January 2025 - Womenize! Action Program

Monthly Archives: January 2025

29. January 2025

Bonny Leyser – Womenize! – Inspiring Stories

Womenize! – Inspiring Stories is our weekly series featuring inspirational individuals from games and tech. For this edition, we collaborated with ESBD – eSport-Bund Deutschland e.V. and talked to Bonny Leyser, Founder & CEO of Shadow Rising. She speaks about founding an esports agency focused on supporting talent, promoting inclusivity, and fostering long-term careers in the industry. Read more about Bonny here:

Hi Bonny! After gaining extensive experience in various esports roles, what was the driving force behind your decision to start Shadow Rising, and how do you see your journey as a leader influencing the future of esports?

My journey into esports is a mix of passion and expertise. With almost 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, armed with a degree and certification in pharmaceutical technology, I’ve worn many hats—Sales Manager, Key Account Manager, and Training and Coaching Specialist. Along the way, I gained a deep understanding of innovation, problem-solving, and leveraging technology to create meaningful impact. When I stepped into esports, it wasn’t just about chasing “a dream” – It was about bringing the same strategic mindset I honed over the years to one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
Shadow Rising is the embodiment of my journey—a fusion of pharmaceutical monetising expertise and my love for Esports. This dual perspective has given me a unique edge, blending strategy, innovation, and mentorship into everything we do. As we look to the future, I’m driven by a mission to build an Esports agency that’s competitive, inclusive, and built to last. With science, technology, and passion as our foundation, we’re redefining what’s possible—and the journey is just beginning

As the founder and CEO of Shadow Rising, how do you balance the challenges of running a growing esports agency with your passion for empowering young athletes and fostering inclusivity?

Running Shadow Rising and staying true to my passion for supporting young athletes and fostering inclusivity has been a rewarding challenge. As the founder and CEO, I’ve come to realize that leadership isn’t just about focus—it’s about resilience, holding onto my values even when faced with setbacks.

What began as an effort to support professional players has grown into something more meaningful. We are now reaching out to schools and universities, working to nurture the next generation of Esports talent and advocates. In the end, it’s all about making a positive impact, one player at a time.

As someone deeply involved in both the business and performance sides of esports, how do you envision the role of agencies like Shadow Rising evolving in the next few years, and what impact do you hope to have on the esports ecosystem as a whole?

The business and performance sides of Esports. I’ve seen both sides. Still I need to learn a lot but I know them well. I believe the role of agencies like Shadow Rising will continue to grow in meaningful ways over the next few years. It’s not just about managing talent; it’s about helping players build solid, lasting careers—both inside and outside of the game.

We need to focus on providing more than just sponsorships and coaching; offering support for mental well-being, personal growth, and career development will be key to ensuring players succeed in the long run.

“But it’s not just about professional players”(!). The future of esports will involve strengthening ties with schools and universities, reaching out to young people, and creating opportunities for those who may not yet see Esports as a path. We have a responsibility to foster inclusivity, diversity, and opportunity for everyone involved in the Esports ecosystem.

The impact I hope to have is to contribute to making the Esports industry more sustainable, inclusive, and accessible(!). My goal is to help break down barriers, offer support to those who need it, and create a space where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute to the growth of esports as a whole.

Thanks for this interview, Bonny!

Bonny’s links: LinkedIn

Womenize! – Inspiring Stories Feature by Madeleine Egger

22. January 2025

Marlene Beilharz – Womenize! – Inspiring Stories

Womenize! – Inspiring Stories is our weekly series featuring inspirational individuals from games and tech. For this edition we talked to Marlene Beilharz, Activist for Accessibility in Games & Author. She speaks about advancing accessibility in gaming through inclusive design, authentic disability representation, and improved game mechanics. Read more about Marlene here:

Hi Marlene! Your work has already spanned roles in usability testing, accessibility consulting, and storytelling. What advice would you offer to gaming industry professionals looking to embed accessibility into their work, even if they’re just beginning to explore inclusive design?

