Gaming Bits: Head of Gaming Company Joins Another Company, Microsoft Helps Charity
Nita Nour Leaves IDGA Foundation To Join Another Company
Nika Nour will leave her position as executive director of the IDGA Foundation.
In September, she will begin her new role as head of partnerships at Genvid Holdings, which she has held for the past two years.
The interim executive director will be Sarah Spiers. Spiers has worked for the IGDAF for four years, most recently as head of programming and special initiatives.
Christina Alejandre will oversee the search for Nour’s permanent replacement.
Nour said it was an honor and a privilege to serve as a leading voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the video game industry.
“I look forward to assisting the organization to new leadership as we continue to serve more than 100 grantees and scholars through our existing programs.”
The IGDAF created programs such as the Diverse Games Developers Fund during Nour’s tenure at the organization.
She was recognized as one of the Game Changers last year for her leadership in helping marginalized people in games
Microsoft Backing Charity That Helps Black And Indigenous Students
According to USC games, Microsoft is the newest supporter of the Gerald A. Lawson Endowment Fund for Black and Indigenous Students.
The endowment seeks to increase the representation of marginalized people in the games and tech industries.
“We are determined that USC Games will be a place where everyone is invited to create and play,” said USC interactive media & games’ head of marketing, Professor Jim Huntley.
Microsoft’s long-standing commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion and Xbox Studios’ support of the Lawson Endowment Fund are significant to increasing underrepresented groups’ representation in gaming and tech industries because costs at all institutions continue to rise.”
Microsoft’s chief Phil Spencer said last year that the industry should focus on having visible leaders in the fight against racial inequity.
Gerald Lawson was among the first Black engineers in the game industry, and he is credited with designing the Fairchild Channel-F, which led to modern gaming consoles.
