15 minute read
Leading Voices
THe MeTaVeRSe
A Growing Space for Jobseekers and Enthusiasts
The metaverse is a new buzzword, with many conversations on a virtual universe or network of virtual worlds. People connect socially, purchase or sell various goods and services, accomplish tasks, or do nothing at all—just escape the physical world. You may have heard of virtual worlds such as Decentraland, The Sandbox, and Somnium Space. Recently, Facebook announced that it would be diving into the metaverse and even changed its company name to Meta as a sign of its commitment to metaverse development. The metaverse is in some ways a hypothetical singular digital universe, as the current metaverse, as it is referenced today, consists of many virtual worlds that are separate from each other. There are many ways to earn and spend money, especially digital currency, on the metaverse. Unique pieces of artwork called nonfungible tokens (NFTs) are found, traded, and sold on the metaverse. Did you know that virtual real estate is sold and bought on the metaverse? Recently, property in The Sandbox, a virtual world, sold for over $4 million!
The metaverse is accessed using a variety of hardware, such as personal computers, cell phones, augmented reality and virtual reality devices, and other virtual world technologies. As varied as the hardware to access it, software to access the metaverse
is countless. The ability to link and interweave virtual worlds is a highpriority topic among developers. While Facebook changing its name to Meta and committing to developing the metaverse is a sign of how the hype has reached a fever pitch, big tech companies such as Microsoft, Nvidia, Niantic, and Apple have all begun contributing to the metaverse development. For example, famous for its app Pokémon Go, Niantic has invested $300 million into developing a proprietary dystopian metaverse. Nvidia is indirectly furthering the development of the metaverse through its Omniverse Enterprise, a hub where digital content creators can collaborate on 3D modeling, design, and simulation. The metaverse is opening a slew of job opportunities for those willing to bet on an emerging entity. Working behind the scenes, infrastructural developers build the blockchain, write code, maintain servers, and do other technical tasks. Suppose you’re planning to start a degree in computer science, information technology, or other related technical majors. In that case, this is a career path that could be open to you while also maintaining broad employability in many areas. AR and VR hardware and software engineers will be critical to metaverse development and innovation. Applying creative skills within the metaverse itself, content and asset creators such as artists, modelers, dialogue writers, character customizers, and other art-centered positions help bring color, design, and aesthetics to the virtual world. Are you a skilled artist or designer interested in computers and technology? Creating assets in the metaverse may represent a significant opportunity. Other non-technical career paths include influencers, marketers, customer support agents, moderators, mappers, performers, and even monetized participants. If you are a gamer or esports enthusiast interested in a play-to-earn style gaming experience, consider exploring the metaverse. Focusing on the appropriate majors, skills, and understandings is crucial to future success and employment. Majors in computer science or information technology benefit from learning skills specific to the development and maintenance of the metaverse. Still, these same skills are vital to all computer science and information technology career paths. In preparing for employment within the metaverse industry, college students and other job seekers should gain expertise and experience with popular programming languages, such as C, C#, C++, JavaScript, Python, etc. Likewise, gain expertise with popular tools like Unreal Engine, Unity, Amazon Sumerian, Autodesk Maya, and the open-source Blender. Having an eye on user experience design is also valuable because the result of metaverse development should be a user-friendly experience. Another significant role in metaverse development is designing and creating 3D assets, typically a task for 3D game designers. Job applicants and students should seek expertise in designing, prototyping, and constructing immersive 3D experiences that engage players and immerse them in a virtual world like never before. Gaining a working knowledge of computer animation, 3D modeling, computer illustration, lighting, game interfaces, and creative competency for art and design are crucial to success as a 3D game designer. Basic programming skills and proficiency in gaming software such as Unity, Blender, Maya, and Unreal Engine are core parts of 3D game design. Are you looking to focus on the hardware side of the metaverse? A hardware systems engineer designs, prototypes, builds, and maintains the hardware interfaces with the metaverse. They design AR/VR wearables and vital computer systems, such as servers, networks, and more. Gaining experience in product development, systems design, physics, and exposure to electrical, computer, mechanical, or optical engineering will all help set you apart from other candidates. Knowing virtual reality concepts and tools such as computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) will also give you a solid foundational skill set. Mastering the hardware and engineering side of the metaverse requires a lot of skill acquisition, so start with programming languages, data collection, analysis, and robotics—explicitly focusing on sensors, cameras, and user inputs. The metaverse, an emerging and growing virtual network of worlds, changes how people interact and socialize. Digital real estate and NFTs are bringing in a revenue stream, and monetizing pay-to-earn users adds to this financial landscape. As the metaverse’s popularity and size
grow, so will employment opportunities across all industries. Choosing a general career path depending on your skills and interests, then preparing through college programs, internships, and networking with experts is a tried-and-true method for improving employment options and will help job seekers find employment in building the metaverse. S
BLACK LEADERS Powering the Metaverse
From higher education to child safety to fashion, Black thought leaders in the metaverse are launching businesses, leveraging technology, and creating art that offers free admission—and opportunities— to all people, especially underrepresented voices.
