December 20, 2023

Diversity and Inclusion in Online Gaming with Anika Howard

21 minutes

On this week's episode of Women Talk Tech, Marie Wiese is joined by Anika Howard, Chief Executive Officer of WONDR NATION. Don’t miss out on this exciting conversation about promoting safety and responsibility in online gaming, why diversity is a competitive advantage in the tech sector, and how AI can be used ethically for action!

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Connect with Anika Howard:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wondrnation

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About the Episode 🎙️

In this episode of Women Talk Tech, host Marie interviews Anika Howard, president and CEO of Wonder Nation, an online gaming and entertainment company. They discuss Anika's journey into the gaming industry, the importance of diversity and inclusion in tech, and the role of responsible gaming. Anika shares insights into combining her creative and tech skills, the impact of technology on society, and the evolution of the gaming industry towards more diversity.

Key Takeaways 💡

Anika Howard's passion for technology and games led her to become the CEO of Wonder Nation, despite initial skepticism about online gaming.

Wonder Nation, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, aims to reimagine gaming by incorporating unique experiences and amplifying diverse voices.

The importance of education and responsible gaming is emphasized to mitigate potential negative impacts on mental health and society.

Anika acknowledges the broader impact of technology on society, including social media, and aims to address these challenges in gaming.

Diversity and inclusion are seen as competitive advantages in the gaming industry, with financial benefits from having a diverse workforce and leadership.

Efforts are being made to increase diversity in gaming conferences and include female and minority characters in video games.

Anika expresses interest in utilizing AI for data analytics and decision-making in the gaming industry, while also considering the ethical implications.

Anika encourages individuals to invest in themselves, learn, and not be intimidated when breaking into the technology space.

The evolution of the gaming industry over the past 15 years has seen a shift towards recruiting and retaining women and people of color.

...more

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By Marie Wiese