Bio:

Lauren is a sophomore studying Computer Science and Visual Art at Brown University. She was a GMG camper in 2018 (Mountain View) and a GMG counselor in 2019 (San Mateo), and she's so excited to return as a Games Night host for 2020 (Zoom)! Her favorite game of all time is Mario Kart (she always races as Yoshi or Toad) and she enjoys puzzle games, adventure games, and strategy games. You can usually find her hiking trails or baking chocolate chip cookies!

Message to campers:

Hihi! My name's Lauren, and I'm so excited to meet you! Video games have such a special place in my heart: I loved playing Wii games with my dad when I was younger, and as someone who's always loved art, coding, and storytelling, I think games are the perfect combination of everything. <3 I'm so glad you're joining Girls Make Games this summer, and I can't wait to play together for Games Night -- games are always more fun with friends! :D See you soon!

Bio:

Hi there! ♡ My name is Erin Alvarico, and I'm am a returning Junior pursuing a dual major in Computer Science and Game Development. I am an artist, streamer and of course game designer! I love anime, dancing and talking about all different types of games.

I can't wait to get to know you, see you soon! ♡

Message to campers:

Just two years ago I was applying for colleges and scholarships. After years of drawing, animating, and playing countless hours of video games with my family and friends, I knew I really wanted to pursue something in game design. Though, I didn't know quite where to start until I found Girls Make Games.

GMG had recently launched a program called the Change the Game Challenge with Google Play, where you could submit your own game design for a chance to have your talents recognized and rewarded. I applied, pouring my heart out into my submission hoping that I could stand out from the thousands of other competitors. Like a childhood fantasy, me and four other game creators were chosen nationwide!

GMG is a wonderful place and stepping stone to my journey into becoming a confident and strong game designer, not to mention priceless memories shared with people who love games just as much as you. Through them, I've made a game (Symphony), had the chance to meet big companies like PlayStation, Zynga, and Nintendo, experience the biggest gaming convention E3 and now, I get to help teach the next generation of bright game makers: YOU!

With that, I'm super duper excited to meet you, play some games and of course, share some wonderful game ideas!

See you soon! ♡

Bio:

Former GMG Camp Counselor, Synali is currently working as a Developer at a tech startup that automates business rules. When she isn't busy problem solving for other companies she hangs out on Twitch and enjoys playing Iron Man VR or Dauntless with friends. She's also a big fan of Animal Crossing and Pokemon. And when it's finally time to put down the games you can find Synali working hard and studying Korean since she hopes to travel to South Korea some day.

Message to campers:

I'm excited to meet all of you and hangout and play games! We're going to have a good time so stay tuned!

Bio:

Hello! My name is Amanda! I graduated in 2019 from Mills College with a degree in Ethnic Studies. I grew up attached to all things Nintendo until I branched out to MMOs and console games. Cute things, Animal Crossing, and boba make me happy!

Bio:

Senior Product (UI/UX) Designer working with neuroscientists on gamifying cognitive assessments. Previously, a Lead Artist at PlayStation working on bring PS2 and PSP games to PS4.

Message to campers:

Super excited to be part of GMG again this year and can't wait to meet everyone for game nights!

Bio:

Tayo is a software developer with degrees in computer science and human-centered design. She loves all forms of making, including drawing, painting, and knitting. Her favorite games are Harvest Moon and Celeste.

Message to campers:

When I was younger, I loved making board games with cardboard, construction paper, and polymer clay. Since then I've had the opportunity to make games with code, and it still carries the same magic as it did before. I'm so excited to learn about your favorite games and see what you make!

Bio:

Community Manager at ZeniMax Online Studios by day, indie dev by night who loves Pokemon, anime, drawing, and of course playing games!

Message to campers:

I can't wait to meet you all! ( ; v ;)// It's never too late to get into games, and even if you don't like games, you may discover something new about yourselves.

Bio:

Claire graduated from Champlain College this year with a major in Game Design and a minor in Game Programming. Her favorite games include The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, the Ratchet and Clank series, and Kingdom Hearts. She released a free game on Steam at the beginning of May called Eira: Echoes of Adventure. When not playing or making games, Claire is teaching herself to draw, studying architecture, and exploring. She can quote the entire How to Train Your Dragon movie and has her own dragon, an axolotl named Moctezuma.