While some thought leaders received their education from prestigious universities in the U.S., others are self-taught or seized the chance to learn tech while holding another position at a company. What they all have in common is the desire to create a more inclusive world through the metaverse and for the metaverse to influence the world we live in. RYAN DENNIS
Senior Manager MetaJuice
From an early age, technology piqued Ryan Dennis’ curiosity. As a teenager, he studied engineering technology at Columbia University to learn how technology could be used to foster inclusivity and community across the globe. Dennis received an honors Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Hampton University and was bestowed the Outstanding Leadership Award. He went on to manage marketing teams across nine cities in the U.S. for companies like BitTorrent, TRON DAO, Exodus, Abra, and ICO Alert. Dennis is senior manager for MetaJuice, the blockchain subsidiary of the IMVU metaverse with over 1 million daily active users. He led the launch of a blockchain-enabled metaverse at the GamesBeat conference hosted by Meta and VentureBeat. He is also the founder of two messaging and communications startups, NFTs Life and CryptoLately, which aim to help metaverse and cryptocurrency companies reach target audiences. He currently resides in Silicon Valley.
RAULVIN COKE
CEO & Co-founder Future Wise Group
Raulvin Coke is a globally recognized futurist, business transformation executive, and in-demand consultant, speaker, and media personality with deep experience working in tech-related fields with companies such as NBC Universal, MediaBrix, and Oracle. He is co-CEO and co-founder of Future Wise Group, a Web 3.0 brand strategy and metaverse marketing agency working with startups, businesses, influencers, and celebrities to strategically expand their footprint to monetize within the metaverse economy. Recently, the company executive produced two podcasts: Esports, Metaverse & Beyond—a kids-focused podcast— and Metaverse-ology, which features entrepreneurs and thought leaders in the Web 3.0 space to help demystify the metaverse ecosystem and economy. Both shows were listed in FeedSpot’s Top 25 Metaverse Podcasts.
JACQUELINE SHAULIS (JK SHAULIS)
Founder Awesome Enterprises LLC
Jacqueline Shaulis is an international motivational speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author supporting BIPOC women and advocating for inclusion and diversity. She’s partnered with the National Center for Intersectional Studies and is using the metaverse as a tool for connection for intersectional introverts and amplification of the lived
experiences of introverted women of color. Projects include conceiving and developing an interactive classroom in the metaverse to experience and learn her coursework and an AWEditorium for introverts to find community and support each other. Shaulis has spoken in over 20 countries, and her work has been featured in Forbes, TODAY Show, The Washington Post, The Dr. Oz Show, The Independent, TEDx, Yahoo Finance, and Bronze magazine.