That’s right, I can only play with the help of a mini joystick, which I operate with my chin. This serves as a substitute mouse control but without the mouse wheel function and right-click. That’s why I usually only play games that I can manage without any help and possibly with an extra button for my arm. However, I am thinking about solutions to make games more accessible for people with different disabilities in the future. To achieve this, I test a lot of games and give feedback to the companies regarding possible barriers. I am still relatively new to storytelling. The first game I wrote, SARA – Story of a Young Thief, is still in the early stages of development. It is being realized barrier-free by Birnchen Studios.

I can only advise developers to familiarize themselves with the publicly available accessibility guidelines right from the start and ideally integrate those affected right from the beginning of the development process. To avoid barriers in the plotline, you should question whether quicktime events are relevant to the story or whether they can be replaced or skipped.

As someone with a unique blend of creative storytelling and accessibility expertise, how do you see narratives in games as a potential tool to raise awareness and drive empathy for inclusivity? Are there specific storytelling techniques you find especially impactful for this purpose?

For computer games to contribute to this, a lot still needs to be done in this area. I do believe that computer games have the potential but unfortunaly I rarely find their portrayal adequate. They should be portrayed as a ‘normal’ part of society, not spreading horror, being pitied, serving as satire or, if portrayed positively, proving that they too are capable of achieving something. They should simply be a part of society.
If developers were to portray people with disabilities in this way more often, they could certainly contribute to raising awareness.

You’ve been a jury member for the Deutscher Computerspielpreis. What are some trends you’re noticing in accessible game design today, and how would you like to see these trends evolve in the future?

This year, “Gaming Ohne Grenzen” received a special jury prize at the ”Deutscher Computerspielpreis” and the first German-language network on the topic was founded a few weeks ago. Here, too, the topic is attracting more and more attention. On the other hand, accessibility could be considered much more in the criteria of the ‘Deutscher Computerspielpreis. Unfortunately, I was only able to play a few games without the support of an assistant and without encountering any barriers. I would therefore like to see even more inclusion in the future, both in terms of content and mechanics.

Thanks for this interview, Marilena!

Marlene’s links: LinkedIn, Blog

Womenize! – Inspiring Stories Feature by Madeleine Egger

15. January 2025

Rebecca “JustBecci” Raschun – Womenize! – Inspiring Stories

Womenize! – Inspiring Stories is our weekly series featuring inspirational individuals from games and tech. For this edition we talked to Rebecca “JustBecci” Raschun, Streamer, Content Creator & Stage host. She speaks about her journey in gaming, focusing on authenticity, inspiring women, the skills needed for effective moderation, and her vision for a more inclusive, creative industry. Read more about Becci here:

Hi Becci! You started your career in a time when female representation in gaming was scarce. How did you carve out your own space in the industry, and what do you think has been the most impactful part of your journey in inspiring other women to follow their passions in gaming?

When I started my career, female representation in the gaming industry was scarce. I carved out my own space by focusing on my strengths, working hard to build my reputation, and always staying true to myself. I learned a lot from my male colleagues, but also from the few women in the industry at the time. I always tried to avoid blindly following trends because I realized that it made me unhappy in creating content.

I think the most impactful part of my journey has been the ability to inspire other women through conversations and speaking engagements, like at Womenize! for example, where I had the opportunity to share my story. Being nominated for Player of the Year at the “Deutscher Computerspielpreis” this year was a personal highlight, but I’m not sure how much of an impact that had on others. Ultimately, I hope that by being myself and sharing my experiences, I can show other women that they can also be successful in the gaming industry.

As both a moderator for major events and a Twitch streamer, you’ve become a key voice in gaming. What do you believe makes a great moderator, and how have these live experiences shaped your approach to storytelling and community-building on your own channels?

