Right now, on Worldwide Day of the Woman this October, we’re proud to focus on our partnership with the Women Make Video games Scholarship Fund (GMGSF). Based in 2014 as a company initiative by LearnDistrict, Women Make Video games has been devoted to empowering younger ladies and nonbinary people within the gaming business by workshops, summer time camps, and academic assets.
Recognizing the continued challenges confronted by its alumni in accessing larger schooling, GMG advanced right into a registered charity with the institution of GMGSF in fall 2022. This new chapter permits GMG to offer important monetary assist, together with a scholarship program, and mentorship to make sure that underrepresented college students can pursue their desires in STEAM fields.
We’re excited to introduce Kathleen Castellanos, one in all this yr’s scholarship recipients. Kathleen will obtain as much as $10,000 in a tuition grant, business mentorship, internship placement assist, profession readiness, and job placement help. Be part of us as we discover her inspiring journey, her ardour for sport improvement, and the way this scholarship is shaping her future within the gaming world.
Pursuing Goals in Gaming: A Q&A with Kathleen Castellanos
- What sparked your curiosity in sport improvement, and the way did you first get entangled with Women Make Video games?
My love for Star Fox Adventures sparked my ardour for sport improvement. I bear in mind being so captivated by how distinctive and fashionable it felt for its time, and that impressed me to consider creating my very own video games. As for Women Make Video games, I found this system whereas desperately trying to find scholarships targeted on ladies in gaming or sport artwork. GMG stood out as one of many few alternatives that aligned with my targets.
- What space of research do you intend to pursue in faculty, and the way does it relate to your ardour for gaming?
I plan to pursue artwork. It ties into my love for gaming as a result of I wish to be an idea artist sooner or later, and to do this I might think about [studying] quite a lot of artwork mediums would assist me.
- How has receiving the Women Make Video games scholarship impacted your plans for school and your future profession?
It strongly impacted me in a optimistic manner as a result of along with overlaying prices for varsity I’m now additionally in a position to construct robust connections with these within the gaming business. I can say with confidence now and with pleasure that I’ve efficiently labored with Sony PlayStation for an artwork piece!
- Are you able to share a undertaking or sport you’ve labored on that you just’re notably pleased with? What did you be taught from it?
Whereas I haven’t labored on a sport simply but, I might love to start out with a graphic novel-style sport. It’s an space I’m actually obsessed with, and I imagine I can convey one thing recent and inventive to the house. I’ve been absorbing a lot from different types of storytelling and artwork, and I’m excited to use that information to sport improvement sooner or later.
- What challenges have you ever confronted whereas pursuing your ardour for gaming, and the way have you ever handled them?
One of many greatest challenges has been discovering accessible alternatives. Earlier than GMG, I felt like there weren’t many choices for somebody like me, particularly in sport artwork which frequently will get overshadowed by extra technical facets like coding. It may be discouraging, however I’ve been fortunate to have a powerful assist community—associates, household, and mentors—who’ve helped me chase after the appropriate alternatives.
- What recommendation would you give to different college students who’re excited about exploring sport improvement or becoming a member of applications like GMG?
My recommendation is to take the shot, even for those who’re nervous or really feel it’s out of your league. You miss 100% of the alternatives you don’t go after. It may be intimidating, however making an attempt is one thing to be pleased with. Don’t cease simply because one thing appears troublesome—hold pushing ahead. You’ll really feel higher figuring out you gave it your greatest shot slightly than questioning what may’ve been.
- Trying forward, what are you most enthusiastic about as you put together for school and your future in gaming?
I’m most enthusiastic about creating one thing that may depart a long-lasting influence—one thing memorable that folks can look again on and affiliate with me. I wish to make one thing optimistic and significant that may encourage future generations.
Supporting Future Innovators
Reflecting on the insights Kathleen shared, it’s clear that initiatives just like the GMGSF are essential in fostering expertise and creativity within the sport business. By empowering younger ladies and nonbinary people, we’re not solely enriching their lives however paving the best way for a extra numerous and modern gaming panorama.
We invite the Humble neighborhood to assist GMGSF and different organizations that champion the subsequent technology of sport builders. And talking of that, for those who love video games, or dinosaurs, otherwise you’ve been ready for the proper time to utterly immerse your self in Jurassic World(!), you are able to do that now AND assist GMGSF on the identical time with the Jurassic World Evolution Completionist Bundle.
Collectively, we might help be sure that each aspiring creator has the chance to show their desires into actuality. Thanks for becoming a member of us in celebrating these outstanding journeys, and keep tuned for extra inspiring tales from our neighborhood.