BIANCA JACKSON
Founder and CEO BrickRose Exchange
Bianca J. Jackson, M.B.A., PMP® is an award-winning entrepreneur with over 13 years of experience managing IT infrastructure, web, mobile, video, and metaverse projects for Fortune 500 companies such as UnitedHealth Group, Marriott, and USA Today. She was the project manager for USA Today’s Visual Storytelling Program Suite: Emerging Tech and Video teams, which utilized platforms like VIVE, Samsung Gear VR, Google Daydream, Cardboard, and video players such as Brightcove, Littlstar, and custom-built players. While there, she managed the Pulitzer Prize-winning metaverse product, The WallVR, that won a Journalism 360 grant. “The Wall” enables VR users to see the implications of what it would mean to construct a fence between Texas and Mexico and explores eminent domain, endangered species, and food supply. Jackson is the chief innovation officer of BrickRose Exchange, a collaborative meeting space that engages audiences through in-person and metaverse events. American Express, Comcast, and Meta have funded and supported the company’s innovation and commitment to the community. Jackson speaks about marketing and emerging tech with repeat appearances at SXSW i.e. Demystifying the Metaverse (SXSW 2022), How Diversity is Pushing Augmented Reality Innovation (SXSW 2018), and Women of Color in VR & AR Meet Up (SXSW 2018). She is dedicated to developing projects and working with organizations focused on women in tech, Black art, and emerging tech.
RYAN DENNIS
RAULVIN COKE
JK SHAULIS SHEA RICHBURG
CEO Future Wise Group
Shea Richburg is a globally recognized metaverse visionary, futurist, and XR child safety thought leader. As co-CEO of Future Wise Group, she works with celebrities and crypto, NFT, and Web 3.0 startups to provide training, marketing, and strategy to help extend their brands into the metaverse. She is executive producer of two podcasts that feature entrepreneurs and thought leaders in the Web 3.0 space to help demystify the metaverse ecosystem and economy. In the past, she has worked and partnered with corporations including Warner Bros, Roku, Babies ‘R Us, Boxed Water, T-Mobile, Microsoft, Home Depot, and Liberty Science Center. Richburg is also the co-creator of the Metaverse-IQ, a behavioral intelligence framework that establishes universal safety guidelines and provides an overall better experience for human connection while in virtual environments.
Press and awards include the 2021 Women’s Empowerment Award, a guest appearance on the Dr. Oz Show, and interviews with numerous news media outlets, including CBS News. Richburg is a member of the Blockchain Council and a certified metaverse expert who serves as a member of the Maternal Justice Subcommittee of New Jersey.
TINA BONNER
Founder Black in Meta
Tina Bonner is an award-winning entrepreneur, notable motivational speaker, and dynamic podcast host who is passionate about making tools and strategies available to all people to unlock their full potential. She is founder/CEO of the viral and rapidly expanding Black In Meta, an organization committed to helping Black and Brown communities become competent in learning how to leverage the metaverse via content, events, and “pop-up” VR activations. Utilizing social media as a tool, it has built a fan-based and enthusiastic community that spans multiple platforms and has generated 2 million-plus views, 20,000-plus reshares, a 500 percent engagement rate,
10,000-plus followers, 182,749 accounts reached, 264,001 impressions within its first 30 days of launch. The organization has been lauded by AfroTech, The Washingtonian, the African-American Marketing Association, and more.
DAVID C. HUGHES
Founder Give Black
David C. Hughes is a co-creator of the world’s first global Black philanthropicbased app, Give Black that educates and economically empowers Black organizations. Previously, he worked in the sports industry for the Houston Texans and the University of Texas, and interned at ESPN, the University of Miami, 790 the Zone, and Georgia State University. As an educator, he is a clinical assistant professor at Georgia State University and an esports adjunct professor at Morehouse College teaching students about the metaverse, diversity, excellence, ethics, constructive communication, esports, and technology. In 2019, he secured a technology grant to create the first esports initiative at an HBCU. Hughes has been a Graduate School of Education pre-doctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and has taught at Shenandoah University, Georgetown University, and others.
TELISA DAUGHTRY
Founder and CTO FlyTechnista
TeLisa Daughtry is an award-winning STEM and DEI&B advocate, technologist, and serial/social entrepreneur. She is founder and CTO of FlyTechnista and CTO at FLYX Enterprises, a metaverse consultancy that provides technical solutions for government agencies, Fortune 500 enterprises, and nonprofits. As an entrepreneur, conscious technologist, educator, and advocate, Daughtry is dedicated to creating solutions through the United Nations (Sustainable Development Goals) and UN Women (Women Empowerment Principles) to empower women, youth, and underrepresented groups to participate in emerging technologies such as Web3, NFTs, artificial intelligence, and building an inclusive metaverse. Daughtry is a self-taught coder and educated engineer who transitioned into the blockchain space while working at PwC. She has supported hundreds of women and underrepresented groups to mint their first NFTs, create and set up digital wallets, and build communities and project roadmaps for collections.
