June 12, 2025
In an industry that has long struggled with representation, women like Kayla Cooper are leading the charge, not just by being present but by actively opening doors for others to follow.
Kayla wears many hats in the esports, which means she has seen the machinery of the gaming world from up close. While her focus is divided across many areas, her goal remains clear. When asked what ties it all together, her mission is clear: “Each day I am working on building pathways for women and femmes to reach their potential, especially in gaming, esports, tech, and beyond.”
In the world of esports and gaming, Kayla Cooper stands out as a fiery force committed to creating opportunities for women and femmes. From launching impactful programs, such as the Riot Games Esports Broadcasting Cadetship, to organizing community-driven fundraisers, Kayla’s work is reshaping the esports landscape to be more inclusive and equitable.
With a front-row seat to how esports really operates, we sat down with Kayla to talk about what it takes to empower women in the industry, and what real progress looks like.
Here’s what Kayla Cooper had to say about her journey
Being in the position of power, especially in a field like esports, can be complicated. But Kayla isn’t just using her platform to advocate for women; she’s doing the “real work” as well, work that allows women to take up space in a field that has long been alienating to femmes. Of course, she wears many hats, and for any woman looking to relate with her, we thought it’s important to first understand what Kayla really does.
“Each day I am working on building pathways for women & femmes to reach their potential, especially in gaming, esports, tech, and beyond. That means a lot of collaboration – whether it’s strategizing with partners to secure funding for new initiatives, creating content to amplify missions, or organizing community events and mentorship opportunities. It’s about making connections that lead to long-term impact.”
Raidiant: You’ve managed a lot of community fundraisers and events. What’s been the most impactful project you’ve worked on so far, and why?
Kayla: One of my proudest moments actually happened just recently! Last year I helped pitch, create, and finalize a cadetship program with Riot Games. This program helped two up-and-coming women in esports broadcasting get access to a 3-month on-site cadetship at the Riot Games Remote Broadcast Centre. These cadets received a salary from Riot, their housing was paid for, and ultimately, this led to full-time jobs for them both!
When you’re connecting with brands or partners, what kind of commitments do you look for to make sure they’re genuinely supporting women in gaming?
K: I look for partners that are not just interested in visibility but in tangible impact. That means a willingness to commit to long-term support, whether through mentorship, grants, or other resources. It’s important for these partners to center the voices of women, not just as beneficiaries, but as leaders within their own initiatives. Genuine support means co-creating opportunities rather than just attaching a name to a project.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while trying to address the gender gap in esports and broadcasting, especially in terms of financial support?
K: One major challenge is overcoming the perception that investing in women’s initiatives yields less return. There’s still a gap in understanding the value of a diverse esports ecosystem, both socially and economically. We often have to build the case that supporting women in gaming is not just a feel-good move but a strategic investment in the industry’s future.
You’ve been in the industry long enough to see its shifts. Do you think we’ve made meaningful progress when it comes to women in gaming? If so, what kinds of efforts or initiatives do you think have been the most effective so far?
K: Yes, we’ve made progress, but there’s still a long way to go. Initiatives that have been most effective are those that directly invest in equity, not just equality. This means providing the resources one needs in order to thrive, whether that is funding, mentorship, providing hiring opportunities to build their portfolio, or leadership opportunities. It’s encouraging to see more women leading communities.
Looking ahead, what changes do you hope to see in the esports and broadcasting industry when it comes to equity and inclusion?
K: I hope to see more intentional pathways for folks to enter the industry. The ultimate goal is to move beyond tokenism and create lasting structural changes that normalize equity at every level. There is a long way to go, but making sure the “door” that we all are trying to open is accessible to all.
Thank you, Kayla, for the insightful interview! For our readers interesting to see more of Kayla’s work, check out her portfolio.