In the expansive world of emerging technology, where visions of the future intersect with the present reality, Dr. Angelina Dayton is a guiding light of inspiration and a force of change. As the Executive Director of the Virtual World Society, her journey is a testament to how innovation and a compassionate spirit can intersect to mold a better world for future generations.
Bringing Virtual Reality to Life
At the heart of Dr. Dayton’s work is her enduring commitment to the mission of the Virtual World Society. “We aim to act as a force multiplier in collaborative efforts to enhance the capabilities of partner organizations to develop innovative solutions to global issues,” she explains. The organization stands on three pillars: The Science and Ethics Advisory Board, the Alliance for Good, and HomeSpark, each uniquely designed to drive the integration and mass adoption of XR technology into everyday life. “Our goal is to magnify the works of good people so that we can create a better world together,” she emphasizes. It’s an ambitious vision that she pursues with infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy.
Everyone Has a Voice
Inclusivity is at the core of Dr. Dayton’s mission. She passionately believes that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has a valuable contribution to make in shaping the world of the future. Dr. Dayton has embraced the challenge of emerging tech with an unwavering determination to uplift marginalized voices. “I contribute to the innovation ecosystem by uplifting marginalized voices that ask better questions and get better answers,” she says. “My goal is to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. I believe that we all benefit when everyone has the opportunity to contribute. Everyone has an irreplaceable contribution to creating a better world,” she declares. It is this commitment to diversity and inclusion that gives her work a distinctive resonance, empowering those who are often overlooked in the tech industry to be active participants in shaping the future.
From a Poor Child to Tech Luminary
Her journey is one of perseverance and tenacity, beginning in poverty and reaching the pinnacle of tech leadership. “I was very poor as a child, but I had the unlikely opportunity to go to a school that had a computer lab in the early 1980s. I learned technology at an early age, and it created so many opportunities,” she recalls. From her early education to teaching web2 to nonprofits and from remote learning to becoming the “VR Lady,” Dr. Dayton’s journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to harnessing the power of technology to create opportunities for underserved communities. Her guiding principle is disarmingly simple yet profoundly impactful: “Do good. Every day.” She sees technology not as an end in itself but as a tool – a medium of communication, a means to an end. That end, for Dr. Dayton, is a world made better by good people wielding technology ethically and effectively. Her advice for others on a similar path? “Build your support system and nurture it.” It’s a mantra she has lived by, recognizing that success is as much about the people around us as it is about individual achievements. And her definition of success? “I just want to be happy.” Her sage advice for women? “When in doubt, do something for someone else. Lift someone. This is the best way for us all to move forward.” She acknowledges that women, especially underrepresented women, face significant challenges in the tech industry. Her response is to uplift women from backgrounds not usually represented in tech.
The VR Lady is Here!
Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Dayton is particularly proud of her work in rural Oklahoma. Known affectionately as the “VR Lady,” she has introduced over 50,000 first-time users to the world of virtual reality. This work embodies her belief that everyone should have access to and the opportunity to participate in the new immersive worlds that we are creating. Her specialty is designing and deploying XR technologies into complex organizations for large-scale deployment and mass adoption. Her expertise in human-computer interaction is based on an anthropological assessment of how best to integrate emerging technology into highly structured, low-resourced environments. Dr. Dayton’s research focuses on creating an efficient and productive XR-skilled workforce through understanding the environments in which people thrive. Some of her current passion projects involve XR curriculum and training in rural communities within indigenous communities. And she is a mother to seven children.
Looking forward, Dr. Dayton anticipates a shift in how information is transferred. “I believe that immersive technologies will be the primary medium for information transfer in the future. XR technologies will change the way that we visualize data.” She is particularly excited about the new generation of tech users. “The younger generation is so wonderful! They understand that we create the world that we live in. They will not accept what they are given. They work to change the inequities they see, and they believe that it is their responsibility to be ethical and benevolent,” she expresses.
A Message to the World
Dr. Dayton’s message to the world is as powerful as it is simple: “Today is a good day.” It’s a testament to her unwavering optimism and faith in the power of technology to create a better world.
The “VR Lady” is a visionary in the world of emerging technology, shaping a better future for all through her commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and ethics. Her story is a powerful testament to the positive impact of technology on the world and a beacon of inspiration for women in tech and beyond.
