Esports Leaders Tell All

Jen Dawson is an Esports Solution Specialist for CDW. Having been a former educator, her desire for improving the education experience, equity, and inclusion has carried over into her career in technology and esports. With over 10+ years in the technology industry and being a lifelong gamer, she brings her passion for education and knowledge of technology to holistically support our schools and partners across the country.

A high school teacher for seven years, Julius is a dedicated, resourceful, and goal-driven professional educator with a solid commitment to the social and academic growth and development of all students. He is also the Vice President for the Sunshine Scholastic Esports League. His responsibilities include maintaining and enforcing eSports program and arena policies and procedures; establishing and maintaining professional membership with national and regional organizations; and ensuring team and program compliance with all league, conference, and institutional rules and regulations.

Julie is an international speaker and presenter, serves on esports advisory boards, is the President of the CA Esports Association, the 2022 NAECAD Esports Director of the Year, a 2023 Managerial Excellence in Education - Finalist, and the 2024 the*gameHERs Guardian of the Year. Julie's passion is helping districts across the US create esports programs that fit their student populations. She has written diverse and inclusive esports curriculum aligned with CTE pathways, is a Women in Games and Women in Games International Mentor, and is the Esports League Director for Cleverlike Studios, Inc., and Ambassador for Gameplan and Drone Legends.

With nearly 15 years of teaching experience in upper elementary and middle school math and science, I now teach CTE Engineering Design and Entrepreneurship. I serve as Board Director for Outreach & Events at Innovation Education Colorado and co-lead Poudre Schools' EdTech cohorts. Passionate about place-based education and travel (with and without students), I embrace diverse educational opportunities locally and internationally. Recognized as a Colorado state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and recipient of the InnEdCO Making IT Happen award. I enjoy adventures with my partner and two children.