Founder and CEO of Black Girl Gamers Jay-Ann Lopez has been recognised with an Honorary Professorship for Services to Leadership in the Games Industry and Advocacy for Black Women Gamers during the Norwich University of the Arts summer graduation ceremonies.
Jay-Ann Lopez (Photograph by Michael Stuart Daley)
Jay-Ann Lopez is the award-winning founder of Black Girl Gamers, a member and judge for BAFTA, and a speaker and entrepreneur. Black Girl Gamers is a popular and influential community-powered business that advocates for diversity and inclusion and heightening Black Women’s voices. It partners with brands to increase Black Women’s equity in the industry via talent brokering, consulting, innovative marketing solutions, events and content.
Speaking about her honorary Professorship, Jay-Ann said: “Receiving this Honorary Professorship is an honour beyond one I thought I would receive in this lifetime. It’s a huge validation of my work, legacy and community. It signals the recognition of an overdue change in the distribution of equity not only in Gaming, but in all industries in which Black people have gone under-acknowledged whilst issuing the challenge of progress to their peers.”
Jay-Ann is a sought-after speaker on diversity in gaming, entertainment, fashion, beauty, human resources, and marketing. She has previously spoken at E3, PAX East, Cannes Lion, EGX Rezzed, amongst others. Additionally, Jay-Anncurates content and consults for brands including Sofar Sounds x Adidas, WarnerBros, SEGA, Microsoft, Playstation, Maybelline, and YouTube. She has previously been featured in Cosmopolitan, DAZED, WWD, Afropunk, I-D, Vogue and more.
Jay-Ann also co-produces Gamer Girls Night In, the first Women and Non-Binary focused event combining gaming, beauty and fashion.
Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr, Vice-Chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts, said: “With tireless advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the gaming industry, Jay-Ann is a champion of empowerment who is using her influential voice to bring about significant change in and beyond the gaming sector. This Honorary Professorship recognises the importance of Black Girl Gamers and is a testament to Jay-Ann’s inspiring leadership, energy and commitment.”
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