In the heart of Chicago resides an indomitable spirit: Keisha Howard. As the founder of Sugar Gamers, she’s not just a pioneer in the gaming world but a visionary committed to crafting a future where technology shapes the world in unprecedented ways. Her journey exemplifies the power of women in technology and the potential of the gaming industry to reshape our world.
Connecting Humanity Through Gaming The origins of Sugar Gamers are deeply personal. Born in 2009 from Keisha’s journey to find fellow geeky, passionate women, it grew into an inclusive space for the underrepresented. Recognized by giants like HTC and Twin Galaxies, Sugar Gamers underscores the importance of real-world interactions, bringing the vibrant world of geek culture to life.
Determined and unwavering, her mantra echoes her mission: games as transformative tools. Her belief in games as platforms for global problem-solving and fostering connections forms the bedrock of her endeavors.
“We believe that games can help solve some of the world’s biggest problems and create new networks of friendship and collaboration,” Keisha fervently shares. But Sugar Gamers isn’t just about play; it’s about purpose. She believes in the unparalleled capacity of gaming to address pressing human challenges and bring individuals together in novel ways.
Keisha doesn’t merely leverage technology; she reshapes its narrative. She Own Your Uniqueness: A Battle Cry to Women explains: “We work within the diverse tech community to freely exchange When she speaks, Keisha echoes the strength of her favorite characters ideas that uplift communities and identify opportunities to aid the video like Lara Croft and Samus from Metroid. “To all you badass women out game industry.” Her team’s endeavors go beyond traditional roles. They there carving your paths in your fields, own your uniqueness like a boss serve, anticipate, and connect, challenging the existing monoculture and and unleash your voice with unapologetic force,” she urges, encouraging fueling innovation. women to embrace their unique perspectives and talents as “weapons of The implications of Keisha’s work resonate far beyond gaming. From mass creation.” strengthening academic institutions’ tech curricula to enhancing Her advice is a resounding call for resilience: “Treat obstacles like an innovation in video game companies and equipping tech firms with intense workout for your growth. Every punch in the gut is a chance growth mindsets, the beneficiaries are manifold. “By emphasizing to level up, adapt, and come back even stronger.” She emphasizes the soft skills,” Keisha articulates, “these programs equip participants with importance of community – building a tribe of mentors, collaborators, technical knowledge and prepare them for triumphant careers across and allies – and underscores the need for a “constant thirst for learning” various sectors.” in the fast-paced world of technology and gaming. “And as you blaze the trail, remember this: you’re not just knocking down doors for yourself. The Power to Shape Futures You’re creating a highway for others to follow, a highway paved with grit, To Keisha, technology is the linchpin of transformation. Whether it’s passion, and unwavering fierceness.” breakthroughs in healthcare or global community building, technology is at the helm. “At Sugar Gamers and Sugar Gamers Labs,” she says, “we see She identifies one of the most daunting challenges facing women in her how tech, especially through gaming, can empower individuals to think industry as breaking free from “the chains of self-doubt and societal critically and initiate positive change.” conditioning.” For far too long, women have been boxed into molds that undermine their power and worth. “We must challenge the norms Her commitment? To offer under-resourced communities access to avant- that pigeonhole women and stifle our potential. Let’s create workshops, garde tech education, enabling them to thrive in a digital age. “Emerging discussions, and resources that teach assertiveness, negotiation, and self- technology and innovation are at our mission’s core,” she emphasizes. advocacy,” Keisha passionately states. While many are content being tech consumers, Sugar Gamers are creators. They’re nurturing innovation mindsets, with curricula fostering A Journey Forged from Identity: Keisha’s Personal Strategy creative thinking. Their engagement with AI, virtual reality, and coding As a Millennial woman of color from Chicago’s South Side, her identity means they’re not just preparing for the future but building it. has fueled her passion and defined her journey. She admits that her unique background comes with its own challenges, but she’s used this to Passion for Positive Impact instill a “fierce determination to challenge the status quo.” “Success is about the lives we touch, the opportunities we create, and the positive changes we bring to underserved communities,” she states. It’s in In navigating these challenges, she’s crafted strategies that have the spark of understanding in a student’s eyes, the newfound confidence defined her path. She sees her identity and experiences as strengths they gain, and the change she and her team at Sugar Gamers Labs drive. that she can leverage. Her upbringing has given her empathy and resilience, invaluable tools in her mission to create spaces encouraging Her motivation? “Shaping the future for generations to come” and growth and empowerment. “contributing to a world where opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of their background.” It is a mission that continually pushes her Keisha has also diligently sought education and collaboration: “Seeking to redefine success through the eyes of the individuals and communities mentorship and forming all
iances with allies who share my mission has she empowers. allowed me to amplify my impact and dismantle barriers,” she explains.
The Future: A Blend of Technology and Humanity A Universal Message: Tech for All Looking ahead, Keisha predicts a profound integration of gaming, Her message is clear and compelling: “Tech for all: Bridging gaps, igniting technology, and education. She envisions a world where VR, AR, dreams.” It’s a clarion call for everyone to recognize the transformative and AI-powered platforms revolutionize our approach to knowledge power of technology. It’s an invitation to close the divide and ignite and skill development. dreams, ensuring the tech world is inclusive and equitable.
But her vision for the future isn’t just about embracing new technologies; Keisha stands at the intersection of gaming, technology, and social change. it’s about ensuring these tools serve a greater societal good. “We aim Her vision for an inclusive, tech-driven world is not just aspirational — it’s to nurture a generation that doesn’t just consume technology but becoming a reality. Her story is a testament to the boundless potential of actively shapes its trajectory, considering its ethical, social, and human the gaming industry and the indomitable spirit of women pioneers. implications,” she elaborates.
