2026 Impact Through Education Nominees

Adrienne “Hesp” Lafond is an esports performance and wellness educator who believes education should be a core part of competitive gaming. She works with Florida Tech Esports through her graduate thesis research, applied performance work, collegiate Valorant coach, supporting player development in communication, academic goal setting, and sustainable performance. She also serves as a consultant with Lotus 8 Esports, delivering educational content and wellness programming for players and organizations. Adrienne’s work centers on making evidence-based education practical, ethical, and accessible across esports.

As a content creator and streamer, I love using my platform to educate while entertaining. I stream in both English and Spanish, creating interactive experiences where I teach my audience words and phrases in both languages, turning every stream into a fun and engaging learning opportunity. As a proud Mexican creator, it’s important to me to use gaming as a way to bring people closer, not apart, while celebrating our shared love for video games. Through this approach, I foster understanding across cultures, encourage connection, and make learning a natural part of the gaming experience.

In all of my work, I bring authenticity and expertise to empower minds. Going on over 10 years in higher ed, I currently teach as a Course Director at Full Sail University. As their Gandalf, I look to see the strength in my students and provide them the support to have them tackle their adventures and change the world.

I’m a curriculum designer focused on building inclusive, career-connected learning experiences through gaming. My work centers on bringing equity, creativity, and real-world application into the classroom, helping students turn their passion for gaming into leadership and career skills. I've worked with multiple collegiate esports programs, I am a WIGJ Ambassador, a member of Queer Women of Esports, a thegamehers* collegiate ambassador, and previously as a Project Manager at the Aurora Series. I've also done panels regarding diversity in esports and hosted workshops for middle school girls to serve as an early intervention to get more young women into gaming.

Claire LaBeaux is the Chief Advancement Officer for the global nonprofit Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations (NASEF). Claire has raised awareness of the benefits of scholastic esports as NASEF grew from a small regional pilot to its current status as a global scholastic leader. Claire’s passion is to empower and inspire youth in the heart of their interests. She always celebrates the personal growth and skill development of student participants. She consistently directs the focus of the organization and its partners to opportunities for youth through their esports involvement. Claire educates leaders, engages educators, and spearheads global partnerships.

Danithea Ward is an award-winning educator and nonprofit leader whose work advances equity and access in education. As a tenured third-grade teacher in a turnaround school and Founder/CEO of the Henderson Foundation, she has created transformative learning opportunities for girls in underserved communities through 100 Girls of Code. Her impact bridges classroom instruction with STEM, esports, and financial literacy, empowering the next generation of confident learners and leaders—making her a true GameHers driving impact through education.

I’m an educator, researcher, and lifelong gamer working at the intersection of play, learning, and community. Through my doctoral research on playful professional learning, game jams, and streaming as EduGamerGal, I explore how games can be powerful tools for education, creativity, and connection. This past year, I’ve collaborated with students, educators, and industry professionals to build games in UEFN and LEGO Fortnite, with projects recognized for worldbuilding. Having experienced gaming spaces when they were far less inclusive, I’m committed to supporting girls and women in gaming so no one has to navigate this space alone.

I am honored to be nominated for the Impact Through Education Award. As a PhD student, my work centers on advancing awareness of gendered toxicity in gaming and its profound effects on women and marginalized genders. Through my published research and ongoing advocacy, I aim to equip educators, industry professionals, and game user researchers with evidence-based insights that drive safer, more inclusive digital spaces. I’ve had the privilege of speaking with leading esports organizations and research communities to translate findings into meaningful change. This nomination affirms the importance of challenging harmful norms and empowering others through education and informed action.

I’m an esports educator committed to empowering the next generation of esports professionals. As an Esports Lecturer and Head Esports Coach at SGS College, I create inclusive, high‑performance learning environments where students grow through teamwork, resilience, and community. I’m dedicated to inspiring and nurturing talent, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and supporting learners as they build confidence, develop their skills, and take the next step toward their chosen pathway in esports.

