Celebrating women in gaming and entertainment: Highlights from Paysafe’s latest event

On June 9th, 2025, Paysafe’s London rooftop came alive as industry leaders and enthusiasts gathered to celebrate and empower women in the video gaming and entertainment sectors against a backdrop of dazzling city views. Guests connected before attending a dynamic panel where Paysafe executives were joined by industry leaders Natalia Sobakina(Xsolla), Ewelina Dunkley (formerly Meta), Anna Mostyn Williams(Jagex), and Simge Erdogan(Riot Games), who shared insights on leadership, innovation, and inclusion.

The evening culminated in thoughtful discussions, new connections, and a collective commitment to elevating women’s voices in gaming. To get their thoughts on the event, we spoke with Paysafe’s Kirsten Bulkeley (Head of Partnerships – Video Games and Entertainment) and Naomi Culleton (Sales Manager, Video Games), along with Riot Games’ Simge Erdogan (BD & Partnerships Manager for VAL Esports EMEA). Here’s a look back at the highlights of this unforgettable evening.

Building a supportive community

Building a community was a clear theme throughout the night. Bulkeley noted, “It’s important to have a strong community and supportive leadership to represent women in the industry.” Attendees echoed this, sharing that knowing mentors and peers stand behind them can transform challenges into opportunities. The conversations sparked fresh ideas for how companies can foster mentorship programs, peer groups, and networking circles tailored to women’s experiences.

Engaging men as allies also emerged as crucial. Culleton emphasized that events labeled “women in” should welcome all supporters. “It’s assumed that all we discuss is frustrations with our male counterparts, but this is entirely untrue. Change takes everyone,” she explained. Her insight highlighted the importance of engaging men in dialogue to build understanding and support.

Harnessing diversity for innovation

Diversity of thought was celebrated as a driver of innovation. Culleton added that varied perspectives “can change the way we work, providing different ways of closing deals and raising awareness of everyone’s needs and responsibilities.” Panelists agreed that teams with diverse backgrounds deliver more creative solutions and reach broader audiences. This reinforces Paysafe’s commitment to inclusive hiring and development practices, ensuring that multiple voices contribute to decision-making.

A candid conversation about imposter syndrome resonated deeply with the crowd. “Struggling with imposter syndrome in male-dominated environments was something that everyone agreed on experiencing,” shared Bulkeley. Panelists recounted moments when they doubted their abilities despite proven track records, and they offered strategies for self-affirmation and peer support.

Reflecting on her own experience, Erdogan observed, “We all face similar challenges while building our career on the journey to success. It was inspiring to hear how some women have already paved the way, creating space and opportunities for the next generation.” Her words reminded everyone that today’s leaders can pave paths for others by sharing knowledge, sponsoring talent, and championing new voices.

A vision for an inclusive future

Taking a moment to celebrate achievements was a powerful capstone. Simge added, “In today’s fast-paced, intense work and lifestyle, it’s too easy to overlook moments of reflection and recognition.” Events like this act as necessary pauses, allowing professionals to recharge, share successes, and strengthen networks. Attendees left invigorated, armed with fresh ideas to implement in their own teams and projects.

Looking ahead, the panelists expressed hope for a day when events like this will no longer be necessary. “I do hope one day these events won’t be required,” Culleton reflected, underscoring that the ultimate goal is an industry where gender equality is fully normalized. Until then, Paysafe remains dedicated to hosting forums that inspire action, foster connections, and drive long-term change across gaming and entertainment.

By bringing together diverse leaders, allies, and rising stars, Paysafe’s Women in Video Games event demonstrated the power of community and conversation. As the gaming and entertainment sectors evolve, initiatives like this will continue to shape a more inclusive future—ensuring that every voice has the opportunity to be heard and celebrated.