Inspiring Inclusion on International Women’s Day

news.ubisoft.com:

Every year on March 8, Ubisoft joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Women's Day. This year, Ubisoft is taking part by joining the Women in Games Careers Development and Networking Expo. Four Ubisoft employees: Senior Game Designer Miriam Popescu, Online Programmer Laora Heintz, Senior Director of Global Brand Management Leslie Capillon, and Director of Diversity and Inclusion Theoria Cason hosted a virtual panel centered on this year's theme, "Inspire Inclusion."

We asked each panelist what that theme means to them and what advice they have for women looking to enter the games industry.   

What does this year's theme of IWD, "Inspire Inclusion," mean to you?

Miriam Popescu - Senior Game Designer

To me, inspiring inclusion starts with the small things in my work life. Taking the time to check in with my colleagues, relating to them on a personal level, and showing understanding when life trips them up. I realize I'm surrounded by incredibly talented individuals with diverse experiences and voices. A climate of trust and openness helps surface the stories they have to tell, in private and in the games we create.

I truly believe games and their interactive nature can help us understand other points of view more easily and help us grow closer. 

Laora Heintz - Online Programmer

"Inspire Inclusion" has been a topic of meaningful discussion within our women's group at Ubisoft Annecy. To embody this theme, we're organizing a studio exhibition to highlight media, actions, and individuals that can encourage a more inclusive mindset. Additionally, we recognize the importance of extending our focus beyond gender to include other minorities in the videogame industry, such as individuals of diverse ethnic