Change the Game: Leveling Up Your Career in Esports

Nov 1, 2022

Following the epic conclusion of the North American Game Changers Series III Tournament, Cloud9 White, and their domestic sisters-in-arms, Shopify Rebellion, will embark on a high stakes journey to cement themselves amongst the most elite players in the world at the first ever International Game Changers Championship in Berlin.

Riot Games and Verizon are proud to host an evening of networking, insight, and celebration of women in esports at the Verizon 5G Labs in Los Angeles to thank the Game Changers community and give the top two teams a proper send off.

On November 4 at 5:00 PM PST, hear from some of the best in the business about how YOU can forge your own career path in gaming through an interactive, industry-led live panel discussion “Change the Game: Leveling Up Your Career in Esports.” Highlighting leaders from top esports organizations like Evil Geniuses, Raidiant and Riot Games, learn how these trailblazing women, through hardwork and determination, have created more inclusive career opportunities within the world of esports.

Join the livestream beginning at 5:00 PM PST on twitch.tv/valorant AND youtube.com/valorantesports!

MEET THE PANELISTS

• Host: Heather “sapphiRe” Garozzo, Vice President, Raidiant
  As a veteran of the esports industry, Heather has gone from a professional CS:GO player to Vice President at New Media Entertainment. As the founder of Raidiant, a platform designed to inspire the next generation of women gamers, Heather is responsible for creating and executing marketing, live broadcast, and content engagement strategies. In 2021, Garozzo was inducted into the prestigious Women in Games Hall of Fame.


• Panelist: Janet Shim - Senior Director of Program Operations, Esports Engine
  Janet has nearly a decade of experience in creating and producing some of esports’ most notable events including the League of Legends Worlds Championship. She currently leads program design, strategy, and execution of esports leagues, tournaments, and programs for Esports Engine’s portfolio of clients, including video game publishers, rights holders, and brands.


• Panelist: Eunice Chen - Founder, Enlight.gg
  Eunice is the founder of Enlight, an industry-wide program teaching the next generation of esports business professionals how to start and succeed in their esports careers. She is an advisor and founding executive of Cloud9 Esports, rated Forbes' 2018 most valuable esports company. Eunice pioneered event strategy at Riot Games, creating watershed League of Legends live events that defined modern esports stadium experiences. She is a 2022 Forbes 30 under 30 Gaming Judge and contributed to that year’s innovative focus on diversity.


• Panelist: REL Hunt - Marketing Creative Director, Riot Games
  REL is the Creative Director for VALORANT North American Brand partnerships with a background in visual design and 7+ years of industry experience. With a focus in 360 marketing campaigns, live events, product branding & consumer merchandising, she has developed and executed innovative marketing campaigns for the players of VALORANT North America to not only surprise and delight, but also increase awareness and drive player engagement.


• Panelist: Jessica Hammond - Chief Culture Officer, Evil Geniuses
  Jessica is the Chief Culture Officer at Evil Geniuses (EG), a global gaming and entertainment brand. In her role, Hammond leads Evil Geniuses collegiate and education initiatives, including the Genius League, the company’s industry-leading paid internship program that gives the next generation of esports professionals a path into the industry. Hammond also leads EG’s internal culture team, building an inclusive and positive environment for players, coaches, creators, and the overall Evil Geniuses business team.

PARTNERS

Verizon is the official 5G and wireless services provider of the VCT. In addition to top-shelf video content and sponsored broadcast segments, Verizon drops super tickets for Riot esports events and various merch giveaways through the Verizon Up customer loyalty program.

Red Bull is the official energy drink of VCT, presenting the Red Bull “Clutch Moment” during every match. Red Bull is also helping prepare the next generation of VALORANT pros by hosting community VALORANT tournaments, spotlighting the incredible grassroots talent of the scene.

Aim Lab is the official training partner of VCT, helping develop existing VALORANT pros and players trying to break into the professional scene with a variety of innovative training programs and custom insights.

Secretlab provides VCT pros with the pinnacle of gaming chairs — each designed and engineered using the highest quality materials and manufacturing techniques to ensure absolute comfort and unparalleled support.

Prime Gaming provides a premium VCT viewing experience, including exclusive in-game content, on Twitch as a part of Amazon Prime and Prime Video memberships.