Today, on International Day of the Girl this October, we are proud to highlight our partnership with the Girls Make Games Scholarship Fund (GMGSF). Founded in 2014 as a corporate initiative by LearnDistrict, Girls Make Games has been dedicated to empowering young women and nonbinary individuals in the gaming industry through workshops, summer camps, and educational resources.Recognizing the ongoing challenges faced by its alumni in accessing higher education, GMG evolved into a registered charity with the establishment of GMGSF in fall 2022. This new chapter allows GMG to provide essential financial support, including a scholarship program, and mentorship to ensure that underrepresented students can pursue their dreams in STEAM fields.We are excited to introduce Kathleen Castellanos, one of this years scholarship recipients. Kathleen will receive up to $10,000 in a tuition grant, industry mentorship, internship placement support, career readiness, and job placement assistance. Join us as we explore her inspiring journey, her passion for game development, and how this scholarship is shaping her future in the gaming world.Pursuing Dreams in Gaming: A Q&A with Kathleen CastellanosWhat sparked your interest in game development, and how did you first get involved with Girls Make Games?My love for Star Fox Adventures sparked my passion for game development. I remember being so captivated by how unique and modern it felt for its time, and that inspired me to think about creating my own games. As for Girls Make Games, I discovered the program while desperately searching for scholarships focused on women in gaming or game art. GMG stood out as one of the few opportunities that aligned with my goals.What area of study do you plan to pursue in college, and how does it relate to your passion for gaming?I plan to pursue art. It ties into my love for gaming because I want to be a concept artist in the future, and to do that I would imagine [studying] a lot of art mediums would help me.How has receiving the Girls Make Games scholarship impacted your plans for college and your future career?It strongly impacted me in a positive way because in addition to covering costs for school Im now also able to build strong connections with those in the gaming industry. I can say with confidence now and with pride that I have successfully worked with Sony PlayStation for an art piece!Can you share a project or game youve worked on that youre particularly proud of? What did you learn from it?While I havent worked on a game just yet, I would love to start with a graphic novel-style game. Its an area Im really passionate about, and I believe I can bring something fresh and creative to the space. Ive been absorbing so much from other forms of storytelling and art, and Im excited to apply that knowledge to game development in the future.What challenges have you faced while pursuing your passion for gaming, and how have you dealt with them?One of the biggest challenges has been finding accessible opportunities. Before GMG, I felt like there werent many options for someone like me, especially in game art which often gets overshadowed by more technical aspects like coding. It can be discouraging, but Ive been lucky to have a strong support networkfriends, family, and mentorswhove helped me chase after the right opportunities.What advice would you give to other students who are interested in exploring game development or joining programs like GMG?My advice is to take the shot, even if youre nervous or feel its out of your league. You miss 100% of the opportunities you dont go after. It can be intimidating, but trying is something to be proud of. Dont stop just because something seems difficultkeep pushing forward. Youll feel better knowing you gave it your best shot rather than wondering what mightve been.Looking ahead, what are you most excited about as you prepare for college and your future in gaming?Im most excited about creating something that can leave a lasting impactsomething memorable that people can look back on and associate with me. I want to make something positive and meaningful that can inspire future generations.Supporting Future InnovatorsReflecting on the insights Kathleen shared, its clear that initiatives like the GMGSF are crucial in fostering talent and creativity in the game industry. By empowering young women and nonbinary individuals, were not only enriching their lives but paving the way for a more diverse and innovative gaming landscape.We invite the Humble community to support GMGSF and other organizations that champion the next generation of game developers. And speaking of that, if you love games, or dinosaurs, or youve been waiting for the perfect time to completely immerse yourself in Jurassic World(!), you can do that now AND support GMGSF at the same time with the Jurassic World Evolution Completionist Bundle.Together, we can help ensure that every aspiring creator has the opportunity to turn their dreams into reality. Thank you for joining us in celebrating these remarkable journeys, and stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our community.