Connections: Next Generation
Who We Are
The Next Generation conference was born out of a discussion about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the serious gaming industry, and how difficult it is to find out about the community before already being part of it between two fledgling wargaming professionals, Stefanie Game (Imaginetic) and Charlie Hepton (UK Civil Service). It was quickly brought to life with the help of fellow wargamers Tom Fisher (Imaginetic) and Abi Coskun (UK Civil Service).
Now, ConNext is part of the Connections family!
Stefanie Game
Stefanie Game has a B.A. in Political Science and International Development from McGill University, which equips her with the knowledge to tackle complex global issues.
She is currently working at Imaginetic as the Design Team Lead, where she has designed over 150 games for Imaginetic on topics ranging from humanitarian aid delivery to environmental conservation, and has delivered projects for Global Affairs Canada, the United Nations, and various humanitarian and women's NGOs, among others.
Stefanie has also shared her knowledge with many audiences at conferences such as Connections UK, Connections North, and OCHA HNPW.
In addition to her professional achievements, Stefanie is also a co-founder and chair of Connections Next Generation. Her dedication to helping the world through game design makes her an invaluable asset.
Betsy Joslyn currently works as a Wargaming Research Associate for the Joint Advanced Warfighting Division at the Institute for Defense Analyses. In addition, she is a Research Associate for PAXSims, head of programming for the Women’s Wargaming Network, a co-chair for Connections Net Generation, and a Military Operations Research Society (MORS) Instructor for the MORS Wargaming Certificate course. She has also designed the microgame “Turning Tides” for the Georgetown University Wargaming Society, which features competing interests between powers to reduce global greenhouse gases at a geopolitical level.
Previously, Betsy also served as a Rural Aquaculture Specialist as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia.
Betsy received her Master’s in Science in Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy at American University and received her Bachelors of Science in Applied Chemistry at Bridgewater College where she also minored in English, played for the Bridgewater College Field Hockey Team, and participated in BC’s theater program.
Betsy Joslyn
William Bone
William Bone is a policy advisor in the UK Civil Service, specializing in UK-EU trade relations within the Department of Business and Trade. Previously, Will has worked in cyber security and digital asset logistics with the FCDO, delivery management with HMPPS and IT service management for the UK's Child Benefit program. Prior to the Civil Service, he worked in a number of different industries including outdoor education, catering and baking. His interest in wargaming comes from time spent working in the Civil Service Fast Stream Wargaming Network, which led to professional wargaming opportunities with the UK MOD, DSTL and FCDO. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Will has written articles for internal DEI groups and worked to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the workplace.
As Connections Next Gen's social media manager, he is responsible for maintaining the Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.
Our Collaborators
Charlie has a MA in Global Security & Trilingual Analysis from the University of Bordeaux. She currently chairs the Civil Service Fast Stream Crisis Simulation Network, which introduces young UK government professionals to crisis simulation and serious gaming.
Charlie Hepton
Abi Coskun
Abi is a graduate of Durham University, where she obtained a BA in Anthropology and Archeology. She currently works as a policy advisor for the UK Civil Service, as part of their Fast Stream graduate development programme, which is where she became involved in serious gaming within the Fast Stream Crisis Simulation Network.
Why Next Generation?
Connections events across the world bring serious gamers together from all professions: military, humanitarian aid, policy, health. However, all of these people have one thing in common – they already know about the wargaming industry.
The purpose of Connections: Next Generation is to show new graduates, young professionals and the next generation of interested gamers how serious gaming can not only help them in any future career, but can also be their future career.
Proud Supporters of the
Derby House Principles!
The Derby House Principles:
- Promoting inclusion and diversity in professional wargaming, through the standards we set, the opportunities we offer, and access to activities we organise.
- Making clear our opposition to sexism, racism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination across the board, as well as in wargaming.
- Encouraging a greater role and higher profile for colleagues from underrepresented groups in our professional activities.
- Seeking out and listening to the concerns and suggestions of our colleagues as to how our commitment to diversity and inclusion could be enhanced.
- Demonstrating our commitment to diversity and inclusion through ongoing assessment of progress made and discussion of future steps
Social Media
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