As a leader in the metaverse, Virbela is proud to honor the women who are shaping virtual worlds for enterprise companies. We spent the month of March spotlighting the unique contributions and achievements of innovators at all levels. These women develop new workspaces, design organizational programs, and champion the needs of their teams as they transition into the metaverse.
Follow Virbela on LinkedIn for more on the evolution of the metaverse. #internationalwomensday #womenshistorymonth
Wavemakers Director of Operations Fiona Dixon
Wavemakers is a post-secondary education career readiness program, sponsored by the Government of Canada. Students connect and learn in Virbela, developing a set of core capabilities designed to futureproof their careers.
“Wavemakers partnered with Virbela in 2020 to design and build a private campus for the first national #virtualreality work-integrated learning program. We were looking for an innovative way to connect students, mentors, and potential employers in a fun and inclusive environment.
“We intentionally built Wavemakers in the #metaverse to remove physical and psychological barriers that students face in more traditional environments.
“We wanted to use a platform that was innovative and represented what workplaces of the future will look like. Virbela was an obvious choice due to its accessibility and evolving technology.
“Using the metaverse and #VR technology has had a major impact on our #community. It has encouraged them to be more curious about different forms of technologies and ways of working.”
Follow Fiona Dixon on LinkedIn for more on education in the metaverse.
PwC US AC Innovation Leader Mikayla Graham
PwC is the second-largest professional services network in the world, creating solutions that solve some of the world’s most complex problems. Recent work includes automation suites for a media conglomerate, data transparency for the healthcare industry, and net-zero emissions strategies in the energy sector.
“I'm an organizational psychologist by training, so my approach to anything is always human first. My career evolution into #XR and #spatial technology started from there—the want to help our teams engage differently and form greater community and connection during the pandemic. That's when I began to explore #virtual worlds and other immersive tech that helps to build those bridges.
“We've seen a lot of negative press about #metaverse technology because of the over-focus on the hype cycle and a lack of understanding of the tech in general. {But} we are on a journey and the impact it will have on humanity is massive. The evolution of this tech will continue as we use it and learn more and adapt and change. Businesses need to invest today in the tools they're going to need tomorrow.”
Follow Mikayla Graham on LinkedIn for more on corporate innovation in the metaverse.
VMware Senior Multimedia Product Manager Jal Chen
VMware is a cloud computing and #virtualization company providing infrastructure, platforms, and always-on workspaces to help companies in #fintech, #manufacturing, and #agriculture develop new uses for mobile technology.
“I lead #XR technology, launching VR at Work and VMware Virtual Campus programs and enabling company-wide adoption.
“As #hybrid workforces become accepted as a norm, the #metaverse gives enterprises a true option to connect #remote workforces and build a sense of #community. I truly believe with the right features and user experience, people will get into the metaverse in no time.”
Follow Jal Chen on LinkedIn for more on staff transitions into the metaverse.
PwC Metaverse Experience Team Lead Michelle Bradley
PwC is the second-largest professional services network in the world, creating solutions that solve some of the world’s most complex problems. Recent work includes automation suites for a media conglomerate, data transparency for the healthcare industry, and net-zero emissions strategies in the energy sector.
“Event and experience management is the core of my career. At PwC, I have the opportunity to take my skill set of planning and team management to the #metaverse. I have successfully launched and grown the use of two Virbela campuses and created standard operating procedures for hosting experiences in the metaverse for internal employee and external client use.
“I am most excited to see the #metaverse allow for more opportunities to collaborate with our global colleagues. Bringing together diversity of thoughts, talents, cultures, and locations can only further our #mission at PwC of being a ‘Community of Solvers.’
Follow Michelle Bradley on LinkedIn for more on building teams and culture in the metaverse.
Sarah Segrest, Learning Futurist & Founder of Octosmos
“I am passionate about working to shape the future of learning, work and community with XR technology and helping to ensure it's equitably and accessible for all. “I think the metaverse is an amazing equalizer for many. It's really great seeing so many women leaders in this space.
“I've worked with emerging technologies throughout my career, including XR and spatial technology. I found Virbela when pivoting from an in-person to a virtual event during pandemic-related lockdowns. I've been a big fan ever since. Now, nearly three years later, my career focuses on services and consultation for virtual learning, work and community-building in partnership with Virbela.”
Follow Sarah Segrest on LinkedIn for more on community in the metaverse.
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As the metaverse grows, Virbela is excited to see what the women at the forefront of virtual worlds create. For more on the people and organizations building the metaverse, follow Virbela.
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