SHEA RICHBURG
TINA BONNER
DAVID C. HUGHES JUSTIN GOLDSTON, PH.D.
Co-Founder SydTek DAO
Dr. Justin Goldston is co-founder of SydTek DAO, a project aimed at reimagining education the Web3 way within the metaverse. He is also a professor at Penn State University and focuses his research in sustainability and systems thinking and ways to leverage blockchain, the metaverse, and other emerging technologies to make positive global change. Goldston is a five-time TEDx speaker on blockchain and artificial intelligence with over 20 years of experience consulting with organizations globally on enterprisewide digital transformation initiatives. As an educator, he leads and assists in the development of blockchain, supply chain management, sustainability, and business analytics programs and courses at Georgetown University, Texas A&M University, Davenport University, and others.
He has authored several peerreviewed journal articles on supply chain management, sustainability, and innovative technologies, and recently published the first academic peerreviewed case study on the metaverse with “The Metaverse as a Digital Leviathan: A Case Study of Bit.Country.”
MARCUS SAWYERR
Founder & CEO EQ Community
Marcus Sawyerr is the founder of EQ Community, a community of top leaders that connects executives seeking meaningful work with inclusive techenabled firms ready to cultivate a diverse workforce.
IN DEVELOPING, BUILDING, AND ADVOCATING FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN VIRTUAL SPACES, THESE VISIONARIES ARE CHANGING THE WORLD IN REAL TIME
expert at Careerbuilder and built his way to becoming a global Fortune 500 executive at The Adecco Group. Staffing industry analysts ranked him as one of the 100 most influential industry leaders. Sawyerr advocates for Web3 enablement in the corporate environment to expand employment opportunities and grow engagement. Sawyerr’s vision of the future of work incorporates the metaverse as well as diverse compensation models that incorporate NFTs and cryptocurrency. He regularly utilizes these tools to engage and expand his EQ community where members can participate in events and learning activities within the metaverse and earn NFTs in an ongoing loyalty program. Sawyerr advises private equity firms on DE&I strategies and has served as an executive board member to the Microsoft Services Board. Press includes The EQ Report, American Express, Recruiter.com, LinkedIn, and Inside Big Data.
NOVA LORRAINE
Advisor and Branding Group Lead MetaGameHub DAO
Nova Lorraine is an award-winning fashion designer, author, speaker, and branding advisor for fashion and lifestyle startups, NFTs, and the metaverse. Having recently launched Raine Drops NFT Art House, Lorraine founded Raine magazine and has interviewed Mark Cuban, Kendall Jenner, Daymond John, Nicky Hilton, and others. Lorraine is an advisor and creator with a passion to inspire underrepresented communities to enter the crypto economy. She also launched a fashion collection and has brought her creative and fashion pursuits into the metaverse to include NFTs, DAOs, and digital experiences. Lorraine continues to provide platforms for fashion and creative entrepreneurs through the Pink Kangaru Podcast Network and the Raine School of Fashion Innovation and Sustainability. A multi-disciplinary being, Lorraine published a book and podcast both titled Unleash Your Supernova. Her fashion designs have been featured on The View and in Vogue Italia magazine.
JUSTIN GOLDSTON PH.D.
MARCUS SAWYER
NOVA LORRAINE KRYSTAL COOPER
XR, Emerging Products Unity
With a passion for emerging media and spatial computing, Krystal Cooper’s work lives at the intersection of creative technologies. She began her career in animation and expanded into visual effects, interactive media, artificial intelligence, gaming, and augmented and virtual reality. Cooper is on the Emerging Products team at Unity where she creates tools for professional artists and studios allowing content creators to build worlds for virtual production and the metaverse. Previously, she brought her love for cutting-edge technology and technical leadership to companies such as Rhythm and Hues, Apple, Industrial Light and Magic, and Disney. She is a proud advocate for STEM education and producer and founder of Reality Unbound, an XR immersive creative studio dedicated to spatial equity. S
