieving Gladiator cannot be described. I have translated these lessons over the past decades and put them into practice in the business world including how to balance my education, career, gaming, and personal life.   

That’s right...my background extends far beyond the realm of gamer mom. In fact, it might surprise you to learn that I spent a large portion of my professional career in finance investing in healthcare, fintech, and even eSports. I’m a fierce supporter of women and female entrepreneurship, which translates into my gaming life in the form of advocating for more female representation throughout. I also hold a B.A. in Physics and conducted my Ph.D. studies and research in Theoretical Astrophysics. While my credentials don’t make me any more or less qualified to be a gamer or gamer mom, I still encounter naysayers who don’t believe there’s room in the gaming and eSports world for women, and words of discontentment from mother’s that dislike that their children play video games.     

But...my experience being an officer of one of the top WoW guilds in the world would say otherwise, and in fact, this experience propelled my professional career too, helping me leave condescending counterparts behind in the gaming world and in the business world. In addition to WoW, I’ve played League of Legends and Overwatch, both since their beta launches in 2006 and 2015 respectively, reaching diamond and master ranks.

My life changed forever the moment my son was born, as I’m sure many of you can relate. While a few of my own hobbies - gaming included - took a back seat in order to raise a strong and smart little boy, I was able to rediscover the magic of gaming through the eyes of my little one. Watching him master Mario Kart and become entranced in the world of Animal Crossing reignited my excitement all over again, ultimately leading to the creation of this community. I hope to create a space for others to connect with like-minded gamer moms, provide educational resources that highlight the benefits of gaming as a hobby, and continue breaking stigmas in and outside of the gaming world.

Sincerely,