Yogomi: GamingIndustry https://www.yogomi.com It's all fun and games... Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:32:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.yogomi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/YogomiLogo_512x512-150x150.jpg Yogomi: GamingIndustry https://www.yogomi.com 32 32 122466680 Black in Gaming Foundation Reveals Winners of the 2026 BIG Awards https://www.yogomi.com/2026/03/black-in-gaming-foundation-reveals-winners-of-the-2026-big-awards/ Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:32:05 +0000 https://www.yogomi.com/?p=41817 The Black In Gaming Foundation (BIG) celebrated the accomplishments of Black professionals across the v during the 2026 BIG Awards ceremony, recognizing a group of trailblazers whose work continues to shape the future of the medium.

Held annually, the BIG Awards highlight leaders, creators, and advocates whose contributions span development, media, art, programming, education, and community impact. The 2026 ceremony was hosted by iAsia Brown and featured nine honorees whose work is helping drive greater representation and opportunity across the gaming space.

Among the night’s biggest honors, Lisette Montgomery received the Gerald “Jerry” Lawson Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing a career of lasting influence within the industry. The award is named after legendary engineer Jerry Lawson and has previously been presented to notable figures including Reggie Fils-Aimé and Sarah Bond.

2026 BIG Awards Honorees

  • Gerald “Jerry” Lawson Lifetime Achievement Award: Lisette Montgomery

  • Excellence in Education Award: Akil Fletcher

  • Excellence in Media Award: Stephanie Ijoma

  • Excellence in Artistry Award: Danielle Wallace

  • Excellence in Programming Award: Jarryd Huntley

  • Indie Developer Award: Adanna Nedd

  • Industry Champion Award: Alice Winter

  • Industry Spotlight Award: Destinee Cleveland

  • Social and Economic Change Award: iAsia Brown

According to Trinidad Hermida, Chairwoman of the Board for the Black in Gaming Foundation, the 2026 honorees represent a powerful example of leadership and progress within the industry.

The ceremony also recognized the support of event partners including Sony Interactive Entertainment, International Game Developers Association Foundation, a16z Cultural Leadership Fund, and Gameheads.

Founded to expand representation and opportunity within gaming, the Black in Gaming Foundation continues its mission of supporting Black professionals through mentorship, career development, and community initiatives designed to elevate the next generation of talent.

]]> 41817 PAX West 2025 Interview, Karen Morrison of IGDA Foundation https://www.yogomi.com/2025/09/pax-west-2025-interview-karen-morrison-of-idga-foundation/ Sat, 13 Sep 2025 04:42:26 +0000 https://www.yogomi.com/?p=37293 At PAX East 2025, I had the chance to sit down with Karen Morrison and Shannon Loftis from the IGDA Foundation—a global nonprofit dedicated to supporting underrepresented and marginalized developers, as well as anyone interested in breaking into the gaming industry.

The IGDA Foundation provides free mentorships, professional development programs, and career opportunities, helping newcomers get their start while also guiding seasoned pros looking to grow into leadership roles. Their mission is simple but powerful: to build a more diverse, inclusive, and accessible games industry where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Learn more: https://www.igdafoundation.org

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