Jazmin Cano, User Research Lead at Owlchemy Labs, is an advocate for accessibility, shaping the future of inclusive XR. Jazmin has traveled across the U.S. and internationally sharing hard-earned lessons and thoughtful frameworks for building accessible XR games and listening deeply with empathy to players through user interviews. She passionately turns her hands-on-work into actionable knowledge for XR developers, empowering the industry to move beyond its barriers and make games that are truly accessible to every player.

I lead the Future Firsts Esports & Technology program based in Detroit, Michigan, which aims to use esports as a tool to bridge the digital divide amongst youth, develop college and career pathways, and empower students with skills, confidence, and access to futures in technology.

Kaohom Boonyalai serves as the Head of Marketing & Communications at Affinity Esports, where she champions education through thoughtful program development and community-centered initiatives. She played a key role in organizing College Esports Day, creating pathways for students to explore collegiate opportunities in gaming. Kaohom also coaches the youth Minecraft Bedwars team and contributes to building engaging, skills-based Minecraft programs that support learning through play. Her work empowers young gamers to grow academically, socially, and competitively while discovering how esports can enrich their educational journeys.

Lia Fuziy is a Brazilian game developer and educator dedicated to expanding access to knowledge in the games industry. As a professor and community leader, she designs learning experiences that connect theory, practice, and real market pathways. Through workshops, mentorship, game jams, and public programs, Lia supports emerging developers in building skills, confidence, and professional direction. As Chair of IGDA São Paulo and Coordinator of Game Dev Toolkit, she helps bridge education and industry, contributing to a more prepared, inclusive, and sustainable game development ecosystem in Brazil.

Hi everyone ☺️. My name is LoLex and I have been nominated for the Impact Through Education Award 2026. I'm a Classroom Aide that works with children and teenagers at an alternative campus grades 5th - 8th. This is both General Education and Special Education. This award nomination means a lot to me because I enjoy making a difference in the lives of our youth as they are the future of our nation. I also discuss the importance of my job on stream to educate others.

Let me start by saying I love my job. I get the privilege of teaching the Esports elective five period a day at Del Norte High School level in Albuquerque, New Mexico during the school day I get teach over 150+ students in the school year about the business side of Esports. DNHS Esports Lab is amazing and a place where ALL students belong and thrive. Plus our Varsity Esports Program is top notch offering over 15 teams and Unified Teams

I am an education professional working at the intersection of social impact, racial equity, and youth empowerment. Through my work with Projeto Axé in São Paulo, I support Black and marginalized students in their preparation for university by combining academic guidance with socio-emotional care. My role goes beyond operations and monitoring: I actively listen to students’ realities and transform their experiences into improvements in educational practices and policies. I believe education is a powerful tool for social transformation when it is rooted in care, representation, and cultural belonging. My impact lies in helping young people recognize their potential and claim their future.

I'm a media professional using the power of photography, writing, and social media to educate how esports and gaming are more than just playing games.

I support social impact-driven events and programs that use games as tools for good at Games for Change. I previously led youth education initiatives, including the Student Challenge, a game design program for teens, and Game Exchange, an international collaboration connecting U.S. students with peers in the MENA region. Alongside fundraising, I continue mentoring former students, sharing internships, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities, and helping them navigate early careers. Inspired by my own experience as an artistic, gaming teenager, I believe deeply in youth voice. I also volunteer with Legacies of War, educating various audiences about unexploded ordnance in Laos.

I’m a fitness-forward creator and community leader focused on wellness, advocacy, and authentic connection. I founded WATCHUS, a 30- member Stream Team, with creators reaching Partner and landing brand deals. I also launched the Top Tier Queer Grant, awarding $6,500+ in cash and gear to underrepresented creators. I’ve presented 5 panels at TwitchCon, produced 4 seasons of interviews on creative sustainability, and led multiple charity streams. After reaching Affiliate in 7 days and Partner in 2 years, I’ve continued to grow a dedicated community while expanding into education, creator advocacy, and industry speaking opportunities. I’ve partnered with brands including Taco Bell, NVIDIA, Corsair, Quest Nutrition, and Don’t Nod, and I am the Community Specialist for Twitch's Women Guild.