EA SPORTS and UBC Computer Science: Together, supporting women in tech
For women in tech, both EA SPORTS, which is a subsidiary of Electronic Arts, and UBC Computer Science, stand as a source of inspiration.
On Tuesday, March 12, EA SPORTS organized a “Women in Tech” panel event for 40 UBC Computer Science (CS) undergraduates at their Burnaby office.
The event featured an engaging panel discussion led by UBC CS alumna: Natali Altshuler, Senior Vice President, Head of Operations, EA SPORTS who also served as keynote speaker and moderator. Joining her in the discussion were three other women from EA SPORTS: Sinéad Butler, Senior Recruiter; Sandy Pang, Senior Software Engineer; and, Maggie Parkhurst Bartel, Software Engineer.
Highlighting its commitment to supporting women in technology, EA SPORTS presented UBC CS with a cheque to help support and fund activities within the department’s Tri-Mentoring Program, Women in Computer Science Program (WiCS) and Girlsmarts4Tech (GS4T) program. The Tri-mentoring Program connects students with experienced industry and UBC faculty professionals, as well as with fellow students. WiCS empowers women by providing opportunities to build lasting connections with other women in tech. They mentor, and they host panels and other events. GS4T hosts workshops for younger school-aged girls, offering hands-on coding activities, demonstrations and other educational activities to spark interest in computer science.
The UBC CS students were treated to a dynamic discussion with the panelists, which included an overview of how EA SPORTS is championing women in our games, industries, and communities through their partnership and support of UBC Computer Science. Together, their efforts foster a diverse, and inclusive community for students studying computer science. The overarching theme highlighted the importance of building a supportive community for women and under-represented groups in the tech industry, empowering and inspiring them, while also recognizing the significant contributions of women transforming the field.
Panelists addressed the ongoing need to attract and retain talented women, support their growth, and inspire young girls to pursue opportunities in technology, ultimately striving toward gender equality in the industry. The progress seen in the increasing number of women breaking barriers in the dynamic tech landscape was acknowledged as a source of inspiration.
Following the panel, students engaged in a lively Q&A session and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the EA SPORTS Burnaby studio, providing them with a unique glimpse into the gaming industry.
EA SPORTS hires UBC students and graduates across all levels of career development (including intern and co-operative education opportunities). The division has a number of opportunities opening now and throughout the year. Those interested in applying should visit www.easports.com/careers.
In a field historically dominated by gender imbalances, UBC Computer Science expresses its gratitude to EA SPORTS for their continued support, partnership and dedication to nurturing the next generation of women in tech.
Read more about Natali Altshuler’s story
About EA SPORTS
The Burnaby studio is one of the largest interactive development studios in the world. The campus is the center for development for several of EA’s largest franchises, including EA SPORTS FC (formerly EA SPORTS FIFA), EA SPORTS NHL, EA SPORTS UFC, skate., and more. This location also houses corporate teams, and one of the premier motion capture and animation facilities in the world. With the largest portfolio of HD sports games in the world, EA SPORTS is one of the most iconic brands in entertainment – connecting hundreds of millions around the world to the sports they love. More than 300 million fans are engaged in EA SPORTS games around the world and EA SPORTS FC (formerly known as EA SPORTS FIFA) is the largest interactive sports franchise in the world. EA SPORTS Madden NFL is the best-selling sports property in U.S. video game history.
Photos courtesy of EA SPORTS