​Ready Players All: Why Inclusivity in Gaming Matters

​Join our webinar featuring – and co-hosted by— the Geena Davis Institute, the only global research-driven advocacy organization working within the entertainment and media industry to foster inclusive storytelling and impede bias and stereotyping in global entertainment media. Now active in the video game development industry, the Institute is ready to make an impact. They’ll introduce their Playbook and share the importance of integrating inclusivity organically into the game development process. From nurturing a diverse talent pipeline, to amplifying underrepresented voices and creating equitable business practices, the webinar will focus on strategies for promoting inclusive representation in games and best practices and offer resources to support a more inclusive gaming industry. 

​Featuring panelists:

• ​Madeline Di Nonno, President & CEO of the Geena Davis Institute 

• ​Diane Urban, Gaming Consultant

• ​Brian Carr, Director/Co-Founder of Game Devs of Color Expo.

• ​Ryan O'Callahan, Executive Director of NY Videogame Critics Circle

• ​Sarah Milik, Vice President, Growth and Marketing of Paramount Game Studios

​We’ll also hear from the panel on their suggestions of how to use the Playbook throughout the development process, and how it can be especially helpful during ideation/pitch stage. To learn more about their work, please read through their biographies below. 

​About Empire State Development

​Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. The agency engages with emerging and next-generation industries like digital game development looking to grow in New York State, and operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed. 

​Panelist Biographies:

​Madeline Di Nonno

​President & CEO of Geena Davis Institute

​Madeline Di Nonno is the President and CEO of the Geena Davis Institute, the only global research driven advocacy organization working within the entertainment and media industry to foster inclusive storytelling and impede bias and stereotyping in global entertainment media. The Institute was awarded the prestigious Governor’s Award Emmy from the Television Academy for its profound, transformational and long-lasting contribution to the arts and science of television. Di Nonno leads the Institute's strategic direction, research, financial, and programing initiatives. Di Nonno is an Executive Producer on the Emmy-nominated, television series "Mission Unstoppable" on CBS and the award-winning feature film "This Changes Everything." Di Nonno has served in executive leadership positions for the Hallmark Channel, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, and Nielsen Entertainment. Di Nonno is a U.S. State Department Specialist Speaker, and has presented at the White House, and at the United Nations. Di Nonno has been featured in Ad Age, Fast Company, Good Morning America, The Guardian, The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vanity Fair and Variety. Di Nonno holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University. Di Nonno serves on the Board of Directors for the Venice Chamber of Commerce.

​Diane Urban

​Gaming Consultant

​Diane Urban is a consultant in digital media, entertainment, and education. She earned her master’s degree in Technology, Innovation and Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, her bachelor’s degree from Duke University, and holds a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. She has led the concept and product development of award-winning websites, mobile, and web-based games. Urban is currently working with the Geena Davis Institute to help develop GDI’s gaming initiative and support industry outreach and engagement.  

​Brian Carr

​Director/Co-Founder of Game Devs of Color Expo

​I'm a designer who believes in putting people first to solve some of the world's most challenging problems. As a Director at Game Devs of Color, Inc., I focus on nurturing a platform that promotes equity and stability in the gaming industry. We achieve this by hosting innovative events that amplify the creative power of people of color in games. In my free time, I enjoy gaming, gallery hopping, and continuing my search for the next funky pair of glasses to adorn my face.

​Ryan O'Callahan

​Executive Director of NY Videogame Critics Circle

​Ryan O'Callaghan is the executive director of the New York Videogame Critics Circle, a non-profit that brings games writing education and career opportunities to underserved students in NYC. During his time as a Middle School English teacher, O’Callaghan used his passion for gaming and technology to create and implement engaging curriculum. 

​Sarah Milik

​Vice President, Growth and Marketing of Paramount Game Studios

​Sarah Milik is a Marketing and Growth executive leading strategies that drive growth for Paramount’s global gaming business. With a background in entertainment, Sarah combines strategic insights and storytelling to create campaigns that drive meaningful player engagement, unlock opportunities with partners, build community, and create lasting franchise value. Inclusivity is at the heart of her approach, ensuring campaigns resonate widely and create welcoming spaces within the gaming community.