When I was just 13, I had a moment that would forever shape the rest of my life. My teacher asked the class a question that left many of my peers silent: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It was a question that hung heavily in the air, met with silence and hesitation from most of my classmates. But not from me. I raised my hand and declared with unwavering confidence, “I want to be an engineer.” That clarity, rare and profound for someone so young, became my anchor.

It gave me a sense of direction in a world full of uncertainty, empowering me to make bold choices and to overcome obstacles with a purpose-driven mindset. It wasn’t always easy but having that vision of my future guided me through life’s pivotal decisions. It steered me toward a career that brings me immense fulfillment and a deep sense of pride to this day.

Yet, stepping into the engineering world as a young woman was not without its challenges. I quickly realized how lonely it could be. As the only female engineer in my department, I experienced firsthand the lack of diversity in tech and engineering fields. I was often the only woman in the room, the only female voice at the table, the sole representative of what I hoped could be a more inclusive future. That experience not only strengthened my resolve but also sparked a passion for inclusivity in the workplace. I became determined to inspire more young women to pursue careers in STEM and to creating spaces where they feel valued and supported. I wanted to show them that they belong in tech, in engineering, in any field they dream of pursuing.

As a mother of four, this mission became even more personal. Watching my children navigate their own paths, I saw how daunting and overwhelming it can be for young people to make career decisions. The uncertainty, the pressure, and the sheer number of possibilities left them feeling lost - much like many of my classmates did when asked that pivotal question. I realized how powerful it is to have clarity at a young age and how transformative it can be to help young people uncover their potential and passions early in life.

That’s why I started XPark Games. This venture isn’t just about creating games, it’s about creating opportunities. It’s about empowering students to explore careers in the digital age in a way that’s fun, immersive, and accessible. Through gamified experiences, we aim to spark curiosity, ignite confidence, and inspire the next generation of tech leaders and innovators.

XPark Games is also deeply rooted in inclusion. It’s about breaking down barriers and showing young people, especially girls, that they belong in spaces where they may not always see themselves represented. Because the future of work is diverse, and every young person deserves the tools and inspiration to chart their own path.

This is more than a business for me; it’s a deeply personal mission. I know firsthand the power of clarity, determination, and a supportive community. And with XPark Games, I hope to give young people the confidence to say, “This is who I want to be”, and the tools to make it happen.