Powerhouse Canadian Women Leading in Gaming & Esports

The gaming and esports world is moving fast, but Canadian women aren’t just keeping up—they’re setting the pace! These game-changers are making waves, breaking barriers, and inspiring a whole new generation. At Femme Gaming, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on five incredible Canadian women who have left their mark on the industry and are leading the charge into the future. Check out their amazing achievements!

Stephanie Harvey: A Legacy of Advocacy and Leadership

Stephanie “missharvey” Harvey is one of the most respected figures in esports, known for her outstanding achievements in competitive gaming and her unwavering commitment to positive change in the industry.

Key Achievements:

Esports Icon: Stephanie has won five World Cups in Counter-Strike and was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Esports Awards, recognizing her enduring impact on the esports industry.
Promoting Equality: Her advocacy is evident through her roles as Chief Culture Officer and RED Director at FlyQuest. She has also leveraged her platform to advocate for healthy gaming practices, gender equality, and the reduction of online toxicity.
Author and Mentor: Her book, “missharvey: gameuse et fière de l’être,” inspires young gamers to strive for success while maintaining integrity and respect in competitive gaming.

Personal Reflections: “My journey in gaming has always been about more than just winning. From the world stage in Counter-Strike to the advocacy work I’m passionate about, I aim to inspire and lead by example.”

Sunny: Bridging the Gap Between Gaming, Charity, and Lifestyle/Beauty

Sunny, known by her handle @ursungirl, is a Twitch Partner and content creator who exemplifies how diverse interests can converge in the digital age. Her blend of gaming skills, community activism, and wide-ranging endorsements showcases her multifaceted influence across several domains.

Key Achievements:

Charity Fundraising: Sunny has significantly impacted her community by raising over $50,000 for various charities, including Plan Canada and SickKids Hospital, highlighting her dedication to philanthropy.
Twitch Partnership and Team Affiliation: Within just a year of streaming, Sunny not only secured a partnership with Twitch but also signed with Luminosity Gaming, demonstrating rapid success in the competitive gaming industry. She serves as a great example for any young woman aspiring to start her journey as a streamer and content creator.
Extensive Brand Collaborations: Sunny has bridged the divide between gaming and beauty through sponsorships with brands like Benefit Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, and Fenty Beauty. Her influence extends to partnerships with major names like McDonald’s, StateFarm, Pokémon, Lenovo, Riot Games, and Elgato, showcasing her wide appeal and ability to connect with varied audiences.

Personal Reflection: “Take things day by day, everything else will fall into place.”

Dr. Lisa Funnell: Pioneering Ethical Game Design and Esports Education

Dr. Lisa Funnell is a distinguished educator at Mohawk College is shaping the future of the industry. Her focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion ensures that the next generation of game creators and players will not only be skilled but also ethically minded.

Distinguished Accomplishments:

Curricular Innovation: Lisa’s development of EDI-focused Game Design and Esports Administration programs at Mohawk College is a landmark achievement, equipping students with the tools and perspectives needed to work in an inclusive and impactful gaming industry.
Mentorship, Guidance, and Public Speaking: Lisa’s role as a mentor and speaker has had a profound impact on countless women in both gaming and academia. Through her participation in DEI panels with Femme Gaming, MLSE, and other prominent organizations, she continues to encourage women to pursue their passions with confidence and determination.
Scholarly Contributions: An award winning author, Lisa has published nine academic books, including “Warrior Women: Gender, Race, and the Transnational Chinese Action Star” and “Screening #MeToo: Rape Culture in Hollywood,” further cementing her role as a thought leader.

Personal Reflections: “The most empowering thing I learned to say is ‘I don’t know.’ I might not have all the answers but I am willing to listen, learn, and creatively think my way through problems. There is strength in vulnerability and uncertainty. Challenge yourself to remain uncomfortable and grow through your navigation of the unknown.”

Kyky: Championing Diversity and Representation

Kyky has been a pivotal force in the gaming industry for over five years, wearing multiple hats as a Host, Freelance Artist, Mentor, Twitch Creator, and now a Multimedia Technology Educator. She is always pushing for more diversity and representation, focusing her efforts on breaking barriers and ensuring that everyone has a voice in the industry.

Influential Interviews: Kyky made significant strides in representation by interviewing key members of the Overwatch development team, helping to introduce Overwatch’s first Black Canadian female hero, Sojourn, to a global audience.
Advocacy Through “Let Em Play”: An organization dedicated to creating safe spaces to underrepresented groups in the gaming industry, demonstrating her commitment to inclusivity and community.
Educational Leadership: Her work in digital arts and media education spans multiple school districts, where she develops programs that emphasise representation and inclusivity in gaming, coding, and AR/VR technologies.

Personal Quote: “Inspire more women and underrepresented players to get into roles that will influence the game industry in order to become the change they want to see.”

Celeste Anderson: From Gamer to Visionary Leader

Celeste Anderson’s journey from winning “King of the Nerds” to becoming a prominent figure in esports is a story of resilience, determination, and triumph. Her ability to overcome personal challenges while excelling in her career, is a testament to her strength and vision.

Key Achievements:

Reality TV Victory: Celeste won “King of the Nerds,” taking home the $100,000 prize. Her victory was more than just winning a competition; it showcased that gamers are strategic thinkers and real competitors, highlighting her skills on a national stage.
Resilience Through Adversity: During her battle with cervical cancer in college, Celeste not only persevered but excelled, graduating top of her class with a GPA of 97.62%. Her story is a testament to determination and balancing personal challenges with academic success.
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Advocacy: As CEO of Digital Sports Administration Inc., Celeste has organized over 200 esports events and built partnerships with industry giants like TELUS, Intel Canada, and DreamHack. She is also a strong advocate for gender equality, creating opportunities for women in gaming and fostering a more inclusive community.

Personal Quote: “It’s easy to compare and measure your success to others. But at the end of the day, you get to choose what success means to you. Love all that you are, all that you have been, and all that you’re yet to be. Make no room for regrets and don’t forget to take pride in your accomplishments because wherever you go in life, that drive to be the best version of you will end up leading you to where you need to be.”

These Canadian women are redefining what’s possible in gaming and esports. Driven by determination, creativity, and a commitment to inclusivity, they are leading the way, setting new standards and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Their work is opening new doors and setting the stage for a future where everyone has a chance to succeed. As the industry continues to grow, their influence is already shaping the direction of gaming in meaningful ways.