Diversity: A Reachable Goal

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Diversity A Reachable Goal
Sheri Graner RayGDC 2006March 24, 2006
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Sheri Graner Ray

• Game designer since 1990
• Author of Gender Inclusive Game Design Expanding
  the Market
• Worked with Origin Systems/Electronic Arts, Her
  Interactive, Sony Online Entertainment, Cartoon
  Network and more
• Chair and Co-founder of Women in Games
  International
• Recipient 2005 IGDA's Game Developers' Choice
  Award for work in gender and games
• Hard Core Gamer (20 hours/week)

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How can we get women to apply to our company?
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Typical recruiting outlets
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Some areas where barriers exist in our recruiting

• Recruiting pool
• Awareness
• Outreach

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Expand the recruiting pool

• The game industry isn't even on the radar for
  most minorities

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Expand recruiting pools

• Recruit in non-traditional areas
• Liberal arts programs
• Radio/Television/Film
• Architecture schools
• Graphics arts programs
• Technology organizations

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Raise awareness

• Support clubs and organizations

Diversity
this benefits MORE than just the recruiting
pool!!
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Outreach

• Start building tomorrow's employees today

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Don't just talk about Diversity...
Don't just talk about Diversity...
Don't just talk about Diversity...
Don't just talk about Diversity...
Don't just talk about Diversity...
Don't just talk about Diversity...

• Seek out candidates in non-traditional areas
• Raise awareness through outreach
• Build today for tomorrow's employees

...do something about it!