Being a moderator for major events has definitely shaped my approach to community building and storytelling on my own channels. It’s quite different sitting in a room talking to a camera compared to performing live on a stage. But, funnily enough, talking “into the void” while streaming has actually helped me become comfortable speaking on stage, even when there’s no audience yet—like at 9 a.m. on a Friday at gamecity Vienna, for example!

I think a great moderator needs to be a strong communicator, able to keep the conversation flowing and ensure everyone feels heard and respected. They also need to be quick on their feet, able to handle unexpected situations and keep things running smoothly. Most importantly, a great moderator is passionate and knowledgeable about the topic at hand, and genuinely cares about fostering a positive and engaging experience for everyone involved.

These live experiences have taught me the importance of active listening, clear communication, and creating a welcoming and inclusive
atmosphere. If I want energy from my audience, I try to give twice the energy on stage! I strive to bring these same qualities to my own
streams, fostering a sense of community where everyone feels valued and respected. It’s also helped me develop a more engaging and dynamic storytelling style, drawing on the energy and excitement of live events to create a more immersive experience for my viewers. And, of course, making sure everyone who comes on stage with me feels comfortable is key, though they should be prepared for a little friendly banter!

After over a decade in gaming and esports, what do you hope your legacy will be in the industry, and what changes or advancements do you envision for future generations of gamers and creators?

Wow, that’s a really tough question! I’ve never really seen what I do as anything special, and I’m not just saying that to sound modest because I’m really not!

From my perspective, I was someone who went ahead and paved the way a bit by showing that you can build something with everything you can do and are interested in. I love games and I love to talk, and I combined the two and became a gaming moderator.

For the future, I especially hope that content creation doesn’t just become television 2.0. But that people continue to be creative and produce cool things just for the Internet and the exchange with the community. Sometimes I wish I had the carefree attitude I had when I
started creating content, and I hope that future content creators will be able to revive that.

Ultimately, I hope my legacy will be one of positivity and inclusivity. I want to be remembered as someone who championed diversity, encouraged collaboration, and helped create a more welcoming and supportive space for everyone in gaming. I hope I’ve played a part in inspiring more women to pursue their passions in this field.

Looking ahead, I envision a future where gaming is even more accessible and inclusive. I believe technology will continue to evolve, breaking down barriers and allowing people from all walks of life to connect and create together. I see a future where games are not just a form of entertainment, but powerful tools for education, social change, and personal growth.

I hope future generations of gamers and creators will inherit an industry that values diversity, creativity, and innovation above all else. I hope they will continue to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and use their voices to make the gaming world a better place for everyone.

Thanks for this interview, Becci!

Becci’s links: LinkedIn, website, Twitch, Youtube, instagram

Womenize! – Inspiring Stories Feature by Madeleine Egger

8. January 2025

Dr. Anika Thun – Womenize! – Inspiring Stories

Womenize! – Inspiring Stories is our weekly series featuring inspirational individuals from games and tech. For this edition we talked to Dr. Anika Thun, Managing Director at She speaks about her journey with Kalypso, the impact of her entrepreneurial and educational experiences, and her dedication to fostering sustainable growth and inspiring diverse young leaders in gaming. Read more about Anika here:

Hi Anika! Looking back, what do you consider your proudest achievements, and how have these experiences shaped your vision for Kalypso’s future?

Joining Kalypso Media in its early days and witnessing its growth from a small start-up to a robust, globally operating mid-sized enterprise has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished, thanks to a clear vision, hard work, and a talented team that drives each new game release. Each phase of Kalypso’s growth has taught me invaluable lessons, offering a unique perspective across all areas of the business. Our focus on organic and sustainable growth sets us apart in such a fast-paced industry. This cumulative experience has shaped my approach to Kalypso’s expansion and exploring new opportunities. Looking forward, my vision for Kalypso is to remain grounded in our origins while staying ambitious about creating sustainable growth in an ever-evolving industry.

