Hello everyone, this is my story...
I have been working for over 2 years in community management, and nearly a decade in social media management, and it has been quite a journey. I’ve always loved playing games, but I love even more sharing games with others. It’s kind of why I wanted to get into the game industry. Originally, I didn’t know what I wanted to do in video games.
First, I started as a typical mall arcade attendant at a local arcade, playing fighters and DDR. After that beloved arcade shut down, I was hired by NAMCO to work as a service manager, running across the country setting up new arcade experiences. It was fun, but it wasn’t enjoying the games I loved to play. So, I returned home, and got picked up to work for a chain of premiere entertainment centers in Colorado, and eventually became their social media manager. It was fun and I got a lot of experience, but again it was getting involved with the games I loved to play.
What changed? Well, I picked up Overwatch on a whim the day it came out back in 2016 and I was hooked, and instantly became involved in its community as a player. Posting on the forums, helping others with tech issues, and just trying to be a positive voice. Even became a forum MVP on the Blizzard Forums and started to build connections in the game industry. I realized then what I wanted to do. I wanted to get involved in community management.
In 2022, the Community Lead for Overwatch brought me on and have since been working with a great team, we helped bring Overwatch 2 to millions of players. Now, I am involved in some amazing projects and working with over 200 of the best content creators from around the globe. More importantly, working with this team gave me the courage to be myself.
Becoming Kaedi
Despite having a great job, I was still struggling with being myself. I always struggled with my gender identity. I tried coming out in the past and was shut down by very hostile relatives and culture. Moving to SoCal in 2023 helped, but I was stressed every day. I even was throwing in games and started to burn out. I had to change myself and embrace my true identity.
I came out as Kaedi in late 2023 and have been welcomed with open arms by everyone. I know being transgender in 2024 is not easy, but being transgender is NOT a choice. It was a choice to stop living a lie and since coming out, I have never been happier. More importantly, my love for games became even stronger. That is why this industry are amazing, you can be who you are and be part of a fellowship with millions of other people who come together for one reason… to have fun play games.
Looking to the future
Needless to say, my future uncertain in the U.S. in the coming months. I am now looking for new opportunities abroad notably in Canada or in Europe. My goal is to find new open roles in community management and content marketing with growing studios and help support exciting games that can reach audiences throughout the world. I want to bring the same positivity and energy that I have brought to Overwatch to your game.
So, let’s queue up and let’s make a fun game together. (^^)v
