WOMEN IN ESPORTS
Our Mission
Together, with teamwork, we will overcome the challenges facing women in gaming. So we’ve joined forces with PNC Bank to create Build Your Empire that champions women in the esports industry who are leading the charge as well as fostering lasting change.
Through our Empowering Women in Esports Podcast series, discover how these inspiring leaders have made an impact and achieved success while influencing other like-minded women, girls, and allies who’re looking to build their own futures. A future that’s more diverse, inclusive to all—and bright!
Join the conversation. Be a part of the solution.
WATCH THE LATEST EPISODE
SEASON 3: EPISODE 5
DEI Done Right
Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is vital to a positive and welcoming culture, but it can be scary to tackle. How do you go about it? What if you’re unsure what to do next? What if you make a mistake? In this episode, we talk with Carmen DeMint, a DEI strategist who created community and opportunity for women in gaming before it was a main topic of discussion. We talk about the dos and don’ts when it comes to DEI, and how you can apply best practices at your own organization or company.
PAST EPISODES
SEASON 3: EPISODE 3
SEASON 3: EPISODE 2
SEASON 3: EPISODE 1
In this episode we speak with Sari Kitelyn, the woman responsible for building out the esports program at Full Sail University. From tips on making the most of a collegiate program to a glimpse at how Full Sail University pulls women into the gaming community, this episode is one you don’t want to miss if you’re running a collegiate esports program or are looking to join one.
SEASON 2: EPISODE 7
SEASON 2: EPISODE 6
SEASON 2: EPISODE 5
In this episode, we explore the history of what it means to be a woman in gaming, and how toxic environments in casual gaming lead to a lack of female representation in esports.
SEASON 2: EPISODE 4
SEASON 2: EPISODE 3
SEASON 2: EPISODE 2
In this episode, we explore the history of what it means to be a woman in gaming, and how toxic environments in casual gaming lead to a lack of female representation in esports.
SEASON 2: EPISODE 1
In this episode, we talk about where esports has been, where it's lacking, and the money the industry is losing by not taking diversity seriously.
SEASON 1: EPISODE 5
Building collaboration and connection is an essential aspect in gaming. Explore what collegiate esports experts have to say about the close-knit community that gaming provides.
SEASON 1: EPISODE 4
Learn how to stay ahead of the curve. Uncover key insights for supporting diverse teams from leading experts in traditional sports, government, and technology.
SEASON 1: EPISODE 3
Find out what it takes to become a pro athlete. Discover the importance of having allies and developing mental toughness aka grit. Take a deep dive into understanding toxicity.
SEASON 1: EPISODE 2
Tackle the complex topic of women’s leagues. Featuring special guest speakers: Aerial Powers (Washington Mystics, WNBA), Dr. Lindsey Darvin (SUNY Cortland), Armand Buzzelli (Robert Morris University), and Jasper Ko (Pittsburgh Knights).
SEASON 1: EPISODE 1
Explore the current landscape for women in the gaming and esports industry. Learn about the history of women in traditional sports. Discover the best practices other industries have employed to support women. Learn ideas and solutions for increased inclusivity.
MEET OUR HOST
Kat De Shields-Moon
Kat De Shields-Moon’s first taste of gaming came from watching her parents play Myst after they got home from work. Ever since she’s been an avid gamer with a deep love for eccentric and story-driven indie games.
A former games journalist with deep roots in the industry, she served as a Communications Manager for Launch Media Network, the parent company of GameSkinny, where she also worked as an editor and teacher. Kat then took on the role of Marketing Specialist at the full-service gaming agency, Novy Unlimited. In late 2018, she worked as a Senior Esports Community Specialist at Hi-Rez Studios and was quickly promoted to PR and Partnerships Manager at Skillshot Media, a former esports-focused subsidiary of Hi-Rez Studios.
Currently, she is PR Manager at Schell Games, an education and entertainment focused gaming studio in Pittsburgh that specializes in virtual and augmented reality, and Co-Founder of Divertega Co. a startup focused on advancing diversity and inclusion in the gaming and esports industry. She is also the host for Season Two of the Women in Esports Podcast produced by the Pittsburgh Knights and PNC Bank.
Prior to her work in the gaming industry, she began her career in public relations and marketing working with a variety of companies including the Star Democrat Newspaper, The Institute of Reading Development, Camp Twin Lakes, and Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc.
Kat has a BA in Journalism from Hampton University, an MFA in Writing from SCAD, a certificate in Women's Entrepreneurship from Cornell University, and a certificate in Inclusive Leadership and Workplace Diversity from the University of Colorado.
GUEST PANELIST
Marcus Howard
Marcus is the CEO of MetArena ,the social media app for indie game studios and fans worldwide!
Anupama Jain
Anupama Jain, Ph.D., is the inaugural Executive Director of Pittsburgh’s Gender Equity Commission.
Aerial Powers
Aerial Power is a is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Lynx of te WNBA.
Sonia Rueff
Sonia Ruef is in her tenth season as an assistant athletic trainer for the Steelers.
Dr. Michelle Bates King
Dr. Michele Bates King is a lecturer in speech at William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Emmalee “EMUHLEET” Garrido
“EMUHLEET” is the Team Captain of one of the most successful Women's esports teams in the world, Dignitas.
Yugina Yun
Yugina Yun is a collegiate esports program expert.
Carolyn “artStar” Noquez
As a professional gamer, artStar has competed in tournaments across the globe including Denmark, France, China and Poland.
Armand Buzzelli
Armand Buzzelli has served as the Director of Campus Recreation since joining RMU in 2009.
Auverin Morrow
Auverin Morrow is the lead esports community manager at Hi-Rez Studios.
Alexis “alexis” Guarassi
Alexis is a professional Valorant Player for Cloud9.
Sarah Klos
Sarah works as a Business Systems Analyst supporting Legacy C&IB Applications at PNC Ba
Jasper Ko
Jasper Ko has been involved in the esports scene since 2000.
Garett “grt” Bambrough
Garett Bambrough is a former pro Counter Strike player with over a decade’s experience in esports.
Dr. Lindsey Darvin
Lindsey Darvin is an Assistant Professor in the Sport Management Department at SUNY Cortland.
Dr. Jenna Drenten
Associate Professor of Marketing at Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business
PAST EVENTS
KNIGHTS SAKURA CUP #4
After a taste of VCT Game Changers, we’re keeping the ball rolling to provide for the women in the VALORANT competitive scene! Thanks to our sponsors we are featuring a $10,000 prize pool!
EVENT DATE: AUGUST 21-22 PRIZE POOL: $10,000
KNIGHTS SAKURA CUP #3
Inspired by the onna-musha of japan – ancient female warriors who fought alongside samurai – we’ve created an arena for modern female warriors to compete. The Knights will host the Sakura Cup – a women’s only Valorant tournament for top players to showcase their skills and compete for cash prizes.
EVENT DATE: JULY 17-18 PRIZE POOL: $10,000
KNIGHTS SAKURA CUP #2
The Knights are thrilled to host another women's only Valorant tournament for the women of esports.
EVENT DATE: MAY 22-23 PRIZE POOL: $2,000
KNIGHTS SAKURA CUP #1
Inspired by the onna-musha of japan – ancient female warriors who fought alongside samurai – we’ve created an arena for modern female warriors to compete. The Knights will host the Sakura Cup – a women’s only Valorant tournament for top players to showcase their skills and compete for cash prizes.
EVENT DATE: APRIL 27-28 PRIZE POOL: $1,000