How has balancing your roles with Bluelce Marketing and Kalypso influenced your perspective as a leader, and what insights have you brought from one venture to the other?

Founding Bluelce Marketing has given me a unique, entrepreneurial perspective that strongly influences my approach at Kalypso. Building a company from the ground up teaches entrepreneurial basics, views and perspectives. You understand firsthand the dedication required to grow something from nothing. This has translated into a careful and thoughtful approach when making strategic decisions at Kalypso on a larger scale. In both roles, I’ve gained valuable insights into the complexity of leading diverse teams, encouraging creativity, and building a vision that aligns with our audiences and partners. Each role strengthens the other, together shaping my approach to sustainable growth and strategic leadership.

What role has your educational background played in your approach to innovation and strategic decisions, and how do you hope to inspire and support a new generation of diverse leaders in gaming?

Coming from a working-class background, pursuing a PhD in media studies and an MBA wasn’t the typical path laid out for me, and it required courage and determination. Looking back, this journey has been rewarding and has equipped me with the skills to manage complex economic frameworks and strategic decision-making. However, beyond formal education, it’s been my passion and commitment that have truly driven my success. At Kalypso Media, we support initiatives like Girl’s Day each year to inspire young women to explore careers in gaming and technology. Through these programs, we aim to break down stereotypes and encourage diversity in the industry. I’ve learned that passion is key, and I want to motivate young women and girls to follow the path that fits them best and to believe in their potential, regardless of expectations. I am committed to fostering leadership and supporting the next generation of leaders with fresh ideas and perspectives in gaming.

Thanks for this interview, Anika!

Anika’s links: LinkedIn

Womenize! – Inspiring Stories Feature by Madeleine Egger

Hi Bonny! After gaining extensive experience in various esports roles, what was the driving force behind your decision to start Shadow Rising, and how do you see your journey as a leader influencing the future of esports?

As the founder and CEO of Shadow Rising, how do you balance the challenges of running a growing esports agency with your passion for empowering young athletes and fostering inclusivity?

As someone deeply involved in both the business and performance sides of esports, how do you envision the role of agencies like Shadow Rising evolving in the next few years, and what impact do you hope to have on the esports ecosystem as a whole?

Thanks for this interview, Bonny!

Bonny’s links: LinkedIn

Hi Marlene! Your work has already spanned roles in usability testing, accessibility consulting, and storytelling. What advice would you offer to gaming industry professionals looking to embed accessibility into their work, even if they’re just beginning to explore inclusive design?

As someone with a unique blend of creative storytelling and accessibility expertise, how do you see narratives in games as a potential tool to raise awareness and drive empathy for inclusivity? Are there specific storytelling techniques you find especially impactful for this purpose?

You’ve been a jury member for the Deutscher Computerspielpreis. What are some trends you’re noticing in accessible game design today, and how would you like to see these trends evolve in the future?

Thanks for this interview, Marilena!

Hi Becci! You started your career in a time when female representation in gaming was scarce. How did you carve out your own space in the industry, and what do you think has been the most impactful part of your journey in inspiring other women to follow their passions in gaming?

As both a moderator for major events and a Twitch streamer, you’ve become a key voice in gaming. What do you believe makes a great moderator, and how have these live experiences shaped your approach to storytelling and community-building on your own channels?

After over a decade in gaming and esports, what do you hope your legacy will be in the industry, and what changes or advancements do you envision for future generations of gamers and creators?

Thanks for this interview, Becci!

Hi Anika! Looking back, what do you consider your proudest achievements, and how have these experiences shaped your vision for Kalypso’s future?

How has balancing your roles with Bluelce Marketing and Kalypso influenced your perspective as a leader, and what insights have you brought from one venture to the other?

What role has your educational background played in your approach to innovation and strategic decisions, and how do you hope to inspire and support a new generation of diverse leaders in gaming?

Thanks for this interview, Anika!

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