Message to campers:

I can't wait to meet you all! I recently started playing games online and its been some of the most fun I've had!

Bio:

Hey y'all! I'm Savannah, from Austin, TX. I've been working in the video games industry for about a year now, doing Quality Assurance for Civilization VI, Star Wars: Jedi Academy, and Star Citizen! In my free time I love making art, doing crafts like needle-felting, and playing video games. Some of my favorites series are Final Fantasy, Fire Emblem, and Dragon Age. I'm really looking forward to having fun together and getting to know y'all!

Message to campers:

I'm so excited to hear about all the things you learn and the games you're all making! I've loved video games since I was really young, and I've been drawing my whole life too, so I'd love to see your fan art, writing, or any other passion projects you have!

Bio:

I'm Zabrina, your co-host! I'm a senior at Texas State University studying English and Computer Science because while storytelling is my favorite part of making a video game, I love having a computer science background. It allows me to understand the inner workings of the game itself-- plus, programming is fun! Some of my favorite video games are Dragon Age, Hades, Dishonored, and the Witcher. Other things I like to do include (but are not limited to) watching Supernatural, playing piano, and baking things!

Bio:

Recovering child actor Abby Sherlock, (real last name, no she’s not related to Sherlock Holmes) grew up in South Carolina before achieving her final form as a Forbes 30 under 30 in Games runner up finalist at the University of California, San Diego Cum Laude.

Career favorites include mentoring young girls on esports at Riot Games and hosting for the Overwatch League’s Vancouver Titans as on camera talent.

Besides interning at Legendary Entertainment's Geek & Sundry and Nerdist she also served as a Community Coordinator for Tespa. She is now a Graduate student at USC in their IMGD Masters program.

Message to campers:

I've been playing games as long as I could remember! One of my very first memories is even sitting on my Dad's lap with his hands around mine as we played a Crash Bandicoot level. I'm so happy to play some games together and can't wait to meet each of you!

Bio:

Leeanna is a gamer, actor, and journalist finishing up college this year at the University of Southern California (woo!).

She's worked for Legendary Digital Networks (including Nerdist, Geek & Sundry, and Critical Role), Hyper RPG, and Contact Systems making content about games for social media and Twitch! She also helped start Annenberg Media's first games news column. Recently, she was the narrative lead on Wishy Washy-- a game in open alpha on Steam that was developed over quarantine!

Oh, also, she loves cats and lots and lots of iced green tea.

Message to campers:

Hey guys! I'm Leeanna and I love basically everything about video games (I've been playing regularly since I was, like, 4 years old). That said, my favorite thing about every game I play is the story it tells! So, naturally, I can't wait to see what awesome stories we're gonna tell together!

Bio:

Hi, my name is Callie! I spend most of my time playing games and making games with my friends. My favorite games to play are RPGs, especially Pokémon and Final Fantasy! Video games have always been a big part of my life, so I'm excited to spend another year helping these young ladies learn more about video games and game development!

Message to campers:

I can't wait to meet everyone! Some of my favorite memories of my childhood are of playing games with my friends, so I'm excited for you guys to make lots of fun memories and new friends this summer !!

Bio:

Sam is a big nerd who is super excited to host Game Night for Girls Make Games this summer. A new college graduate, she made games in her school's game development club every semester and even won the Officer’s Choice award once! When she’s not working on her next game, she spends her free time drawing cute art, playing on her Switch, and watching cartoons! If you ask, she will absolutely show you a picture of her dog.

Message to campers:

Can't wait to play! I always enjoy playing multiplayer games, even if I'm not the best at them. I'm really looking forward to joining you during camp, exploring lots of different games, and seeing what fun each one has to offer!

Bio:

Aszliah is currently studying Computer Science and German language at Temple University, but in her free time she can be found writing, drawing, or playing games. She loves all things horror, from books to movies to games, but her favorite game of all time is actually Animal Crossing (although owing a home loan to Tom Nook can be scary in its own way). Her dream job is to be the person who writes the quests and dialogues that your character receives throughout a game!

Message to campers:

I know this summer has been a little strange, but I’m so excited to be playing games with you all!

