This week, we are thrilled to sit down with Jay-Ann Lopez, CEO and Founder of Black Girl Gamers! Named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and a fierce advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Jay-Ann opens up to us about her efforts to build a progressive presence in the world of gaming. Inspired to create more spaces for black women and girls at a young age, she transitioned from steering a Facebook community into the expansive network of brands that continue to empower underrepresented voices. ============== Guest: Follow Jay-Ann on Instagram @jayannlopez_ and Twitter/X @jayannlopez_ Follow Black Girl Gamers on Instagram @theblackgirlgamers and Twitter @blackgirlgamers Links: https://www.theblackgirlgamers.com/links  Find us online at charselectpod.com or email us at [email protected]. Be sure to follow us on socials so you don't miss a thing! @charselectpod | Instagram @characterselectpod | TikTok @charselectpod_ | Twitter/X ============= Credits - Hosts: Anjali Bhimani (https://anjalibhimani.com/) and Julia Bianco (http://www.juliabs.com/) - Executive Producers: Rick Barrio Dill, Julia Bianco Schoeffling, & Anjali Bhimani - Producer/Sound Engineer/Editor: Bri Coorey - Producer: Madigan Hunt - Animation: Bri Coorey and Larissa Donahoe - Research: W. Amanda Mack - Additional Editing/Graphics: Josie Scott
 - Art: Laura Medeiros - Music: Rick Barrio Dill - Ad Sales and Production Consultation: Multitude (http://multitude.productions/) This is a SLAP Music Media Production with support from Bad Auntie Productions (http://badauntie.com/) and The Halp Network (https://www.halpnet.com/) About The Show Unlock the inspirations for the people who made your favorite video games with Character Select! Each episode brings on gaming veterans from all aspects of game development–including actors, composers, writers, directors, artists, and more–as they share the gaming moments that inspired and kickstarted their creative journeys. Hosted by industry veterans actress Anjali Bhimani and casting director Julia Bianco, Character Select is your guide to leveling up your appreciation and knowledge of the world of video game development, voiceover performance, and performance capture. New episodes every Monday!