Bio:

My name is Adriane, and I am 19 years old. I will be entering my sophomore year at Penn State University this fall. I am currently majoring in Computer Science. Outside of university, I love dancing and baking. I danced for 10 years before graduating high school. I helped teach kids as well, which I found fun! I was born in the Philippines before moving to the United States when I was four. I grew up with two older sisters and a younger brother. I also have three mini poodles who I love!

Message to campers:

I can't wait to meet everyone and have fun through our sessions!

Bio:

Hi campers! I'm Eilleen and I'm a sophomore at Caltech studying engineering. I started coding in middle school and I've explored many different types of coding projects since. I'm passionate about empowering girls in STEM, video games, and robotics. Last year, I was a counselor for Girls Make Games at Playstation and had a lot of fun making video games with everyone. My current favorite games are Minecraft, Overcooked 2, and League of Legends - and my other hobbies include photography, journaling, playing guitar, and dance.

Message to campers:

I'm super excited to meet you all! Here's a fun joke: One time I got hit with a can of soda - luckily it was a soft drink!

Bio:

Catherine's the community management and marketing person at indie game studio Digital Continue in NYC! She loves cats, musical theater, cartooning, and cooking. Some of her favorite games include Pyre, Rhythm Heaven, and Undertale.

Message to campers:

So excited to meet all of you! Playing games online has been how I've been keeping in touch with friends these days, so I'm glad to share some fun times with all of you the next couple of weeks.

Bio:

Hi! My name is Giselle. I make games for a living! For my first ever job in the game industry, I designed levels for a Match-3 puzzle game. It was kind of like Candy Crush! I really like writing stories, too, and I want to write stories for games! Outside of video games, I really love to sing, read books, and write music. I’m a huge fan of musicals and cartoons. I love Avatar the Last Airbender and Into the Spiderverse!

Message to campers:

Hi girls! I'm excited to meet you!

Bio:

Deana is a Game Designer at 302 Interactive working with games and interactive technologies. Along with her work at 302 Interactive she is the Founder and Creative Director at Captilight, an indie game studio.

Deana leads the direction on art, gameplay, and UX for both 302 and Captilight. She's worked with a number of platforms ranging from mobile, PC/Mac, and AR/VR. Deana has a passion for creating emotionally thought-provoking experiences that integrate with gameplay to produce memorable experiences that stick.

Message to campers:

I loved playing games when I was a young kid. I can't wait to meet everyone and talk and play games!

Bio:

I am a 3D modeler and artist for a company called Imaginary Lights. I've worked within the game industry/game industry adjacent for 2 years now. I have experience working within Maya, Substance Painter, Photoshop, Unity and Unreal. I've worked as the Art Lead for the recently released "Virtual Battlegrounds" which is a VR Battle Royal on Steam and the Oculus Store. I also helped to create some assets for Deana Galbraith's "Path of Kami". Currently I create virtual spaces of concerts and showrooms for lighting previsualization.

Message to campers:

I'm genuinely excited to be apart of something like this and I can't wait to play all of these awesome games!

Bio:

Mathurah is a Systems Design Engineering student from the University of Waterloo in Canada. She was a 2019 Girls Make Games fellow at Xbox in Redmond and had tons of fun helping girls make games. She loves the intersection of design and technology and will be a UX Developer at Shopify in the Fall! She first got into gaming through playing stories on Episode Interactive and entered the Google Change the Game Challenge. Can't wait to share my passion for games with everyone and build a community!

Bio:

Oh hey, I'm Hanlin! I'm currently a first-year student at the University of Waterloo studying Systems Design Engineering! I'm excited about everything to do with the intersection of social good and technology and would love to share that with you. :) I just finished up an internship at VMware and currently work on web development projects with Civic Tech Toronto. I’m always down for a good Puzzlehunt, podcast, or to chat about the San Antonio Spurs!

Message to campers:

Heyyy! I am so thrilled to be meeting you all soon! :D Having a ten-year old sister as well, one of our favourite past-times are solving lego puzzles or creating doodles on Procreate. With that, I am super excited to have the chance to experience a virtual game night and can't wait to get started!

Bio:

Making chaotic colorful games and drawings makes me happiest. Making them with friends is even better!

Message to campers:

When I was little I was known as the kid who always drew eyes on everything. I can't wait to meet and find out what inspires you!